The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has distributed 307,200 bags of 50 kilograms each out of the 426,000 bags of government-subsidized DAP planting fertilizer through its depots for sale to registered farmers in various parts of the country for the short rains.
NCPB Managing Director (MD) Joseph Kimote said that the subsidized DAP fertilizer which is retailing at sh 3,500 per 50 kg bag is part of the total 1.4 million bags of assorted varieties of fertilizers for the 2022/2023 short rains season.
“By distributing the fertilizer with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, the board is implementing the Presidential directive on the provision of subsidized planting fertilizer to farmers for the short rains season so as to boost food security. The programme was publicly launched by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on 22nd September 2022,” said Kimote.
He explained that while the distribution of DAP planting fertilizer is ongoing, plans are underway to avail CAN/Urea top-dressing fertilizers and Agricultural Lime to farmers.
“In order to infuse inclusivity into the supply and distribution of subsidized fertilizer, the Board has invited bids from manufacturers and distributors of fertilizers to supply both soil and crop specific fertilizer blends for planting and topdressing. These fertilizers will also be distributed under the subsidy programme,” said Kimote.
He highlighted that the crop-specific fertilizer blends will also benefit registered tea and coffee farmers who are not covered under the KTDA and the New KPCU distribution frameworks respectively.
According to Kimote, the board is working closely with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance distribution of the subsidized fertilizer by availing it closer to farmers at the grassroots through the counties’ outlets.
“In this regard, the board will open county government-supported satellite-selling centers nearer to farmers for ease of access,” said Kimote.
He continued: “As the CoG works to ensure efficiency in the registration of farmers, NCPB in consultation with local leadership is sensitizing farmers on the ongoing subsidized fertilizer distribution. Further, the board is constantly interacting with farmers and other members of the public through social media and vernacular radio station engagements to enhance the uptake of the subsidized fertilizer. We, therefore, urge farmers to register with their respective ward Agricultural officers so that they can benefit from the GOK subsidized fertilizer.”
Kimote said that the CoG and their respective county administrators are critical partners in over sighting the subsidized fertilizer distribution exercise while the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) on their part, are monitoring the exercise and providing overall security for the programme.