Four million bags of fertiliser coming next year, state assures farmers of smooth planting season

Agriculture PS Kiprono Rono (L) inspecting subsidized fertiliser at the NCPB depot in Eldoret ./MATHEWS NDANYI

The government has begun importing more than four million bags of fertiliser required for the new planting season early next year.

Already, 750,000 bags have arrived, with a similar quantity expected next week, according to Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono.

Rono spoke at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Eldoret depot while receiving part of the consignment that is already being distributed ahead of the planting season.

“We want to assure our farmers that we are well prepared for next year and do not expect any hitches,” Rono said.

He said that by the end of January, the government expects to have imported all the more than four million bags required for the season.

The PS said fertiliser will be distributed to all 32 NCPB depots, working closely with county governments to ensure it reaches farmers across the country.

As of Sunday, more than 200,000 bags of fertiliser were at the NCPB Eldoret depot.

PS Rono said the government has ensured the fertiliser being distributed is of high quality and approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

He added that the move is aimed at maintaining high production of maize and other crops by ensuring farmers receive fertiliser in good time.

Rono said e-vouchers for farmers to purchase subsidised fertiliser from NCPB depots have already been processed.

He noted that the government is also implementing reforms to streamline other sectors, including tea, coffee and sugarcane.

In the sugar sector, Rono said more than Sh1.5 billion owed to farmers will be paid soon.

He added that an audit in the tea sector had revealed challenges that the government is now addressing.

Rono was accompanied by NCPB North Rift Manager Gilbert Rotich, who said the board is ready to handle distribution of the subsidised fertiliser.

Rotich said arrangements have been made to ensure staff are available at depots to receive fertiliser shipments from Mombasa during the Christmas period.

“We will have our staff working on rotation to ensure fertiliser is received as it arrives from Mombasa,” Rotich said.

He added that some farmers, especially large-scale producers, have already started purchasing fertiliser for the new planting season.

“As NCPB, we will ensure fertiliser reaches all farmers from their nearest depots,” Rotich said.