Farmers in Rift Valley have welcomed the government move to set aside Sh5.7 billion for fertiliser subsidies.
However, they said the amount was far less than the Sh32 billion required for the programme.
Director of the Kenya Farmers Association Kipkorir Menjo said the offer by the government will help ease the burden on farmers who are currently paying more than Sh6,000 per 50kg bag of fertiliser.
"Although the subsidy came late, many farmers will still benefit because they are yet to plant,” Menjo said.
He, however, said much of the supplies from the National Cereals and Produce Board should be for top dressing.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya is expected to tour Kitale and Eldoret as from Monday to launch distribution of the subsidised fertiliser through NCPB depots.
Munya had indicated that the fertiliser would be available at NCPB stores countrywide from last Saturday.
On Friday, Munya said the fertiliser will go to the neediest, small-scale farmers.
Farmers had been complaining for months and predicting reduced planting, or none at all.
Munya said the money will subsidise 114,000 metric tonnes (2,280,000 50kg bags) for crops to enhance food security.
This will bring down the prices for a 50kg bag of DAP to Sh2,800 from Sh6,000.
CAN will sell at Sh1,950 from Sh3,900. Urea(Sh2,700 from Sh6,500) and NPK(Sh3,000 from Sh4,900).
MOP and sulphate of ammonia will retail at Sh2,500 and Sh2,500, down from Sh3,800 and Sh4,000, respectively.
The fertiliser according to the CS will support the cultivation of 1.13 million acres.
“We will ensure efficient delivery and control mechanisms are in place," Munya said.
Munya said the rise in fertiliser prices was due to producer countries, such as China, Russia and Turkey, restricting exports to protect their own farmers.
“This is compounded by heavy consumer demand from India, Brazil and the US, which are buying in large quantities, reducing available global supplies," Munya said.
Moiben MP Sila Tiren, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture said they were in discussion with the government to ensure the supply is streamlined to avoid shortages.
“If we do not put in place proper mechanisms for fertiliser supply then our country will face a severe food crisis," Tiren said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
