The government on Thursday assured farmers of adequate and quality fertiliser through the long rains in 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appealed to farmers in short rains regions to go to local National Cereals and Produce Board depots and subdepots for the fertiliser. NCPB is expected to ensure efficient delivery and effective control.
Individuals will be entitled to 100 50kg bags at Sh3,500 per bag, down from Sh6,500. They have been available since September 19.
The DP spoke while flagging off the first consignment of subsidised fertiliser at Harambee house.
“I assure all farmers throughout the country that we are privy to all fertiliser requirements for the long rains season in 2023. Government has commenced consultations with key actors and stakeholders to ensure quality, affordable and accessible fertiliser will be available to all farmers,” he said.
Gachagua said from the very onset, President William Ruto spelt out the prioritisation of improving agricultural production through availing affordable and accessible inputs to farmers as an intervention.
“In this regard, one of our first pronouncements was to lower fertiliser prices. To set the pace for this intervention, the National Treasury has already availed Sh3.55 billion," the DP said.
He said the government through NCPB will make available 1.4 million 50kg bags of fertiliser to farmers during the ongoing short rains.
“We are currently facing unprecedented high food prices occasioned by both internal and external factors. The government is alive to the high cost of living persisting over the past years.
"The price of maize flour in particular, which is our main staple food, has been high for the better part of this year. Erratic rainfall, high input costs, particularly fertiliser, among other factors, have led to reduced production of maize and other food crops,” Gachagua said.
“As a government, we are focused on increasing agricultural productivity leading to increased supply and eventually lower food prices due to the forces of supply and demand. This means we must ensure the factors of production are available to farmers."
Agriculture PS Francis Owino said the price of a 50kg bag of fertiliser will decline from Sh6,500 to Sh3,500 and will be available at cereals boards.
He said 50kg bag of DAP fertiliser will be sold at Sh3,500, CAN at Sh2,875, urea at Sh3,500, NPK at Sh3,275, MOP at Sh1,775 and sulphate of ammonia at Sh2,220.
(Edited by V. Graham)
