By Moses Nyamori

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has received over 200,000 bags of subsidised fertilizers to be distributed to farmers in North Rift Region, Nyanza and parts of Western Province.

Speaking to journalists after receiving the first consignment at the board’s headquarters in Eldoret, NCPB Managing Director Gideon Misoi said the farmers can now start buying the fertilizer in readiness for the planting season.

“We want to inform farmers that we have received subsidised fertilizer from Mombasa and they can now start buying the farm input,” said Prof Misoi.

The subsidised fertilizer was procured through NCPB after President Mwai Kibaki directed Treasury to release Sh2.7 billion to assist in buying the input.

Misoi said they have distributed over 2,600 bags of DAP fertilizer to Kitale depot, over 1,500 to Mois’ Bridge and another 1,600 for Eldoret.

“More bags are on the way but so far we have over 200, 000 bags of DAP, which is being distributed to various depots,” said Misoi.

He further said an additional 500,000 bags of DAP fertilizer that would be available by end of this week for farmers during the planting season. He said a 50 kg bag of DAP will cost Sh2,500 while the same quantity of CAN will go for Sh1,500.

He warned traders planning to buy the fertilizer with an aim of reselling it at higher prices that action would be taken against them. 

He said the subsidised fertilizer is meant for farmers and not for entrepreneurial ventures.

500, 000 bags

 “There will be another 500, 000 bags of CAN also for top dressing to farmers thereafter,” the MD said

He expressed confidence that the 1.2 million bags of subsidised fertilizer would be enough for farmers in this panting season.

“I am convinced the 1.2 million bags would be enough for farmers given that some had started planting using some 8, 000 bags we dispatched late last year,” said Misoi.

Meanwhile farmers in the North-Rift region have been cautioned to be on the look out for unscrupulous entrepreneurs who might be planning to cash in by selling them fake farm inputs.