Farmers throng NCPB depots for fertiliser after rains

By Titus Too

The onset of the long rain season has seen an increase of farmers in the North Rift region queuing for fertiliser at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.

Most farmers have concluded preparations of their farms for the planting season and are rushing for fertiliser, which have been in short supply.

"We have seen an increased number of farmers thronging our depots for fertilizer after the start of the rains. We are assuring farmers that they will have enough inputs this week," Jonah Marindich, the North Rift NCPB regional manager said on Wednesday.

He said more supplies of fertiliser is still on transit through road and rail from Mombasa and that by the end of the week, there will be enough stock.

"Our staff will work throughout including the Easter holiday to ensure that farmers access the inputs for planting," said Marindich.

He added: "Although some farmers are queuing for the inputs, the situation is not as chaotic as Tuesday. The crowd was caused by the onset of the first rain," he said.

Marindich said Eldoret depot alone is receiving 8,000 bags of fertiliser daily and much more is still on transit from Mombasa.

Speaking to The Standard on the telephone Wednesday, the manager said more supplies are also going to depots in Mois Bridge, Kitale and Turbo.

The official appealed to farmers to be patient saying there would be enough stock for the planting season.

Silas Tiren, a maize and wheat farmer said fertiliser supplies is now being received by NCPB but added that the dispatch is slow.

"Although farmers still crowd at the depots for the inputs, NCPB has started receiving supplies. Some farmers would have preferred dry planting but they could not due to non availability of fertiliser on time," said Tiren.

He said there is need for transportation of fertiliser to NCPB outlets in rural areas to enable more farmers access the subsidised input that sales at Sh 2,500 per 50 kg bag.