Relief for farmers as more subsidised fertiliser arrive in Mombasa

It is a relief to farmers as another 38,000 metric tons of government subsidised fertilizer arrived at the Port of Mombasa.

The vessel carrying the fertilizer DAP (Diamonnium Phospate), Mv Multan, arrived at the Port on Monday and on Wednesday it docked at berth number seven to discharge the consignment.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett who received the consignment said the fertiliser will be transported to farmers in the North and South region.

A fortnight ago, another ship carrying 800,000 bags of fertiliser consignment worth Sh1.2 billion meant for farmers in the country arrived from Russia.

Bett said the high-quality subsidized fertilizer will help boost food production in the country. He called on the County government to compliment the National Government's efforts to assist farmers given agriculture was a devolved finction

"Farmers in the South and North rift are eagerly waiting this top-dressing fertilizer to plant which they will get now in two day’s time," said Bett.

The CS said then that farmers should be assured that they will have adequate fertilizer this planting season.

''Last month we received 200,000 bags, we are receiving 800,000 bags and we expect to receive a further consignment of 600,000 bags all worth shs.3 billion under the government's fertilizer subsidy programme' the CS said during an earlier interview.

He said farmers will purchase the DAP fertilizers at Sh.1,800 per 50kg bag down from the Sh.5,000 market selling price as part of measures to cut costs of farming boosting crop yields and food production.