Subsidised fertiliser was available at Government depots across the country

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, the Principal Secretary, State Department Agriculture during their meeting with National Assembly Agriculture Committee at County Hall, Nairobi on Tuesday 03/05/16.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

The Ministry of Agriculture has warned traders reselling Government-subsidised fertiliser that they will be charged with economic sabotage.

Speaking at this year's Agricultural Society of Kenya show in Njukiri yesterday, Agriculture Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe said proper mechanisms had been put in place to ensure that the fertiliser reached farmers in all counties.

The PS said subsidised fertiliser was available at Sh1, 500 per 50kg bag in Government depots across the country.

He said police had been mobilised to rein in cartels working with unscrupulous officials who bought the fertiliser in large quantities, repacked and sold it at higher prices.

 "I want to put on notice any organisation, individual or cartels trying to block this fertiliser from reaching farmers through repacking and reselling it for profit. They will be arrested and charged because that is economic sabotage,” he said.

Governor Martin Wambora promised high-quality seeds and seedlings for the current planting season. "Farmers should store the surplus in cereal stores at various markets to avoid exploitation from brokers,” he said.