Farmers to get fertiliser next month ahead of planting season

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has assured farmers that subsidised diammonium phosphate fertiliser will be available starting next month.

NCPB Managing Director Newton Terer said in a telephone interview that 150,000 metric tons of fertiliser will arrive late this month, in time for the planting season that starts in February.

“The three million bags have already been procured by the board and are expected to arrive by the end of January.

“We are urging farmers to visit our various depots across the country so that they can benefit from this government programme aimed at supporting agriculture in this country,” Mr Terer said.

However, Mr Terer said the amount of fertiliser purchased will not be sufficient for all farmers nationwide.

He said about 10-12 million bags are required annually, which means many will have to buy fertiliser from private firms that sell it at a profit.

The government charges Sh2,500 for a 50kg bag while private companies might sell the same unit for Sh3,800.

Meanwhile, Kericho Governor Paul Chepkwony has advised farmers to diversify their crops in order to boost their income.

“The days of planting only one crop are long gone. We are advising our people to engage in mixed farming so that besides having a constant supply of various crops for their consumption, they can also engage in economic agriculture to boost their income,” he said.

He urged the Kenya Seed Company and the NCPB to ensure enough seeds are available to all farmers and the right fertiliser is provided.

SOURCE: Daily Nation