Trans Nzoia County has received its first consignment of subsidised fertiliser from the National Government, marking a significant boost for local agriculture.
The consignment, which arrived yesterday, contains 2,880 bags of NPK fertiliser, each weighing 50kg. Distribution to farmers across the county is set to commence immediately.
The County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Development, Phanice Khatundi, launched the consignment at the Kitale depot of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
She urged farmers who have received notification messages to start redeeming their fertiliser immediately to avoid congestion as the planting season approaches.
Khatundi praised the National Government’s efforts, stating that the subsidised fertiliser would significantly enhance food production in the county.
With the cost of planting fertiliser reduced to 2,500 shillings per 50kg bag, compared to last year’s price of 3,500 shillings, many farmers are expected to increase their farming acreage. This increase could potentially yield over 7.1 million 90kg bags of maize this year.
The CEC also revealed plans by the county government, under the leadership of Governor George Natembeya, to assist farmers in accessing the fertiliser through a ‘last mile’ transportation programme.
This initiative aims to deliver the fertiliser to sub-county and ward levels, making it more accessible to farmers in remote areas.
More than ten warehouses, including those built by the county government, have been identified for stocking the fertilisers. These include the Saboti Warehouse in Saboti Ward, the Kwanza Warehouse in Kwanza Ward, and the Mavuno Cherangani Warehouse in Cherangani Sub County, among others.
Khatundi also encouraged farmers to use nonacidic fertiliser, noting the high soil acidity in the county. She advised against the use of DAP fertiliser, recommending lime or blended fertiliser instead to increase yield.
The county government is also planning to roll out free seed and fertiliser distribution to needy farmers across the county.
This initiative, which was successful last year, is expected to be expanded under Governor Natembeya’s leadership.
Over 100,000 farmers registered with the ministry last year are expected to benefit from the National Government and county government subsidy programme.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Gideon Oyagi, affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring Kenyans are free from hunger and related effects.
He warned against the resale of subsidised fertiliser, stating that offenders would be dealt with accordingly.
Milkah Lunani, the manager of the Trans Nzoia County Kitale NCPB depot, announced that the sale of planting fertiliser to farmers who have received their messages would begin immediately.
She also revealed that the depot is expecting to receive more than 3,000 bags of both planting and top-dressing fertiliser, urging farmers to start redeeming their vouchers in preparation for planting.
Farmers who have not yet received their e-Voucher are urged to be patient as the Ministry of Agriculture works on them.
