State distributes 4 million bags of fertilizer

The government managed to distribute 4 million bags of subsidised fertilizer for the 2023 long rainy season through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Joseph Kimote, the Managing Director of NCPB, confirmed in a statement that all subsidised fertilisers, which were distributed through NCPB warehouses, have reached small-scale farmers across the country.

The government initiated the fertilizer programme last year to support food production. Currently, farmers can purchase the subsidised fertilizer at the reduced cost of Sh2,500, down from the initial Sh3,500 price offered in 2022.

Kimote said the board encouraged farmers and stakeholders in the food value chain to take advantage of the organization’s countryside storage facilities for their post-harvest needs.

“The board is providing post-harvest solutions, including grain drying, aflatoxin testing, grain grading, general warehousing, Warehouse Receipt System (WRS), pest control services (fumigation and spraying), weighing and bagging, and standardization at competitive rates,” stated Kimote.

All the services are being offered in silos and selected depots at affordable rates and farmers have been asked to inquire from the nearest NCPB depot on the availability of the services and the attendant charges

“NCPB is also offering Grain drying services at the board’s fixed driers located in Nairobi, Eldoret silos, Kilgoris, Nakuru, Narok, Kisumu, Moisbridge, Kitale and Bungoma which farmers can use to dry their grain and avoid high moisture content which lead to aflatoxin contamination,” he added.

Consequently, he said there is a need to minimise post-harvest losses and maintain food safety through good post-harvest management and practices.