Farmers can now access subsided fertiliser after the state set aside Ksh3.55 billion through the National Treasury to implement President William Ruto's directive.
Through the Ministry of Agriculture, 1.4 million bags were released to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) on Monday, September 19.
"To actualize the Presidential directive, the subsided fertilizer program will start with counties undertaking planting during the short rains season of 2022.
The government has availed Ksh3.55 billion to subsidize 71,000 metric tonnes (1.42 million x 50 Kg bags) of fertilizer for growing food crops during the short rains season," read part of the statement dated Tuesday, September 20.
The 1.4 million bags of fertiliser at Ksh3,500 per 50Kg bag were deployed to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Depots and sub-depots in the country.
Also, individual farmers will be entitled to a maximum of 100 bags of 50kg fertiliser.
"The Ministry appeals to farmers requiring fertilizers in the short rains dependent areas to visit the nearest NCPB depot or sub-depot to access the subsidized fertiliser," read the statement in parts.
UREA was subsidized to Ksh3,500, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) will sell at Ksh3,725. Muriate of potash (MOP) will retail at Ksh1,775, di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) will go for Ksh3,500, Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) will retail at Ksh2,875, while Sulphate of Ammonia will go for Ksh2,220.
The president on Tuesday, September 13, declared that fertiliser will cost Ksh3,500 per 50kg bag from Ksh6,500.
"For the short rains, we have already made arrangements to make 1.4 million bags of fertilisers available at Ksh3,500 for a 50 kg bag - down from Ksh6,500," Ruto announced.
In his speech, the President insisted that his administration will put more focus on production as opposed to consumption.
Following the announcement of the new strategy, the Ruto-Rigathi administration has since removed subsidies related to consumption.
