NCPBD, County government distribute fertilizers

Chuka,

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

KNA by Beatrice Mwende/Sharon Gitau

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has launched the distribution of subsidized fertilizer in Tharaka Nithi County to spur increased agricultural production.

The program under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives was initiated through the NCPB Chairman Board of Directors Mr. Samuel Mbae Ragwa in collaboration with Tharaka Nithi County Governor Mr. Muthomi Njuki.

The subsidy program is an initiative of the national government to ensure that farmers acquire pocket friendly fertilizer to boost their farm produce and livelihoods.

Speaking at Mukuuni Cereals Store while distributing the fertilizers, Ragwa said that the government set strategies in every county to ensure eligibility and accuracy to receive the products.

“Some of the strategies put in place include lining the stores, having computers for farmers’ registration at the stores and availability of electricity at the stores which was done in every county before they receive fertilizers,” he said

He noted that Tharaka Nithi County was one of the counties that met the set standards to receive the low-cost fertilizers.

While addressing the farmers at the cereal store, Njuki said that the government is implementing the food security agenda through the program to enrich soil fertility and thus boost production.

Njuki said that subsidized fertilizer in the last distribution phase that was sold at Sh7, 000 per 50kg will now be distributed at a cost of Sh2500 countrywide and requested the national government to build a NCPB store in the county to aid easy access of the fertilizers for farmers.

He noted that different authorities including chiefs will conduct registration in the local areas to ensure the information given is transparent and accurate.

“In the first phase of farmers’ registration, some of the farmers did not receive alert messages and therefore we will conduct the second phase registration to avoid inconveniencing anybody. No one will be given fertilizer without registration which will keep records of every farmer,” Njuki said.

The Governor revealed that the county is in the process of creating an Industrial Park that will produce dried products for exports and thus creating employment and empowering farmers in the county.

He added that both governments are working towards improving crop productivity in the country to boost local production.

Farmers at Nkondi and Mukuuni received bags of fertilizer.

Courtesy; KNA