Farmers assured of fertilizer for new planting season

President William Ruto has assured farmers that there is plenty of fertilizer in most depots ready for the next planting season. The President said that the government finished the procurement process two weeks ago and as such, farmers will not be troubled.

He said unlike last year, fertilizer will be available to farmers ahead of the planting season. Ruto said delayed dispatch of fertilizer last year was because of the Russia- Ukraine war that impacted shipment of the farm input.

“From December we shall have fertiliser to be used for the next season in the country. As I’m speaking to you, there is fertiliser here in Eldoret, Moi’s Bridge and Ziwa. I have also spoken to the people managing the cereals to also open a depot here in Moiben,” he said.

The President was speaking during a Sunday mass service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu county.

He directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to ensure that farmers get fertiliser promptly in anticipation for the planting season.

The President said the move will help to stabilize food security in the country, reduce the cost of living, manage inflation and grow the economy. Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii told farmers that this year, there is enough fertilizer for them across the country.

“Last year, we had a small problem with the timely delivery of the fertiliser. But this time, we have enough fertiliser and farmers should start picking the ones which are ready so that by January you have your fertiliser at home,” he said.

Governor Bii said that he will collaborate with other governors to ensure the last-mile delivery of fertilizer is successful. It follows a directive from the President that governors facilitate fertiliser distribution through the last-mile delivery.

Governor Bii said that farmers in the region have diversified their crops with residents embracing coffee farming. “Coffee farming in this area is booming. We only have one problem with acquiring enough seedlings. I ask for your help to get enough seedlings for the farmers to plant from next year,” Governor Bii said

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