Farmers in Nyeri want fertilizer distribution hastened

Farmers in Nyeri have decried the delay in distribution of fertilizer by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) as the planting season begins.

The farmers who camped outside the Kiganjo depot on Thursday said the NCPB officials are using tedious procedures to distribute the subsidised fertilizer.

Many said they have been arriving at the depot from as early as 5am only for the day to end while they are still waiting for their names to be called out.

“We have been coming here (from) as early as five in the morning to be among the first ones to be [served] but I am still in the queue four hours on,” said Mr Dedan Njeru.

The fertilizer used during planting is being sold by the board at Sh1,800 per bag while that used for top dressing is going for Sh1,500 per bag compared to the market price of Sh3,400.

Dozens of farmers at the depot protested that the process of acquiring the fertilizer is slow.

“The process is tedious. Some of us are spending money to get here. The rains have already started and we want to start planting. They should ensure they speed up the process,” said Ms Naomi Waceke.

Only registered farmers whose names have been captured by the Ministry of Agriculture are to receive the subsidised fertilizer.

“At no given time should fertilizer be sold to a farmer whose name does not appear in the register,” explains a guideline by NCPB.

Farmers and cooperatives who were to benefit from the fertilizer were vetted at the ward level.