CS allays fears over shortage of fertiliser

The national government has assured farmers that there is enough maize seed stock and subsidised fertiliser needed for this year’s planting season.

Speaking at Moi’s Bridge on Saturday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei, dispelled fears that there could be a seed shortage and delays in delivery of fertiliser.

“A ship carrying 500,000 bags of fertiliser is expected at the Mombasa Port in readiness for the planting season,” he said during a tour of the National Cereals and Produce Board depot.

Mr Koskei said Kenya Seed Company had also produced enough seeds to meet demand in maize growing areas.

“Kenya Seed Company has increased its seed production from 32 million kilos to 250 million kilos this season to avoid any seed shortages,” he said.

Mr Koskei said NPK and DAP subsidised fertilisers will be sold at Sh1,800 while subsidised CAN and Urea fertilisers will cost Sh1,500 for 50-kilogramme bag.

Separately, Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba has asked the national government to supply subsidised lime for farmers who use DAP to curb soil acidity.

“The government should also supply its subsidised fertilisers to regions in respect to the nutritional requirement. Every region has its specific nutritional requirement,” Mr Khaemba said in Kitale.

Farmers in the county harvested 5.4 million bags, surpassing last year’s 4.7 million bags owing to the use the calcium rich fertiliser.

EA TREATY

The CS further said the government will not bar importation of maize from neighbouring countries, saying it was in line with the East African Treaty.

Cherang’any MP Wesley Korir said he would table a Bill in Parliament to regulate purchase of maize from the East Africa market and to check exploitative activities of middlemen.

This will limit flow of cheap maize from Uganda and Tanzania.

“The only way to assist the Kenyan farmer is to ensure we priorities the purchase of Kenyan maize,” he said at Birbiriet yesterday.