Farmers decry rationing of subsidised fertiliser

Farmers in Nakuru county have decried rationing of subsidised fertiliser for the planting season as long rains set in.

Addressing the Press at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Nakuru, the farmers said they had been forced to take a few bags of fertiliser.

“I need 20 bags during this planting season. I was shocked when I was informed that they had capped the supply at ten bags per farmer,” said Nick Kiprotich, a farmer based in Neissuit, Njoro.

Mark Chelimo, warned that the situation will greatly affect the planting plans.

“We were advised that for the subsidised fertiliser, we use double the number of bags. If the same bags are then rationed, how are we going to plant to the required standards?” Posed Chelimo.

Kamau Njenga lamented that the rationing is an extra cost for the farmers who are forced to make several trips to the NCPB stores for more supplies.

“The transport costs remain the same for those who need more bags. For every extra trip, we incur more charges, and this will affect the overall returns from our farms,” said Njenga.

Farmers from Rongai said that they have been forced to buy the fertiliser from Nakuru town despite NCPB having stores within Rongai sub-county.

“Closing of the Rongai depot is a punishment to us. Last year it was open. The government pledged to supply the fertiliser through a last-mile programme, but this is not happening for us,” said Samson Kioi.

NCPB Nakuru branch Silo Manager Anthony Tanui explained that the rationing was occasioned by the spike in demand following the onset of the long rains.

“In the last week, we have been receiving hundreds of farmers daily. The rationing has, however, only affected large-scale farmers. It also ensures everyone gets several bags enough for planting for the day as more supplies come in,” said Mr Tanui.

He said that the matter had been raised with those involved in the logistics, with normalcy expected to be restored during the week.

“We received 1,200 bags, which are enough for a day or two depending on farmers' turnout. More trucks will be coming in today and tomorrow. By Thursday, every farmer will be able to get the number of bags they will request,” said Tanui.