The government has released Sh3.5 billion in fertiliser subsidy following a directed issued by President William Ruto.

Agriculture PS Francis Owino announced the move to release the subsidy through the National Treasury in a statement on Tuesday.

Through the Agriculture Ministry, 1.4 million bags of fertilisers have been released to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

This means that farmers can now access subsidised fertilisers from the NCPB at affordable rates to boost crop productivity.

"To actualise the Presidential directive, the subsided fertiliser program will start with counties undertaking planting during the short rains season of 2022," the statement read.

“The government has availed Sh3.55 billion to subsidise 71,000 metric tonnes (1.42 million x 50 Kg bags) of fertiliser for growing food crops during the short rains season."

According to the statement, the subsidised fertiliser program will begin in counties expecting to plant ahead of the October, short rains season.

"The Ministry appeals to farmers requiring fertilizers in the short rains dependent areas to visit the nearest NCPB depot or sub-depot to access the subsidized fertiliser," the statement read.

Farmers will now be able to purchase a bag of fertiliser at Sh3,500 per 50kg bag and individual farmers will access up to 100 bags of fertilisers.

The following is how the fertilisers will retail after the subsidies:

  • Urea - Sh3,500
  • NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK) - 3,725
  • MOP (Muriate of Potash) - 1,775
  • DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) - 35,00
  • CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) - 2,875
  • Sulphate of Ammonia - 2,220