Government Fertilizer Registration: How to Get Subsidized Fertilizer in Kenya

The Kenyan government has taken a significant step to support its farmers and enhance agricultural productivity by introducing a fertilizer subsidy program. With an allocation of Ksh 3.55 Billion, the government plans to subsidize 71,000 metric tons (equivalent to 1.42 million 50 kg bags) of fertilizer for food crop cultivation during the short rains season. This move comes in response to the directive by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, as he emphasized the importance of addressing the high cost of living and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Takeaways

1. The fertilizer subsidy program in Kenya aims to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.
2. The government has allocated Ksh 3.55 Billion to subsidize 71,000 metric tons of fertilizer for food crop cultivation.
3. President Ruto's directive aims to reduce the price of fertilizer from Ksh 6,500 to Ksh 3,500 per 50 kg bag.
4. Farmers must undergo digital registration and follow a simple process to access subsidized fertilizers.
5. For the 2023 long rains season, the government plans to make 6 million bags of planting fertilizer available and 4 million bags of top-dressing fertilizer.
6. The subsidy program's progress shows that 1431 farmers have already accessed subsidized fertilizers.

Why the Fertilizer Subsidy Matters

In his inauguration speech on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, President Ruto highlighted the need to provide farmers 1.4 million bags of fertilizer at a maximum subsidized price of Ksh 3,500 per 50 kg bag. This reduction from the previous price of Ksh 6,500 is aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers and encouraging increased food production. With the subsidy program, the government is taking significant steps to promote food security and create a more favorable environment for farmers to thrive.

Accessing Subsidized Fertilizer: The Process

The distribution and control mechanisms for the subsidized fertilizers have been carefully designed to ensure efficient delivery. The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Depots and Sub-depots across the country will be central in distributing these fertilizers starting September 19, 2022. To access the subsidized fertilizers, individual farmers need to follow a simple process:

1. Digital Registration: Farmers must undergo digital registration at their local Assistant Chief's office. This ongoing process aims to include all farmers across various crop production enterprises.
2. Dial *707#: After registration, farmers can dial *707# on their phones to determine the number of bags of subsidized fertilizer they are entitled to.
3. Choose Nearest Agrovet Shop: Farmers then choose the nearest Agrovet Shop and make payment via Mpesa.
4. Electronic Receipt: An electronic receipt will be generated upon payment, which they can use to collect the fertilizer from the chosen Agrovet shop.

Each bag of fertilizer under the subsidy program costs Ksh 3,500. This streamlined process ensures farmers can access the fertilizers they need for their agricultural endeavors.

Quantity and Types of Fertilizers Available

For the upcoming long rain season in 2023, the government plans to make 300,000 metric tonnes of planting fertilizer (equivalent to 6 million bags) and 200,000 metric tonnes of top-dressing fertilizer (equivalent to 4 million bags) available. These quantities reflect the government's commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting farmers throughout different stages of crop cultivation.

Progress So Far and Future Goals

The Ministry of Agriculture has reported that 1431 farmers from various counties, including Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Uasin Gishu, and more, have already accessed the subsidized fertilizers. This equates to 14300 metric tonnes of fertilizer delivered to these farmers. The government's goal is to continue the program until the onset of the long rains in 2023 and stabilize food prices nationwide. The Ministry recognizes that proper fertilizer use can increase food and cash crop yields by up to 50%, contributing to national food and nutrition security.

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Wrapping-Up

In conclusion, the Kenyan government's fertilizer subsidy program is crucial to supporting farmers and boosting agricultural productivity. By reducing the cost of fertilizer and streamlining the distribution process, the government aims to enhance food security and create a conducive environment for sustainable farming practices. As the program continues to evolve, it holds the potential to transform the agricultural landscape and improve farmers' livelihoods across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is there a Government Fertilizer Subsidy program in Kenya? The program aims to increase food production during the short rains season of 2022 by providing subsidized fertilizer to all registered farmers.
2. Who qualifies for the subsidized fertilizer? Farmers duly registered and listed in the National Cereals & Produce Board (NCPB) database qualify.
3. What is required to buy subsidized fertilizer? Farmers must appear in person at the nearest NCPB depot with their original identity card and names listed in the register.
4. Can I buy fertilizer on behalf of someone else? No, purchases should only be made by the registered farmer.
5. What if I need to register? Visit your County, Sub-county, or Ward Agricultural Office for registration.
6. Do I need to pay for farmer registration? No, registration is free. Visit the nearest County, Sub-county, or Ward Agricultural Office for registration.
7. Where can I collect the subsidized fertilizer from? Farmers can collect subsidized fertilizer from the nearest NCPB depot in the county they are registered.
8. How many bags of fertilizer can a farmer buy? The number of bags depends on the registered acreage of the land prepared for planting. The maximum varies from 2 bags to 100 bags.
9. What are the prices of subsidized fertilizers? The prices of subsidized fertilizers include DAP at Ksh 3,500, CAN at Ksh 2,875, UREA at Ksh 3,500, NPK at Ksh 3,275, MOP at Ksh 1,775, and Sulphate of Ammonia at Ksh 2,220.
10. How can I make payments for the fertilizers? Payments can be made through M-pesa or bank account deposits provided by the depot manager. Cash payments at the depot are not accepted.
11. Can I buy fertilizer on credit? No, farmers are required to pay before collecting the fertilizer.
12. Is there a limit to how much fertilizer I can buy at once? Yes, you can buy what you need, but the maximum allowed quantity based on your acreage should not be exceeded.
13. Can I buy subsidized fertilizer and resell it to others? No, reselling subsidized fertilizer is illegal.
14. Can cooperative societies benefit from the program? Legally registered farmer cooperative societies can benefit, provided individual cooperative members are registered with NCPB.
15. What are the operating hours of NCPB depots? NCPB depots are open Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.