National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Chairman Samuel Mbae Ragwa has officially launched the distribution of subsidized fertilizer in Tharaka Nithi county in collaboration with the national and county government at Mukuuni Cereals Store.
The program that was started by the national government to ensure that farmers acquire fertilizers at a pocket friendly fee has become a reality to the people of Tharaka Nithi, as they received bags of fertilizer at Nkondi and Mukuuni on Monday.
“Strategies like lining the stores, having computers for farmers’ registration at the stores and availability of electricity were part of the requirements by the government in every county before they receive fertilizers. Inspection was done and this is among the counties that have met the set standards. This is why the county is priviledged to receive fertilizers.” Chairman Board of Directors Samuel Mbae Ragwa noted.
Governor Muthomi Njuki highlighted that the government is implementing the food security agenda within the country by ensuring that the farmers received subsidized fertilizers that will enrich soil fertility and increase production.
While addressing farmers at Mukuuni Cereals Store, Governor Njuki noted that Tharaka Nithi is the only county in Kenya without the NCPB store whereas counties like Meru and Embu each had two operational stores.
The second term Governor requested the national government in collaboration with NCPB to hasten the construction of the store in the county to ensure Tharaka Nithi is not left behind in the last mile distribution.
The county is in progress of creating an Industrial park that will produce dried products for exports and thus creating employment and empowering farmers in the county.
“Food will be produced locally within the country and the national government has collaborated with the farmers, county government and the national cereals and produce board to improve crop productivity countrywide.” Governor Muthomi Njuki added.
‘Last mile distribution’ of subsidized fertilizer which was being sold in the markets at kshs 7,000 for a 50kg bag is being sold to the farmers at kshs 2,500 which will be distributed in the whole country”
“In the first phase of farmers registration some of the farmers did not receive alert messages and therefore we will conduct the second phase registration to avoid inconveniencing anybody. No one will be given fertilizer without registration which will keep records of every farmer.” Muthomi Njuki said.
In his remarks the Governor noted that the county will hire clerks and enumerators who will visit farmers and conduct registration at the local area together with the Area Managers and Chiefs to ensure that there is transparency in the information given to the clerks.
