We Need Subsidized Yara Fertilizer-Trans-Nzoia Farmers

By Patricia Kiabi.

As planting season nears maize farmers from Trans-Nzoia pleads with government to provide affordable high quality Yara fertilizer to increase their production.

Initially government subsidy program was put in place for farmers to access cheaper fertilizer at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) depots and sub-depots.

But this year things seems to be different as the farmers have started complaining on the brand of fertilizer restocked for them.

According to Mr. Anthony Tulienge, Farmers Association of Kenya Chairman Trans-Nzoia branch, the fertilizer availed this year is of poor quality compared to last year's.

“Last year government gave us subsidy program of Yara fertilizer but this year they have stocked 23-23-0 which is of low quality" Tulienge said.

Another farmer Lewis Lunani from Kitale lauded government for providing them with Yara fertilizer last year.

However, he urges state to provide the same fertilizer this season.

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“We realized bumper harvest last, we would want to work with Yara fertilizer again this year," Lunani said.

The farmers want the government to reconsider their decision and get into arrangement with fertilizer companies to ensure farmers get the right fertilizer for better yields.

They praised Yara fertilizer for doubling their produce.

This comes after the County Government of Trans-Nzoia launched the second phase of farmers’ registration exercise to address the challenges faced in the first phase, which happened last year. 

This also ensured equitable access to subsidized fertilizer for the upcoming planting season.