More NCPB Stores set up as Fertilizer Uptake Projected to Raise
Farmers from Sambirir Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County have a reason to smile after 600 bags of fertiliser were delivered at Chesoi cereal store.
The facility is among new stores approved by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to store fertiliser for distribution to farmers through the last mile program which seeks to have fertiliser taken to farmer’s door step.
Agriculture CEC Edwin Seroney said more deliveries will be made to Kibendo (Emsoo Ward), Labot (Lelan), Kapyego, Kocholwo (Soy South) Arror (Arror Ward) and Kapkitony (Kabiemit Ward).
“The centre will serve farmers from Endo, Embobut-Embolot, parts of Kapyego and Sambirir Wards. I urge them to take advantage of the short rains and grow short term crops,” he said.
The CEC said the next consignment of fertiliser will be determined by the uptake of the present stock.
Mzee Willy Komen, a farmer from Sambirir said the new store will save them time and costs incurred while travelling to Kapsowar town, about 30 kilometres away to purchase fertiliser.
“I want to thank His Excellency Governor Rotich and President William Ruto for bringing us the fertiliser. I used them to plant my maize and I managed 16 bags out of the normal 10 bags,” he said.
John Biwott, who is the chair Sambirir Farmers Cooperative society said the move to take fertilizers to their door steps was God sent.
“We never thought this could be true. Now we are joining other parts of the country to enjoy government services. This will definitely lead to increase in production,” he said.
North Rift Regional manager Mr Gilbert Rotich said Elgeyo Marakwet was among the counties that had recorded a high number of fertiliser uptake during the last planting season.
“We will ensure that we restock our stores as soon as they are depleted,” he said.
Present were staff from Agriculture department, Ward Sammy Cheserek, among other county staff.
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