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The imported consignment of 86,288 metric tonnes of fertilizer will be transported to farmers countrywide using the standard gauge railway [SGR] freight services aimed at cutting costs.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the importer of the consignment the Tea Development Agency [Holdings] Ltd has recommend the use of the SGR freight service which is cheaper and the best mode of transportation.
He insisted the imported fertilizer will be distributed to over 600,000 smallholder tea growers in the country who are eagerly waiting for it.
“The commodity will be used during the forthcoming short rains which are expected to begin in October,” he pointed out.
Munya added the use of the SGR services in transporting the consignment will avoid unnecessary rates and which will translate to increased earnings for tea farmers.
He spoke during the flagging off of the first batch of the consignment along berth number 9 at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county.
The CS assured the over 600,000 smallholder tea growers that the subsidy will reduce the cost by Sh 600 per 50 kg bag from Sh 3,073 to Sh 2,473.
Munya pointed out last year the smallholder tea farmers did not do fertilizer application due to sourcing supply chain following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added in the current financial year the lading price for the commodities being imported on behalf of the agency of small holder tea farmers has increased by 54 per cent.
“The move is from average of Sh 1,996 per 50 kg bag in 2019 to Sh 3,073 last year,” he pointed out