How to Access Subsidized Fertilizer Via Your Phone

The government early this month started distributing subsidized fertilizers to farmers across the country as it steps to provide affordable farm inputs to ensure enhanced production.

The agriculture ministry, however, reported a low uptake of the farm inputs, arguing that farmers are unaware of the availability. Out of the 4.3 million registered farmers, only 1,431 have accessed the subsidized input.

The agriculture ministry said it is working hard to roll out various programs that will ensure farmers have access to fertilizer and tame the ever-escalating cost of the farm input. It intends to subsidize 500,000 metric tonnes or ten million-50 kg bags of various types of fertilizer for the 2023 long rain season from March this year.

Out of the 10 million-50 kg bags, 6 million bags represent planting fertilizer while the rest is top dressing fertilizer. Maize farmers,  who form the bulk of the registration,  have so far received 287,000 bags of the farm input.

The government has urged the farmers to access the commodity in the National Cereals and Produce depots for planting to ensure enhanced production in the next planting season.

How to Access Government Subsidized Fertilizers Via Phone

To access the government-subsidized fertilizer, a  farmer must be digitally registered. Farmers are urged to visit the nearest Assistant Chief’s office for the registration exercise. The farmers will then be required to dial *707# on their phones to know the number of bags they are entitled to. They will then choose the nearest Agrovet Shop and pay via Mpesa and an electronic receipt will be generated. They will use the receipt to collect the fertilizer from the Agrovet shop. Each bag will cost 3,500 shillings.

Farmers in Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, have already accessed the input at the discounted price.

Related Content: Government Reports Low Uptake of Subsidized Fertilizer