New Arrival of Fertilizer to Address Cost of Production

The arrival of fertilizer in the country from a Russian company is a bold step towards addressing the cost of production countrywide.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi said the arrival of the fertilizer is in line with government policy to bring down the cost of production.

He insisted the government is committed to bringing down the cost of production.

‘Over 30 per cent of government cost of production arises from the input,’ he pointed out.

Linturi disclosed that fertilizer takes 30 per cent on the cost of production countrywide.

He was addressing the media at the Grain Bulk storage terminal B for dry commodities on the arrival of MV BBG Baise carrying 34,400 metric tonnes of fertilizer which docked along berth number 4 at the port of Mombasa in Mombasa county.

The consignment is donation to the government from Uraichem-Urakali group with the help of the UN World Food Programme as the uptake rises to 2.8 million bags.

The CS told journalists the arrival of the consignment in terms of donation will go a long way to bringing down the cost of commodities.

Linturi added that apart from bringing down the cost of subsidy commodities it will also bring down the cost of food production in the country.

He pointed out the consignment comes into the country in a raw form and will be used in blending to enable the country produce greater quality.

‘This is ahead of the forthcoming rains,’’ he said.

In his welcome remarks, Russian ambassador to Kenya Dmitry Maksimychev told the media their contribution is crucial for global agriculture.

He told the media that healthy nutrition is an integral part of human rights.

‘The small farmers of the developing world take the heaviest toll,’ he added

Grain Bulk Handlers Deputy Chief Executive Officer Solomon Ondego said the company’s terminal is based at the port of Mombasa and their primary function is to discharge bulk commodities from vessels to storage and delivering them to their customers.

Kenya Ports Authority [KPA ] General Manager Operation Sudi Mwasingo said the state corporation’s exercise is to facilitate both the arrival of the vessels and their departure.

He assured the government the authority is ready and at hand to give the vessel all necessary support it required.