Plans by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria to open a National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in the area are on top gear.
Kuria said that the depot is a great privilege to farmers who have suffered terribly under the hands of unscrupulous traders.
“The depot is the first of its kind in Mount Kenya region and it will be a blessing to farmers,” said Kuria.
He said that the depot would help farmers to increase their production as they would access fertilizer and seeds at affordable prices.
“The depot is not a profit-making venture but it’s intended to help farmers to access inputs at a subsidized prices,” added the MP.
Speaking on Tuesday at Gatundu South where the depot is expected to be opened by February, Kuria said that farmers would access DAP fertilizer at Sh1500, contrary to the prevailing market price of Sh2700.
“DAP will not exceed Sh1500 and from February, the depot will supply over 28 tonnes of this sought after fertilizer,” said Kuria.
He said also noted that the depot would supply other types of fertilizers at subsidized prices, to ensure farmers have access to all fertilizers.
The lawmaker however warned that the facility would not sell fertilizers to traders and framers with the intention of re-selling.
“We will make sure that the fertilizers from the depot are not for re-sale by unscrupulous traders,” warned the MP.
Kuria urged the farmers from the area to step up their efforts in production of cash crops and stable foods to address food insecurity.
He further said that the depot is expected to serve parts of other counties.