The first ship carrying the fertilizer imported by Kenya Tea Development Agency Management Services Limited (KTDA MS) arrived at the Port of Mombasa on Monday.

KTDA MS imported 92,737 metric tonnes of fertilizer for 2023/2024 for distribution to smallholder tea farmers.

The ship was carrying 47,800 tonnes i.e., 956,000 50kg bags, while the second delivery is expected to dock in November.

The NPK 26:5:5 chemically compounded fertilizer was procured directly from Russia.

The fertilizer will be bagged at the port of Mombasa for onward distribution to farmers through SGR to Nairobi and further to factories.

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Due to this arrangement, farmers may be sent quickly and easily to the nearby tea-buying areas.

Transporting the fertilizer from the factory warehouses does not cost the farmers any extra money.

Rising natural gas prices (a crucial ingredient in the production of NPK chemically compounded fertiliser), unfavorable currency rates, worldwide supply shortages, high crude oil prices, and cost of shipping are only a few of the variables that have had a detrimental impact on fertilizer prices.

 Once clearing and transportation fees to the various tea factories across the nation, as well as the prices of marine and overland insurance, have been taken into account, the ultimate price of a 50kg bag of fertiliser will be decided.

Application of fertiliser on tea bushes at the onset of short rains is necessary to ensure consistent high quality and quantity of green leaf essential for premium tea production.

KTDA procures fertilizer in bulk for more than 650,000 small scale tea farmers, who are the shareholders of its managed factories, through competitive international bidding.

The fertiliser is then distributed to the farmers through their respective factory companies. This arrangement enables small scale tea farmers to access high quality fertiliser at the most competitive price and in a reliable manner.

The effectiveness of the procurement and distribution process has attracted other organisations and individuals who are not necessarily within the KTDA network who now prefer to make their orders through KTDA.