The government has released Sh2 billion for the fertilizer subsidy program following farmers' complaints about the high cost of fertilizer.
This is after the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) announced Kes 3,400 per 50-kilo bag due to delayed government subsidy.
KTDA National Chair Enos Njeru said farmers can continue buying the commodity at the government-recommended Kes 2,500 per bag.
Speaking at the Rukuriri Tea Factory's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Embu, Njeru said the incentive is meant to cushion farmers from the high fertilizer cost and make tea farming a profitable venture.
Consequently, Njeru announced that they would refund money deducted from farmers above the recommended price in January alongside the monthly pay for green leaf to be delivered in December.
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He said that after they are through with the supply of fertilizer they procured early this year by the end of this month, they will reconcile the accounts to determine what each farmer will receive back.
“We will ensure the fertilizer suspense money will be refunded on January 5 together with December green leaf delivery,” he said.
Similarly, Njeru called for an end of politics in the sector, saying this will only serve to destroy the multi-billion industry that is currently the highest foreign exchange earner.
