NCPB warns cartels, unscrupulous traders against repackaging free fertilizer

National cereals and produce board has warned unscrupulous cartels against meddling in the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to farmers across the country.

NCPB said the government was on high alert to deal with cartels with the intention of buying the cheap fertilizer meant for the farmers and repackaging it for resale.

Speaking in Kitale, NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote warned middlemen and unscrupulous traders intending to buy the fertilizer to repackage for resale they would face dire consequences and the full force of the law.

He said NCPB will only give fertilizer to farmers who are registered and are known by the local administration.

This comes as leaders in the Northrift region call on the government to simplify the process for farmers to receive the fertilizer at the grassroots.

Led by Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi, the leaders called on the government to take the fertilizer close to farmers to ease high transport costs.