Yara launches new maize fertiliser for western Kenya

Yara East Africa has introduced a micro-nutrient fertiliser, Yara Microp, targeting to improve maize yields in Western Kenya.

Regional agronomist Kefa Maranga said soil analysis in the region revealed a need for a blended product that has Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Ammoniacal Nitrogen, Sulphur and Zinc enabling the maize crop to grow faster and produce higher yields.

“In keeping with our promise to work with farmers in provision of fertiliser that meet the nutritional needs of the various crops they grow, we at Yara East Africa have developed a blended fertilizer, Yara Microp,” he said.

Western and Nyanza regions territorial manager Samuel Murono said the new product had since been piloted among smallholder maize farmers for top dressing and it proved useful in enhancing their yields.

“Yara agronomists deployed across the region to advise farmers on the quality of nutrients in their soils informed development of Yara Microp, that is less acidifying while providing macro and micro nutrients needed for a good yield,” said Mr Murono.

The new products comes hardly five months after Yara unveiled a mobile application, Yara Farmweather that enables farmers know the suitable fertiliser for their farms based on soil analysis as well as a crop-specific fertiliser.

“Zinc helps in grain filling and increased grain weight while Sulphur improves utilisation of nitrogen and reduces susceptibility to diseases,” said Mr Maranga.

Mr Murono urged farmers to closely engage extension officers and download Yara Farmweather App to inform their investments, saying farm activities now require science to affirm good timely yields.

Source: Business Daily