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Ensure farmers access to subsidised fertiliser

Fertiliser

A worker offloads bags of subsidised fertiliser from a truck at the National Cereals and Produce Board in Elburgon, Nakuru County on December 21, 2024.

Photo credit: John Njoroge | Nation Media Group

Kenyan farmers are facing a tough planting season due to delays in fertiliser distribution, a situation that threatens to reduce crop yields and worsen food insecurity.

The late arrival of fertiliser, caused by inefficiencies at the Port of Mombasa and a flawed distribution system, has left many farmers struggling to access this essential input at a critical time. These inefficiencies not only delay shipments but also increase costs, making fertiliser more expensive for small-scale farmers who already operate on tight budgets.

The delays mean that many farmers are unable to plant on schedule, which could result in lower harvests and higher food prices in the coming months.

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The shift to handling subsidised fertiliser exclusively through the National Cereals and Produce Board has sidelined private agro-dealers who previously played a crucial role in ensuring availability. With many of these dealers now out of business, farmers in remote areas are finding it even harder to access fertiliser, forcing some to reduce their planting acreage or abandon farming altogether.

Farmers and agricultural experts are calling for urgent action to resolve the fertiliser crisis. Many believe that a supply chain that includes the private sector and government oversight is necessary to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Firdaus Musa, Kwale

Farmers in different parts of the country have started planting following the start of the rainy season. However, many farmers have raised concerns about the shortage of subsidised fertiliser in NCPB stores in the country.

The subsidised fertiliser goes for Sh2,500 per 50kg bag, compared to Sh6,000 in private stores. Many farmers have been forced to buy the more costly fertiliser from the private stores.

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy as most Kenyans rely on it. Delay in planting may result into food insecurity.

The Kenya Kwanza government should ensure that all farmers gets subsidised fertilizers in time. It should also ensure that no fake fertilisers are supplied to innocent farmers as this could see them suffer loses.

Allan Kyaka, Narok