The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development now says it acknowledges an unprecedented surge in demand for subsidized fertilizer during this planting season.
The ministry, which was responding to claims of the shortage of planting fertilizer, described it as a "happier problem" that signals success in the government’s agricultural productivity initiatives.
In a statement released on March 31, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe noted that over 180,000 bags of fertilizer are being absorbed daily upon arrival at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores and registered last-mile outlets across the country.
Kagwe said the increase is attributed to greater awareness of the subsidy programme, with over 5.9 million farmers now registered on the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS).
“This challenge is one I welcome and am ready to overcome,” Kagwe stated, adding that many farmers who benefited previously are now doubling their uptake, signalling a potential bumper harvest.
The CS said that to address the rising demand, the
government has mobilized over 200 trucks to replenish NCPB stores.
Kagwe said additional metric tonnes of fertilizer are on the way to Kenya via the high seas to deal with the shortages being experienced across the country.
The Ministry has also directed the NCPB to begin immediate preparations for drying and storing staple crops such as maize and wheat to prevent post-harvest losses.
Additionally, farmers are encouraged to utilize Aflasafe, a
product that helps control aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnuts,
which is available through Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research
Organization (KALRO) sales points.
Previously, bumper harvests have been succeeded by claims of massive wastage due to aflatoxin occasioned by poor drying and storage of cereals.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing food security, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders to sustain agricultural gains and boost resilience in the sector.
This comes amid claims from farmers that they are unable to get fertilisers in most of the NCPB stores across the country due to huge demand.
