The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has announced the release of 100,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser following protests by farmers in the North Rift region over a severe shortage that disrupted top-dressing activities during a critical stage of maize production.
The shortage, which affected several depots across the region, sparked demonstrations on June 3, when hundreds of farmers gathered at NCPB stores accusing the government of poor planning and delayed distribution.
The farmers warned that the disruption could significantly reduce yields and expose them to heavy losses during the current farming season.
Speaking in Eldoret, NCPB Managing Director Samuel Ndugu Korogo said the institution had moved to stabilise supply through coordinated efforts with government agencies and key stakeholders.
“Due to the shortage of fertiliser among our farmers, we have mobilised 100,000 bags of top-dressing fertiliser to be distributed to the affected regions through collaboration with our stakeholders and the government to ensure affordability,” Korogo said.
He attributed the supply disruption to global supply chain challenges, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have affected international fertiliser shipments. He specifically cited disruptions along key global shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, as well as rising freight costs and delays in international deliveries.
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Korogo further noted that the consignment includes both locally blended and imported fertiliser varieties aimed at bridging the immediate gap in supply.
Despite the intervention, farmers have criticised the government’s response, arguing that authorities already possess a database of registered farmers that should have been used to anticipate demand and prevent shortages during the top-dressing season.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has data on registered farmers and should have planned better. Why should we be forced to protest to get what we need?” said a farmer who participated in the demonstrations in Uasin Gishu County.
Retail prices for unsubsidised fertiliser stand at about Ksh4,200 per bag, while subsidised fertiliser is sold at approximately Ksh1,950. However, farmers reported limited availability of the subsidised inputs at many NCPB outlets.
By Ochola Victor
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