The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development now says it acknowledges an unprecedented surge in demand for subsidized fertilizer during this planting season.
Responding to concerns about a shortage, 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.
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CS Mutahi Kagwe attributed the surge in fertilizer demand to increased awareness of the subsidy program, with over 5.9 million farmers now registered on the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS).
“This challenge I welcome and am ready to overcome,” Kagwe stated, noting that many farmers who benefited previously are now doubling their uptake, signalling a potential bumper harvest.
To address the rising demand, the government has deployed over 200 trucks to replenish NCPB stores. Additionally, more metric tonnes of fertilizer are en route to Kenya via the high seas to ease shortages 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.
Farmers are also encouraged to use Aflasafe, a product designed to control aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnuts. It is available at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) sales points.
In the past, bumper harvests have often been followed by reports of significant wastage due to aflatoxin, resulting from inadequate drying and storage of cereals.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening food security, vowing to maintain collaboration with stakeholders to sustain agricultural gains and boost resilience in the sector.
This follows claims from farmers that they are experiencing challenges to get fertilisers in most of the NCPB stores across the country due to high demand.
