Officials decry fertiliser shortage

By Robert Kiplagat

Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (Kenfap) wants the Government to supply Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertiliser to farmers to improve yields.

Speaking to The Standard in Eldoret yesterday, Kenfap North Rift region chairman Musa Barno said farmers have planted their crops and are waiting for the fertiliser.

"Some farmers planted uncertified seeds, others planted without fertiliser thus they require CAN to help boost their crop and ensure good production," said Mr Barno.

He blamed shortage of the fertiliser on slow railway transport and complicated acquisition.

Farmers said the procedure of acquiring the fertiliser takes long as they have to fill land-details form, which could be done earlier to end delays.

Barno regretted that the top-dressing period was almost over and the available commodity was not enough for large-scale farmers in the region.

He said the Sh100 billion budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture should be used to increase production to boost food security.

Barno urged the Government to sell the maize in the strategic reserves to end shortage.

Mr Kipkorir Menjo of Kenya Farmers Association North Rift region accused the Government of neglecting its promise of providing farm inputs.

"The procedures put in place in acquisition of fertiliser is welcome, but the process should have begun earlier to enable farmers top-dress at the right time," he said.

Exploit farmers

"If the Government was concerned about farmers’ plight it should supply the inputs much earlier and avoid the last minute rush," said Menjo.

But National Cereals and Produce Board Director Gideon Misoi said the procedure of acquiring fertiliser was meant to benefit farmers.

He said the measures are meant to discourage unscrupulous businessmen who were out to exploit the farmers. "Farmers stand to gain through this process as only genuine farmers will get the commodity and cartels will be faced out," he said.

A 50kg sack of subsidised CAN fertiliser sells at Sh1,600 while the same retails for Sh2,500 at outlets.

Recently Agriculture minister Sally Kosgei said the Government was finalising arrangements to procure additional 23,000 metric tonnes of DAP and 10,000 metric tonnes of CAN fertiliser. The Government estimates the demand for fertiliser at 144,200 metric tonnes.

The subsidised fertiliser will be distributed through NCPB.

She said there was an estimated 80,000 metric tonnes held by the private sector.