Farmers nationwide find themselves caught in a web of confusion as conflicting directives regarding fertilizer sales emerge from top officials within the Ministry of Agriculture. The discord arises as Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and the State Department of Agriculture’s Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Ronoh issue contradictory instructions within the span of a week, exacerbating concerns over the quality and availability of subsidized fertilizers.
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The saga unfolds against a backdrop of allegations surrounding the circulation of counterfeit state-issued subsidized fertilizers and widespread reports of seizures across the country. On one hand, CS Linturi, in a tweet posted Thursday evening, directs all National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Kenya Seeds Company outlets to remain operational during the Easter holiday period, ostensibly to accommodate farmers’ needs during the ongoing planting season.
However, this directive contradicts an earlier communication from PS Ronoh, who, in a letter dated March 20, instructed the NCPB to suspend the distribution of fertilizers to farmers. The decision stemmed from concerns over the quality of some circulating fertilizers, prompting a call for immediate suspension of distribution and penalties for suppliers found to be in breach of standards.
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The divergent messages underscore a lack of coherence within the Ministry’s ranks, leaving farmers grappling with uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of fertilizers available to them. Despite CS Linturi’s assurances dismissing claims of counterfeit state-issued subsidized fertilizer during a recent address in Kuresoi, Nakuru County, questions persist regarding the efficacy of quality control measures and the integrity of the fertilizers in circulation.
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As farmers navigate this tumultuous terrain, the overarching concern remains the safeguarding of agricultural productivity and the welfare of farmers reliant on these essential inputs. The conflicting directives highlight the urgent need for streamlined communication and robust quality assurance mechanisms within the agricultural sector to avert potential disruptions and ensure the sustainability of Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
