The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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With the planting season drawing near nationwide, the availability and quality of fertilizer remain hot topics of discussion.
Farmers from various regions have raised concerns about the insufficient supply of this essential agricultural input, evident from long queues observed at several National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) warehouses.
However, President Ruto has announced that the wait for fertilizer is coming to an end.
“We have procured 5 million bags… Farmers can now proceed with planting and contribute to the nation’s food security,” stated Ruto on Sunday.
In addition to quantity concerns, there have been reports and incidents questioning the quality of fertilizer distributed to farmers.
Farouk Kibet, an aide to President William Ruto, addressing the issue in Kisii County, urged the government to safeguard farmers against unscrupulous individuals selling substandard fertilizers.
“Some individuals are colluding with fraudsters to sell farmers fertilizer that is essentially sand. We urge the police to apprehend these individuals selling illegitimate fertilizer,” remarked Kibet.
Last week, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, during a session with the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee, admitted to the presence of substandard or counterfeit fertilizer in the Kenyan market.
