Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-18 14:23:47
Farmers in Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties are still facing challenges in accessing subsidized fertilizer despite a directive from President William Ruto. Many farmers have been camping outside the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) distribution centers, only to find them empty and devoid of the promised fertilizers.
Some farmers received notifications about four days ago informing them that they had vouchers for collecting fertilizers. The message read, “Dear xxx, you have a voucher code xxx for four bags of fertilizer. This voucher will expire in 30 days. Please visit your nearest NCPB depot to redeem. Thank you, Ministry of Agriculture.” However, when they visited the distribution centers, they found no fertilizers available for collection.
The farmers expressed their frustrations with the delay, especially as it would impact their planting season. They highlighted the importance of timely distribution of farming inputs and urged the government to intervene to resolve the crisis. Despite their complaints, the distribution center managers failed to provide any explanation for the delay or offer a way forward.
In response to the growing concerns, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi was called upon to streamline the sector and ensure the smooth and prompt distribution of fertilizers. This plea came shortly after President Ruto directed Linturi and Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh to address the fertilizer distribution issues across the country.
President Ruto acknowledged that delays in fertilizer distribution were hindering food production, despite the government allocating sufficient funds for ensuring farmers had access to the necessary inputs. He emphasized the importance of ensuring timely distribution to boost food production and instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to resolve the issue within a week.
The farmers’ plight underscores the challenges faced in the agricultural sector, particularly regarding access to essential farming inputs. As they continue to wait for the promised fertilizers, their livelihoods and planting plans are at stake. The government’s immediate intervention is crucial to alleviate the farmers’ frustrations and ensure that they can access the necessary resources for a successful planting season.
Efforts to streamline the distribution process and address the delays in fertilizer distribution are imperative to support farmers and enhance food production in the affected regions. By prioritizing the timely distribution of fertilizers and other farming inputs, the government can empower farmers and contribute to agricultural sustainability and food security in the country.
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