The government has officially acknowledged the presence of counterfeit fertiliser being distributed to farmers across the country. This confirmation, made on April 5th, comes after a period of confusion and conflicting statements regarding the quality and distribution of substandard fertiliser. The Ministry of Agriculture has taken action by urging farmers to stop using three specific brands of fertiliser supplied by KEL Chemicals, as they failed the tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
Initially, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi dismissed the allegations of poor quality fertiliser as mere propaganda. However, subsequent developments have forced the government to reassess the situation and acknowledge the substandard nature of the fertiliser. This change in stance follows a directive issued by the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) on March 29th, expressing concern over the matter.
It is crucial for farmers to be aware of this situation and take the necessary precautions. The government has assured that all other fertilisers being distributed meet the required quality standards, except for the specific brands mentioned. Farmers are advised to discontinue the use of Kelphos Plus, Kelphos gold, and NPK 10:26:10 fertilisers. By doing so, they can protect their crops and ensure the best possible yield. The government is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring the availability of genuine, high-quality fertilisers for farmers across the country.