- The move by government follows widespread reports and complaints by farmers that they are buying alleged fake fertiliser from NCPB stores.
- The PS noted that in the event the fertiliser in question fails to meet the specifications set, the supplier will be penalized and forced to meet the full cost.
Image: FILE
The government has cracked the whip and suspended distribution of subsidised fertiliser manufactured by a local company over quality concerns.
The company in question is among those supplying the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) with fertiliser being distributed under government’s subsidy programme.
In response to the huge public outcry, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development confirmed that the controversial brand is substandard.
In a letter, State Department of Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh asked NCPB Managing Director, Joseph Kimote, to suspend the NPK 10:26:10 manufactured by the local firm immediately.
The PS said field inspections by top ministry officials revealed that the fertiliser being supplied by the firm under the subsidy programme does not meet required standards.
“Your institution is requested to suspend the distribution of this fertiliser with immediate effect from being issued to farmers,’’ PS Ronoh said in the letter.
“Additionally, you are required to carry out an investigation to ascertain the specifications of this fertiliser before being re-introduced into the subsidy programme.’’
The PS noted that in the event the fertiliser in question fails to meet the specifications set, the supplier will be penalized and forced to meet the full cost.
The move by government follows widespread reports and complaints by farmers that they are buying alleged fake fertiliser from NCPB stores.
A section of politicians has also called on the government to compensate affected farmers who would be forced to go into huge losses following the use of alleged fake fertilisers.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi refuted claims of presence of fake fertiliser under the subsidised fertiliser programme.
"There is no fake subsidised fertiliser being sold in the market. The government is supplying quality and standard fertiliser to farmers across the country," Linturi said.
Speaking when he toured the Elburgon NCPB depot on Tuesday, Linturi urged farmers not to turn themselves into experts and make assumptions about the quality of fertiliser.
"Our farmers should desist from physical observation of fertiliser and making assumptions of its quality; those individuals doubting the quality of the fertiliser should avail it to laboratories for assessments," Linturi said.