Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe says farmers across Kenya can pick up cheaper fertilizer starting Monday. He spoke out Saturday after many farmers with digital vouchers went home empty-handed from National Cereals and Produce Board stores. The government stands ready with a million bags to hand out next week. They plan to fix all delivery problems before Monday morning.
"We know farmers couldn't use their text messages to buy low-cost fertilizer these past two days because of supply issues," Kagwe explained. Despite these problems, he said workers kept giving out what they had. The government has already passed out 2.6 million bags for the spring planting season. Kagwe promised his team to work hard to make sure every farmer can plant when they should.
The minister said they asked suppliers to bring more fertilizer faster. "We started using trains that left Mombasa and will reach Naivasha by Sunday," Kagwe added. Another 1,380 tons heads toward Mombasa right behind that shipment. He urged farmers to stay upbeat and redeem their vouchers soon, noting recent rains might make some worry about planting late.
Kagwe also warned about crooks selling fake farm supplies. He stressed that farmers should only shop at official NCPB locations around the country. The anti-counterfeit police watch for criminals taking advantage of high demand. "Efforts by authorities to catch these scammers deserve our praise," Kagwe said, reminding everyone that Kenyan farmers remain his department's top priority.
"We know farmers couldn't use their text messages to buy low-cost fertilizer these past two days because of supply issues," Kagwe explained. Despite these problems, he said workers kept giving out what they had. The government has already passed out 2.6 million bags for the spring planting season. Kagwe promised his team to work hard to make sure every farmer can plant when they should.
The minister said they asked suppliers to bring more fertilizer faster. "We started using trains that left Mombasa and will reach Naivasha by Sunday," Kagwe added. Another 1,380 tons heads toward Mombasa right behind that shipment. He urged farmers to stay upbeat and redeem their vouchers soon, noting recent rains might make some worry about planting late.
Kagwe also warned about crooks selling fake farm supplies. He stressed that farmers should only shop at official NCPB locations around the country. The anti-counterfeit police watch for criminals taking advantage of high demand. "Efforts by authorities to catch these scammers deserve our praise," Kagwe said, reminding everyone that Kenyan farmers remain his department's top priority.
