In Summary
- Certification of SBL-Innotive Manufacturer
- Identification of fake fertilizers
- Farmer’s doubts during planting season
As the planting season fast approaches across the country, the topic of the availability and quality of fertiliser continues to uproar debate.
This goes after KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari told MPs that initially, the company had complied with all requirements which prompted the agency to issue them permits to supply organic fertilizer but later committed fraud by violating the standards.
SBL-Innovate Manufacturer Limited fake fertilizers
Documents tabled before the National Assembly Agriculture Committee by KEBS showed how SBL-Innovate Manufacturer Limited supplied substandard fertilizer dubbed ‘BL-GPC’ for over a year undetected.
KEBS said the firm applied for certification on January 13 and secured approval on January 28, 2023.
The standards agency certified SBL-Innovate Manufacturer to supply organic fertilizer but the firm supplied diatomite, which relies on a biologically generated form of Silica to enhance soil conditions, to NCPB stores.
For months, farmers unknowingly purchased the product bearing KEBS certification.
KEBS launched a probe following a tip-off from the public, seizing 5,840 bags in a surveillance raid.
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Identification of fake fertilizers
Following the intelligence, NCPB sampled the product in over 59 ware stores across the country which led to the suspension of the product permits amid fears that the product may still be in circulation.
fake fertilizers circulating in Kenya has become a pressing concern as the agricultural sector gears up for the planting season.
Often packaged and branded to resemble reputable brands, are being sold at lower prices, attracting unsuspecting farmers looking for cost-effective solutions.
The compromised nutrient content and inconsistent composition of these counterfeit products result in reduced crop yields and poor-quality harvests, leading to monetary losses for farmers.
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Farmer’s in doubt
Farmers around the nation have expressed dissatisfaction over insufficient supplies of agricultural input, and lengthy lines have been seen at several NCPB depots.
Decentralization of distribution is still a hill of challenge to the government and the stakeholders involved.
There is always an excitement that comes with announcing the role out of fertilizer programmes, which prompts farmers to yearn for it.
What follows next is the snowballing effect and skepticism of the fertilizer landing on their hands which lead to lengthy lines at the depots.
When it comes to cultivation of staple foods like maize, it is vital to address the myriad challenges including the fertilizer quality and quantity issues that impede productivity and food security in the country.
