Fertiliser shortage could lead to low harvest, warn farmers

Farmers are warning of a likely drop in maize and other cereal production following shortages of subsidised fertiliser.

They say the shortage is particularly of the preferred varieties known for delivering higher yields.

Across the region, many have been queuing at NCPB depots from as early as 4am, hoping to secure supplies during the ongoing planting season.

What should have been a period of focused fieldwork has instead turned into hours of waiting, with uncertainty hanging over their plans.

Farmer Ben Maswai said many had been forced to use whatever fertiliser is available after failing to access the OCP variety, which is widely preferred in the region.

“We thought the government had organised itself early enough to ensure we get adequate fertiliser, but we are now caught up in a chaotic situation chasing it, yet time is not on our side,” Maswai said.

The shortage of subsidised fertiliser has affected NCPB depots across the North Rift, sparking frustration among farmers.

Long queues persist at depots as growers struggle to obtain supplies at a critical moment, with the planting season approaching its peak.

Farmers say the delays are already disrupting their schedules and could have lasting consequences for production.

In key agricultural areas such as Eldoret, Kitale and Elgeyo Marakwet, scenes of farmers waiting for hours have become common.

John Kimeto, a farmers’ representative in Trans Nzoia, said growers were particularly frustrated by the lack of the OCP variety, which many rely on for maize farming.

As a result, a number of farmers have resorted to alternative fertiliser types, despite concerns about their effectiveness.

“We believed the government had prepared adequately and we never expected the shortages we are now witnessing,” Kimeto said.

In Uasin Gishu, farmers’ representative Benson Kiplimo said they had been assured that OCP fertiliser would be supplied, but deliveries had yet to materialise.

“As promised, we had hoped to get OCP, which we used last year and got good harvests, but time for planting is now running out and we now have to use other varieties,” he said.

The OCP fertiliser, manufactured in Morocco, is blended to suit specific soil types and crops in different regions, making it particularly valuable to farmers seeking better yields.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono said additional fertiliser was being transported from Mombasa to NCPB depots, offering some hope that the situation may ease, even as farmers race against time to plant.