Naema Celestine 
| Felicitas Awino |
Farmers across the country are increasingly frustrated with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) over the delayed supply of fertilizer.
This is after the distribution of the fake fertilizer in most parts of the country that affected most crops. This has led to financial losses for the farmers, who had prepared their lands in a timely manner, only to be left waiting for the crucial top-dressing fertilizer.
The farmers, who rely heavily on the timely distribution of fertilizer to ensure the healthy growth of their crops, are now expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation. Many of them have invested significant amounts of money in transportation costs to check on the availability of the fertilizer, only to be met with disappointment upon reaching the produce company.
The delay in the distribution of the top-dressing fertilizer has left the farmers in a precarious position. With their crops already planted and growing, the lack of this essential fertilizer puts them at risk of their plants outgrowing and becoming stunted. This not only jeopardizes their harvest but also threatens their livelihoods.
In light of these challenges, farmers are urging the NCPB to promptly distribute the top-dressing fertilizer. They emphasize the urgency of the situation, as any further delay could have severe consequences for their crops. The farmers are calling on the NCPB to prioritize their needs and ensure that the fertilizer reaches them in a timely manner.
The frustration among farmers is palpable, as they have done their part by preparing their lands and investing their resources into the planting process. They now expect the NCPB to fulfill its responsibilities and provide them with the necessary support to ensure a successful harvest.
The delayed supply of fertilizer not only affects the farmers’ financial well-being but also has broader implications for the agricultural sector. A delay in the distribution of fertilizer can disrupt the entire supply chain, leading to food shortages and price hikes in the market.
It is crucial for the NCPB to address these concerns promptly and take immediate action to rectify the situation. By ensuring the timely distribution of the top-dressing fertilizer, the NCPB can alleviate the financial burden on farmers and safeguard the country’s food security.
Furthermore, farmers also faced challenges early this year like the heavy rains that damaged infrastructure, hindered transportation, displaced people and destroyed crops too which created a labor shortage, leading to increased workload and inefficiencies.
The fake fertilizer scandal added to their woes, harming crops and soil. Farmers had to bear the expense of purchasing new fertilizer and straining their finances. Market uncertainties and fluctuating prices made it difficult to secure profitable deals. Heavy rains and the fake fertilizer scandal created difficulties for farmers in preparing for the farming season.
