'Only 2,000 bags failed quality test,' Kuria tells farmers to ignore 'noise' on subsidised fertiliser

Public Service and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has urged farmers to continue purchasing genuine fertiliser in the wake of the long rains currently being experienced in the country.

Speaking on Sunday in Kaliwa, Teso South constituency, Busia County, Kuria urged farmers to take advantage of the government subsidy program for sustainable food production instead of giving in to what he called ‘noise’ and regret later.

“Out of the six brands being distributed under the subsidy program, five passed the quality test. Only one, Ken Chemicals, failed the test and their 2,000 bags were withdrawn from the market,” Kuria said.

The Ministry of Agriculture last week directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to immediately cease distribution of NPK 10:26:10 fertilisers manufactured by Ken Chemicals Limited.

The five firms that passed the quality test include Mavuno Fertilizer, OCP Africa, Falcon Fertilizers, Minjingu Mines & Fertilizer Limited and FOMI.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture has since summoned CS Linturi and his Trade Counterpart Rebecca Miano to appear before it and help unravel the fertiliser puzzle.

At the same time, Kuria on Sunday announced that the National Youth Service (NYS) camp in Budalang’I would reopen with immediate effect.

He said NYS will partner with Busia County to lease 10,000 acres of land for rice, cotton and edible oil farming to curb imports and save on foreign exchange.