Migori Farmers Travel Long Distances for Subsidized Fertilizer as Supply Challenges Persist

Farmers in Migori County are calling for more government fertilizer distribution centres after difficulties accessing subsidised farm inputs continue to disrupt preparations for the planting season.

The farmers want the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to establish more stores closer to farming communities, saying some growers are travelling more than 20 kilometres to access the government-subsidised fertilizer.

Farmers in Rongo Sub-County are among those affected, with many travelling to Awendo to obtain the subsidized input.

The long distances have increased the cost and time required for farmers to access fertilizer, particularly for smallholder growers who depend on public transport to reach the distribution centres.

Martin Ondong, one of the affected farmers, said long queues at NCPB stores are adding to the difficulties. Some farmers are also forced to make several trips before completing the process of obtaining the fertilizer.

The farmers are now urging the government to streamline distribution and increase the number of outlets so that subsidised fertilizer can reach growers in time for application.

The concerns come amid wider complaints about the implementation of the government’s fertilizer subsidy programme. Farmers in other parts of the country have previously raised concerns over delays in accessing subsidised inputs despite being registered under the programme.

In Migori, some farmers have also raised allegations of possible interference by cartels in the distribution system.

A section of farmers claimed last week that individuals could be benefiting from the subsidised fertilizer programme at the expense of intended beneficiaries. They further alleged that some cartels could be working with NCPB store managers to divert fertilizer meant for farmers and sell it through other channels.

The allegations have not been established, and farmers are calling for greater transparency in the distribution process to ensure subsidised fertilizer reaches registered growers.

The fertilizer subsidy programme is intended to lower production costs for farmers and encourage greater use of recommended inputs. For smallholder farmers, timely access is particularly important because fertilizer application must coincide with specific stages of crop development to achieve the desired results.

Farmers in Migori say delays could undermine yields if growers are unable to obtain and apply fertilizer within the appropriate production window.

They are therefore calling on the Ministry of Agriculture and NCPB to expand distribution points, reduce congestion at existing stores and strengthen monitoring of subsidised fertilizer supplies.

The farmers say bringing distribution centres closer to rural communities would not only reduce their transport costs but also improve access to the government’s agricultural support programme and help them prepare for the coming planting season.