Gov't begins compensating farmers who bought substandard fertiliser; here's how to claim

The government has begun compensating farmers who bought substandard fertiliser under the subsidy program.

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) on Wednesday said the Ministry of Agriculture had directed that all farmers who bought KEL fertilisers be compensated.

NCPB advised all affected farmers to urgently lodge formal complaints by filling out a Claim Declaration Form that will be provided at the depot or Selling Centre where they bought the product.

They are also required to present their original national ID cards and evidence of purchase including the exhibits where applicable, for those who have not used the fertiliser.

NCPB said it will verify that the farmers procured fertiliser from their stores, and then issue them with an equivalent amount of the top-dressing fertiliser.

“In the case of farmers who procured and have not utilized the fertiliser, they will be required to return the product to NCPB stores and be issued with an equivalent amount of planting fertiliser,” the board said.

In the meantime, NCPB said it has distributed 3 million bags of planting and 300,000 top-dressing fertilisers for the ongoing long rains season to registered farmers.

“Farmers are continuing to receive e-voucher messages for top-dressing fertiliser and are encouraged to visit the nearest NCPB depot or selling centre to purchase quality fertilisers under the government subsidy programme,” said the board.