This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has temporarily suspended the importation of fertilizer for tea farmers due to Covid-19 disruptions.
According to a statement by KTDA, the firm usually imports fertilizer on behalf of its over 600,000 tea farmers for application during the short rains in October/November of every year.
However, due to the pandemic, KTDA has been unable to deliver the fertilizer in time for application by the farmers.
KTDA sought expert advice from the Tea Research Institute on the effects of skipping one year of fertilizer application, which advised that it is possible to skip one year with no significant losses in yields subject to adequate rainfall.
However, the institute cautioned that the subsequent application should not be delayed to avoid further yield losses.
As a result, KTDA has suspended the tender for the importation of fertilizer until next season.
Additionally, farmers will be refunded the contributions they have made in the last seven months along with accrued interest effective end of June 2020.
KTDA has advised farmers who wish to apply fertilizer to their farms to source it from government-approved commercial suppliers with tea fertilizer stocks.
