Nairobi: The government will soon develop an integrated organic and mineral fertilizer standard to increase the use of organic fertilizer. The standards will guide manufacturers in the mineral composition of the organic fertilizer.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director of Natural Resources Management, Dr. David Kamau, stated that they are collaborating with the Kenya Bureau of Statistics and other agencies to develop the standards that will guide and regulate the formal use of fertilizer. Speaking during a stakeholder's workshop to discuss the integration of organic and inorganic fertilizer, Dr. Kamau added that structures to integrate the use of organic and synthetic fertilizer are being implemented.
Dr. Kamau emphasized the necessity of urgent strategic efforts to restore soils within a decade, highlighting that the development of these standards is a crucial step toward sustainable farming. He explained that integrating organic farming would not only improve soil health but also reduce environmental impact and increase farm productivity.
He noted the challenges posed by soil degradation due to the continuous use of inorganic fertilizers, which have depleted soil organic matter. Studies comparing conventional and organic agriculture have shown that organic fertilizers can enhance soil conditions and productivity over a decade. Despite the higher cost of organic fertilizers, Dr. Kamau argued that paying premium prices for healthier organic produce could address food security issues and make organic farming sustainable.
Dr. Kamau also highlighted the importance of soil testing for farmers to understand soil deficiencies and receive recommendations on appropriate fertilizers. He pointed out that about 40 percent of arable land is acidic, and integrating both organic and inorganic fertilizers could improve soil health, with most crops thriving at a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
Junnie Wangari, chairperson of the Organic Fertilizer and Input Manufacturers Association of Kenya (OFIMAK), emphasized the goal of ensuring farmers have access to products and knowledge to enrich their soils and boost productivity. Wangari urged the government to include organic fertilizers in the subsidy program, noting that a 50 kg bag of organic fertilizer costs about Sh3,000, making it more expensive than the subsidized inorganic fertilizers and unaffordable for many farmers.
Wangari stressed the need to add organic carbon to soils to sustain crop growth and called for government promotion of both organic and inorganic fertilizers to improve soil health and yield outcomes.