Agricultural stakeholders have launched a seven-digit SMS verification system to help farmers identify genuine fertilizer and combat counterfeit products, in an initiative designed to strengthen quality assurance and accountability across Kenya’s fertilizer supply chain.
The system, known as Agri-Trace, was developed in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
It will enable farmers to verify fertiliser contents and manufacturers before applying the products to their farms.
The initiative seeks to address concerns over the authenticity and quality of agricultural inputs, which are essential to crop production.
Access to genuine fertilizer is important for farmers seeking to improve yields, manage production costs and protect their investment in farming.
Fertilizer Association of Kenya (FAK) Chairman Bimal Kantaria said the programme aims to strengthen quality assurance and accountability throughout the fertiliser value chain.
By giving farmers a way to check product information before use, the system is intended to improve transparency and help them make more informed purchasing decisions.
It also places greater emphasis on accountability among manufacturers and other participants in the fertilizer supply chain.
Counterfeit or unsuitable agricultural inputs can undermine farmers’ production efforts, particularly when they spend money on products that do not meet the expected quality standards.
Verification systems can help address this challenge by making product information more accessible to end users.
Beyond the launch of Agri-Trace, agricultural stakeholders are calling for increased investment in soil testing and sustainable soil management to improve farm productivity and strengthen food security.
Soil testing can help farmers understand the condition of their land and make better-informed decisions about the type and quantity of fertilizer required.
Sustainable soil management is also important for maintaining soil fertility and supporting agricultural production over time.
The push for better verification and soil management comes as farmers seek ways to improve productivity while managing input costs and production risks.
The effectiveness of the new system will depend on farmer awareness, accessibility and consistent use across the fertilizer market.
The initiative is expected to provide an additional tool for checking product authenticity, while broader investment in soil health and agricultural extension services remains important to improving farm performance.
