Maize prices have dropped drastically below KES 5,000 for a 90Kg (kilogramme) bag for the first time in months as farmers in Kenya’s food basket, Uasin Gishu, start harvesting the crop.
A majority of small-scale maize farmers are rushing to sell their harvest after the prices dropped from KES 5,500 in the last month to between KES 4,500 and KES 4,800 per 90kg bag.
The farmers in North Rift – the country’s grain basket, now want the State to replenish the country’s food reserves and set producer prices to protect maize growers from exploitation by traders and middlemen.
A section of farmers expressed fears of food insecurity in the country if the State does not step in to stabilise prices, to guard against the wanton sale of produce to traders who offer low prices.
They urged the State to set producer price at KES 5,000 per 90kg bag of current season maize to enable farmers to recoup their profits – having incurred huge costs – including expensive fertiliser, fuel and other operational expenses during the season.
The Kenya National Farmers Federation Uasin Gishu branch chairperson Ruth Kemboi urged the State to move in and procure farmers’ produce to support the needy regions and also restock strategic reserves.
Mr Samuel Yego, the outgoing executive for Agriculture in Uasin Gishu, noted that buyers of maize often lower prices when farmers start harvesting and increasing supplies.
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