Government Urges Farmers to Be Satisfied with Maize Prices at Ksh 4,000 per Bag

Amid concerns among farmers about potential El-Nino rains and the associated crop damage, the government has informed them that maize drying machines may be delayed in reaching the North Rift region.

The government announced on Thursday that it will take about a month to distribute these machines and open the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) warehouses for farmers to deliver their crops.

The Secretary for Agriculture, Paul Rono, explained that the government is renovating the warehouses before farmers can start delivering their produce.

He revealed that 100 maize drying machines will be ready in one month.

These statements were made during the Kenya Seed Company (KSC) event where he inaugurated the Kitale Agricultural Show at the ASK Kitale grounds.

Mr. Rono mentioned that government subsidies for seeds and farming inputs have helped reduce the cost of production, and thus farmers should be content with maize prices at Ksh 4,000 per 90-kilogram bag.

He also said that the government had consulted with stakeholders to ensure that the price of maize flour would decrease.

“The government arrived at the price of Ksh 4,000 for each 90-kilogram bag after extensive consultations with stakeholders. We are currently evaluating the current maize flour price,” stated Secretary Rono, who was accompanied by Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and other government officials.

He assured the farmers that the government is committed to protecting them from potential losses after harvests.