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| Agriculture PS Paul Kipronoh (right), Kesses MP Julius Ruto (left), Uasin Gishu Agriculture CEC Edward Sawe and National Cereals and Produce Board North Rift Regional manager Gilbert Rotich in Eldoret |
The government will buy 90kg bag of maize at Sh4,000 this harvest season, Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono has said.
Speaking while on a tour of National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Eldoret, Rono ruled out increasing maize prices despite protests by farmers.
The PS claimed that the off-take price was the best the government could offer to farmers terming it as the most profitable for farmers.
“This is the best price we are offering, and we know it’s very profitable but farmers have the option of either selling their produce to the NCPB or giving it to other buyers out there who may offer better prices,” he said.
Rono asked farmers to diversify their crops if they expect to get maximum returns.
The PS who was accompanied by Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii and Kesses MP Julius Rutto asked those not satisfied with the government price to source for other markets that offer higher prices for their produce.
“We will not force any farmer to sell their produce to the NCPB if they feel they can sell the same elsewhere at a better price other than what the government will be offering this year,” he said.
Rono said farmers had so far sold more than 700,000 bags of maize to the NCPB and have been paid over Sh1.5 billion while assuring those yet to be paid will get their cash before the end of the year.
The PS was optimistic that the country will get a bumper harvest of more than 70 million bags of 90 kgs of maize.
“This is mainly because of the supply of subsidized fertilizer by the government and also ensuring that we have high-quality seeds,” said Rono, who warned cartels against selling fake seeds and other farm inputs.
He further announced that the government will provide mobile driers to the farmers to curb post-harvest losses and asked them to deposit their produce at the available depots in exchange for a warehouse receipt.
The PS directed the NCPB management to start disposing of all old maize stock to create room for fresh harvest from farmers across the country.
“The maize harvesting in some parts of Rift Valley and Western region starts in mid-October and November. I want the board to fast-track the disposal of old stock to create room for new crops,” he said.
Ruto assured farmers that the government will distribute subsidised fertilizer across the country in November to ensure they prepare early for the next planting season.
However, farmers have opposed the maize buying price saying it is not profitable.
Led by David Karamai, the farmers accused the government of neglecting them saying that their grievances have been falling on deaf ears.
“We would prefer if the government listened to us and decided to buy our produce at least Sh6,000 per 90 kg bag if we are to get profit. The announced prices are demotivating to farmers who incur high costs of production including costly fuel and farm inputs,” said Karamai.
By Lynn Kolongei