The Kenyan government has announced that it will buy a bag of 90kg of maize from local farmers at Sh4,000. The purchase will be made through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) for the National Strategic Food Reserve.
The move is a relief to maize farmers across the country, especially from the grain growing regions of the North Rift and Western. However, some farmers have expressed concerns that the price offered by the government is too low.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has defended the price, saying that it is fair considering the interventions that the government has put in place to reduce the cost of production, such as subsidized fertilizer. He has also stated that farmers will be free to sell their produce to any other potential buyers who may offer better prices.
Linturi has also revealed that his ministry is currently procuring 100 driers at a cost of Sh2.2 billion to assist farmers in drying their grains before purchase by the government. These driers will help farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and increase their income.
The government’s decision to buy maize from local farmers is a positive step towards ensuring food security in the country. However, it is important to ensure that farmers are getting a fair price for their produce. The government should also continue to invest in other initiatives that support maize farmers, such as research and development, and access to markets.
