End this hullabaloo on maize pricing urgently

The confusion in the maize sub-sector that has left majority of farmers disgruntled ought to end. The delay in reopening of National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores has left farmers at the mercy of middlemen.

And when the Government finally announced reopening of the stores, farmers were not happy with the price the Ministry of Agriculture offered to buy a 90kg of maize.

At first, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei priced a 90kg bag at Sh2,200, only to increase it to Sh2,300 the next day after uproar from farmers. The Government has also offered a rebate of Sh500 for maize delivered. But farmers want NCPB to buy their maize at Sh3,500.

The farmers have invested heavily in the crop and therefore deserve better prices. This pricing should reward farmers rather than hurt and discourage them. Then there are reports that middlemen could end up benefitting more.

The Government should make sure genuine farmers benefit from the sale to NCPB.

Recently, Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki said farmers delivering maize to NCPB will be vetted at the more than 100 depots instead of ward level in the six main maize producing counties to avoid wastage.

This will cut costs and help farmers raise money for school fees and other financial obligations.

Reports that NCPB will use a list of farmers who bought the Government’s subsided fertiliser only, while noble, could lock out genuine farmers not lucky to get the fertiliser but planted the crop. Proper care is advised here.