Help farmers produce food inexpensively

The government’s resolve to purchase maize from farmers at a higher price is good news to growers grappling with adverse weather conditions and the high cost of inputs. These factors have contributed significantly to making growing corn unprofitable to a large section of farmers. Deputy President William Ruto was spot on when he said the cost of production was unsustainably high for farmers. He said going forward, the government would purchase a 90-kilogramme bag of maize at Sh3,000, up from Sh2,800. Not too long ago farmers were being paid Sh2,300 for a 90-kilogramme bag of maize, but this limited their profit margins, triggering protests in the North Rift over the low maize prices offered by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Although it has been argued that protectionism encourages inefficiencies and leaves players vulnerable when the safety net is withdrawn, a case must be made for formulation of policies that promote food security. When a government is in control of variables that can boost farm yields, it behooves it to encourage farmers to raise production to levels that can provide adequate yields for the local market.