Farmers’ distress as NCPB rejects maize

By KEVIN TUNOI

Persistent rain in the North Rift region has hampered the intake of maize by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) that requires that maize be low on moisture content.

Lack of enough drying facilities and minimum sunlight has forced NCPB to reject maize that has high moisture content, likely to lead to development of the deadly aflatoxin in the produce.

The existing dryers cannot handle the capacity of maize produced in the region and most farmers have no choice but to dry their maize under the sun when it shines. “We fear that if the rains continue our produce will not meet the threshold to be accepted by the cereals board. We will surely incur losses,” said Paul Tanui, a farmer in Uasin Gishu.

Mr Tanui also said the country could be faced with hunger next year owing to the low production occasioned by the poor weather conditions throughout the year that caused stunted growth in crops.

hygiene concerns

“This region supplies the largest percentage of maize to the NCPB but it will be different this year. The yield is low,” he explained.

Pauline Wainaina, another farmer in the county, called on the county government to purchase more dryers because the farmers were in dire need of the services.

Ms Wainaina explained that though the capacity of the county dryers is five tonnes of maize per hour, the demand for its use is higher. However Rose Jemeli, also a farmer, said the millers were flexible and accepted the maize without stringent conditions.

NCPB North Rift Regional Manager Jonah Marindich said the institution has to insist on quality.

“The standards on moisture content have to be met to ensure that we render our services with utmost professionalism on issues of hygiene,” the manager said.

However, Marindich urged farmers to make use of Kitale and Moi’s Bridge depots that offer drying services.