State to vet farmers before deliveries to NCPB

Farmers will now under go vetting to establish genuine ones before they deliver maize to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

The Ministry of Agriculture released a list of farmers, who purchased subsidized fertiliser from NCPB depots during last year’s planting season which will be used to check those who deliver maize.

Confusion has rocked the process as several farmers have already lined up in some NCPB depots in Uasin Gishu County to deliver their produce.

This follows President Uhuru Kenyatta’s directive recently that the cereals board starts purchasing two million bags of 90kgs at Sh2,500 each.

Sources told Saturday Standard that NCPB officials have been waiting for the vetting forms to ascertain the farmers who will deliver maize.

“Extra care has to be taken to curb a repeat of problems witnessed during purchase of maize last year. Fresh vetting is yet to be done by administrators in counties and Agriculture Ministry before produce from genuine farmers is received once government releases resources,” said a source who sougth anonymity.

Farmers have been patiently waiting in long queues stretching over two kilometres at the Eldoret depot and Moi’s Bridge although the facilities are yet to be officially opened. In Eldoret, there were more than 180 trucks by noon yesterday.

NCPB, agricultural officials, national and county government officials were in a meeting in Eldoret over the vetting process.

In the vetting forms, farmers are required to give their details, Kenya Revenue Authority pin, number of acreage, Identity Number and signature of an agriculture extension officers and chief.

The Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee member for agriculture Samuel Yego, said officials will verify what farmersproduced and the quantities they intend to supply to the NCPB. “There are no shortcuts and genuine farmers will be fully confirmed,” he said.