Maize sector woes follow farmers to 2019

North Rift maize farmers appeal for pay. [Photo, Standard]

Maize farmers in the North Rift have expressed fears of a bleak year as troubles in the sector follow them to 2019.

The farmers said they are unable to pay school fees for their children since the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is yet to buy their maize.

They also said uncertainty over the price and lack of communication from the government on when the NCPB will open its silos for the 2018 harvests is causing anxiety in the country’s largest maize producing region.

Some Sh2.1 billion is also owed to farmers who delivered maize to the board.

Jackson Kwambai, a farmer from Moiben in Uasin Gishu County, said middlemen are now buying the produce at Sh1,200 per 90kg bag as farmers rush to take their children back to school.

“Farmers are desperate and they have seemingly resigned to fate. They have waited for better prices but nothing is forthcoming,” he said.