Don't sell your maize at throw-away prices, governor tells farmers

Maize farmer Thomas Boen in Uasin Gishu County on August 31, 2023. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

But maize farmers, led by their representatives Kipkorir Menjo and Thomas Boen, argued the price the government has set is meant to punish them for their hard work.

The farmers said millers and middlemen are now buying their produce for as low as Sh3,100, plunging them into massive losses.

"It is true that we received subsidized fertilizers but the other costs including fuel, transport, and labour have remained high. Inflation has also been a big problem. We are wondering if it is illegal for farmers to gain profits from their toils," they argued.

Bii has also asked the government to expedite the provision of mobile dryers as the rains continue to pound the region.

He said the dryers would be distributed to various cooperatives which will make them accessible to farmers in the rural areas.

EAGC Managing Director Gerald Masila advised farmers on better farming practices and handling of produce to avoid post-harvest losses and cases of aflatoxin.

"Since the rains have started while farmers are out harvesting their produce, we advise them to ensure that the harvested maize does not come into contact with the soils as they cause the spread of fungi in the produce resulting in Aflatoxins," said Masila.

He said that farmers should embrace mechanical drying methods such as the use of dryers to ensure their produce is well dried and use hermetic bags to store the maize produce.