Administrator urges farmers to deliver toxic maize to depots

By Munene Kamau

Eastern PC Ms Claire Omollo has asked small-scale farmers whose maize produce has been confirmed to contain aflatoxin to take advantage of the Government offer to dispose of their produce.

Speaking at the Embu Municipal Stadium during Madaraka Day celebrations yesterday, the PC asked the farmers to start delivering their produce to the local National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot immediately to avoid more losses.

But Manyata MP Emilio Kathuri told farmers not to deliver their produce unless the Government agrees to pay Sh2,300 per bag.

The MP said it was not the farmers’ fault that maize was contaminated.

"What is the need of delivering our maize to the NCPB and get paid only Sh1,000 per bag yet the cost of production of such a bag was more than the amount on offer?" posed Mr Kathuri during the ceremony.

Eastern and coast

The Government on Monday announced it had set aside Sh3 billion to buy 2.3 million bags of contaminated maize in 29 districts in Eastern and Coast provinces.

Meanwhile, a consignment of maize worth Sh70 million condemned three years ago by public health officials for having been contaminated with aflatoxin is still lying at NCPB’s Ishiara depot.