Give NCPB cash to pay for grain, State requested

By TITUS TOO

The Government has been urged to release more funds to the cereals board to ensure prompt payment for deliveries.

Cereals farmers in the North Rift region claim they have not delivered their produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board’s (NCPB) depots.

Mr Kipkorir Menjo, a director with Kenya Farmers Association (KFA), proposed that more money be given to NCPB to enable it mop up grains still being held by farmers.

He said prompt payment would enable cereal farmers prepare in advance for the coming planting season.

"Farmers need to prepare their farms and buy inputs, including seeds and fertiliser, in advance to avoid scrambling at the onset of rains expected from March," said Menjo.

Middlemen

The official, who was speaking in Eldoret town Tuesday, said prompt payment would protect farmers from exploitation by middlemen.

At the same time, Menjo said the Government should exempt farmers from grain drying charges under the new warehouse receipting systems.

"Charges for drying maize that had been waived have been reintroduced hence affecting small scale farmers," he said.

A section of farmers also urged the Government to empower KFA to start distributing inputs to check the sale of fake supplies.

The association’s members said stockists of inputs such as fertiliser and seeds should be credible to ensure farmers access quality products.

The North Rift region is the country’s leading producer of cereals including maize and wheat, and it has long been classified as the country’s food basket.