Regional grain promoter warns of reduced yields over failed rains

Alarm has been raised over looming food shortage in the country. This is as a result of failed rains, which may lead to a 25 per cent drop in maize and cereals yields this year.

Regional grains lobby, East Africa Grain Council (EAGC) warns that if the rains remain below average and continue to fail in the next two weeks, the harvest in cereals will drop.

According to the EAGC Executive Officer Gerald Masila, the country already faces a deficit in the grains sector. The drop will reduce the expected harvest. “The fear we all have is that regional food baskets such as Uasin Gishu and Nakuru will be facing a crisis as the harvest will be below the expectations,” said Masila.

He, however, praised the East Africa Community regional trade saying the deficit is usually filled in by Uganda and Tanzania due to free market and a customs union. Mr Masila called for the reduction in the cost of inputs and efficiency in cereals production across the region to ensure farmers reap big and stabilise consumer prices. This he noted will enhance food security in the country.

Urging the Sate to reduce the cost of grain production, Masila said the move will ensure a balance in the grains trade structure and food security in the region. “Efficient production of cereals in the country will ensure a high return for farmers and at the same time become affordable for consumers,” he said. The grain council boss noted that this will promote grain sector’s agribusiness.

He was speaking at Kabarak Guest House during the unveiling of Agribusiness Expo 2015  to be held at Kabarak University on August 14 and 15.

The exhibition targets more than 150,000 farmers in the region - almost a 50 per cent increase from last year’s event which was attended by 1,000 more farmers as compared to 2013.

During the Expo, farmers will make business contacts, establish linkages and explore markets for their agricultural products and services. “This will be a grand opportunity to showcase their products and services, technology and innovations to stakeholders in the sector,” said Masila.

The event will also provide a chance for the grain dealers to interact and get feedback from consumers of their products.