Sorghum farmers counting losses over aflatoxin

Sorghum farmers and traders in Tharaka Nithi are counting losses after revelation that the last season's produce was affected by aflatoxin.

As a result, traders supplying the produce mainly to East African Breweries Limited have been turned back with the produce.

Traders buying white sorghum from Tharaka Nithi farmers and later selling to Kenya Breweries Limited are counting big losses after their supplies to the manufacturer were rejected over presence of aflatoxin in the produce.

The most affected is the sorghum from Mukothima in Tharaka North sub county. Farmers and traders who spoke to The Standard said this was shocking news as they have never witnessed such misfortune.

.

Keep Reading

• How to handle chicken before slaughter
• Role of water in animal health and productivity
• 9 causes of decreased egg production in flock
• In Kenya, livestock farming stands as a testament to tradition and resilience
• Parsley farming: How to get it right, make cash

Some of the traders are a worried lot considering the fact that they rely mainly on bank loans to run their businesses.

“Majority of us will not be in a position to pay back the bank loans we had acquired and this is a big blow, " said Mr Timothy Magiri, a trader.

Mr Domiciano Murithi, a farmer, said they rely on sorghum as their main cash crop and with the turn of events, their financial status has been affected greatly.

Further, the farmers said they might not be in a position to get planting seeds for this season and called on the county government to consider providing them with seeds.

This comes amid outcries over the last season’s produce that has been lying in stores as they have not been able to sell it due to Covid-19 pandemic that has affected businesses.

.

Trending Now

• How to handle chicken before slaughter
• Role of water in animal health and productivity
• In Kenya, livestock farming stands as a testament to tradition and resilience
• Parsley farming: How to get it right, make cash
• New cane price leaves sour taste in farmers' mouths

.

Similar Articles

How to handle chicken before slaughter

Birds should be caught at night or lights should be dimmed to keep the birds calm during the catching process.

Livestock

By Jackline Inyanji

15 hours ago