NCPB to train farmers on proper grain storage

National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has partnered with the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) to conduct training of stakeholders in the grain sub sector.

The partnership was mooted during a meeting between the bosses of the two organisations on July 13, 2022 at the NCPB headquarters.

This was necessitated by the need to improve the standards in the management of grains along the marketing value chain and ensure that only high-quality grains are available for trade and consumption by the public.

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The project will support the Government's efforts towards providing safe and wholesome food as espoused in Food and Nutrition Security Pillar of the Big Four Agenda.

Centres of excellence

The partnership will see NCPB and EAGC establish centres of excellence for training on grain handling and management in various parts of the country, with the first centre being jointly established in Nakuru county.

"NCPB has grain storage facilities across the country that offer perfect sites for practical training as well as experienced staff with the requisite technical and practical skills in post-harvest management; elements which are critical for providing high quality training for value chain actors," said Mr Joseph Kimote, Managing Director of NCPB.

The targeted groups for the training include farmers, cooperatives, grain warehouse operators, traders, commodity graders, new NCPB staff recruits, governments (national and county) and financial institutions.

The courses to be offered at the centres of excellence include stock and storage facility management, inventory financial and collateral management, grain quality management, fumigation and pest control, among others.

"EAGC mandate to facilitate efficient structured inclusive and profitable grain trade requires trained and competent practitioner hence the reason why EAGC established the Grain Trade Institute accredited by the National Industrial Training Authority, and a registered examination centre by the Kenya National Examinations Council,'' said EAGC managing director Gerald Masila.

He added: ''Through the EAGC and NCPB partnership the institute will scale up the training courses for the NCPB staff and other stakeholders in the grain value chain."