Farmers told to store harvest in good moisture conditions

Governor Cleophas Lagat addresses residents at a fundraiser at Kapng’ombe. He wants farmers to store their maize produce well to avoid post-harvest loses. [PHOTO: KEVIN TUNOI/STANDARD]

Kericho; Kenya: Farmers have been advised to store their maize grains in good moisture conditions to avoid post harvesting wastage and risks of aflatoxin-related cases.

Governor Cleophas Lagat said the ongoing rains have aggravated humid conditions and cautioned farmers currently harvesting maize to ensure it is well dried before storage to avoid risks of losses.

Dr Lagat told the farmers if possible to hold the harvesting and wait for the rains to reduce so as to achieve dry conditions for grain handling.

"Our county has good rain patterns, and I urge farmers to avoid risks of post-harvest losses by storing their produce when it is dry enough," said Lagat.

Most parts of the North Rift region is currently experiencing heavy downpours, as farmers prepare to harvest this season's maize.

The governor who spoke during a funeral ceremony at Kurkung, Mosop Constituency said the region leads in maize production in the country, and urged farmers to maximise their potential by ensuring the crop is well stored so as to be able to reap maximally.

At the same time, he urged maize farmers to diversify into other agricultural sub-sectors including horticulture and flori-culture instead of over-relying on one crop.

"I appeal to farmers to practice crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and also control diseases that have been a threat to certain crops including the Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease," he said.

Lagat said his government is exploring ways of setting an insurance cover that would cushion farmers from losses due to conditions that cannot be prevented.