Don't sell your maize at throw-away prices, governor tells farmers

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii (centre) admires sheep during the East Africa Grain Trade Business Exhibition at Eldoret National Polytechnic in Uasin Gishu County on Thursday, November 2, 2023. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii has urged maize farmers to store their produce and wait for prices to improve.

He cautioned the farmers against selling their maize at throw-away prices noting the price of a 90kg bag is likely to go up to Sh5,500.

Speaking during an Agri-business expo organized by the East Africa Grain Council (EAGC) at Eldoret National Polytechnic to sensitize farmers on avoiding post-harvest losses, the governor urged farmers to dry and store their produce until prices appreciated.

"The truth is that you cannot sell your produce at Sh6,000 per 90 kg bag at the moment since the government has already set the Sh4,000 price ceiling. I urge farmers to store their maize awaiting better prices so that they do not incur losses," said the county boss.

Governor Bii's sentiments come amid complaints from disgruntled farmers who rejected the Sh4,000 price announced by the government.

Last week, President William Ruto said the maize prices would remain at the already announced price. He said the farmers can still sell their produce in open markets, to the highest bidders, and not necessarily the government.

"The government will give you Sh4,000 per 90 kg bag but we will not force you to sell to us. If you find someone with a better price, just sell to them. At the end of the day, it's your maize," Ruto said on Sunday.

Maize farmer Thomas Boen in Uasin Gishu County on August 31, 2023. [Christopher Kipsang, Standard]

But maize farmers, led by their representatives Kipkorir Menjo and Thomas Boen, argued the price the government has set is meant to punish them for their hard work.

The farmers said millers and middlemen are now buying their produce for as low as Sh3,100, plunging them into massive losses.

"It is true that we received subsidized fertilizers but the other costs including fuel, transport, and labour have remained high. Inflation has also been a big problem. We are wondering if it is illegal for farmers to gain profits from their toils," they argued.

Bii has also asked the government to expedite the provision of mobile dryers as the rains continue to pound the region.

He said the dryers would be distributed to various cooperatives which will make them accessible to farmers in the rural areas.

EAGC Managing Director Gerald Masila advised farmers on better farming practices and handling of produce to avoid post-harvest losses and cases of aflatoxin.

"Since the rains have started while farmers are out harvesting their produce, we advise them to ensure that the harvested maize does not come into contact with the soils as they cause the spread of fungi in the produce resulting in Aflatoxins," said Masila.

He said that farmers should embrace mechanical drying methods such as the use of dryers to ensure their produce is well dried and use hermetic bags to store the maize produce.