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Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has assured that the government has set aside funds to buy maize through the National Cereals and Produce Boards this season.

Speaking in Eldoret at the weekend while on a tour of maize fields in Uasin Gishu, Linturi told farmers to be patient as the government will soon announce new prices for their produce.

He also announced that the Government has acquired 100 mobile dryers that will assist farmers in drying their grain.

The dryers, Linturi said, will assist farmers in reducing post-harvest losses by ensuring that their maize is properly dried and stored.

“The mobile dryers will enable farmers to preserve the quality of their maize and increase their income. This is a significant development as post-harvest losses have been a major challenge for farmers in the past,” he said.

Maize crops will be purchased at depots that have already been opened ahead of the harvest. The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretaries Kello Harsama (Crop Development) and Jonathan Mueke (Livestock).
He assured farmers of the government’s continued support in terms of providing resources, training, and access to markets.

Farmers, led by Peter Metto, welcomed the decision by the government to set aside funds to buy their maize, saying the move will provide them with a guaranteed market for their produce.

“At least we can have a sigh of relief now that the government has assured us money has been set aside for the purchase of our produce ahead of harvest season,” Metto said. The CS also emphasised the need to involve the youth in agribusiness, saying agriculture presents numerous opportunities for young people to create wealth and contribute to the country’s development.

Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Edward Sawe praised the move to acquire dryers, saying this will not only benefit the farmers financially but also motivate them to continue investing in maize farming.

Sawe further lauded the registration of farmers in Uasin Gishu, saying it will help in the planning process, especially during the provision of subsidised fertilizer.