Advertisement

Maize farmers want NCPB to save them from ‘cartels’

Maize farmers want NCPB to save them from ‘cartels’
Thomas Boen, a farmer, during a meeting of cereal farmers in Eldoret town, yesterday. PHOTO/Winstone Chiseremi

Maize growers in the North Rift region have asked the government to direct the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to open its stores and allow direct purchases of their produce.

The farmers said they are set to start harvesting their maize crop in the next one month but NCPB was yet to open its stores spread across the region.

Led by Thomas Boen, a large-scale cereal farmer in the region, they expressed fears in the expected el nino rains, saying it will be difficult for them to dry the cereals when the rains begin. He said opening NCPB stores will help farmers get drying facilities and help stop sale of the produce to middlemen who have invaded the region.

“Most farmers have started harvesting their produce in fear of the anticipated heavy rains. However, drying of the produce is a big challenge. Although we took advantage of the government’s subsidised fertilisers and we are witnessing a bumper harvest, the middlemen have taken advantage of the farmers to the extent that some are selling maize at a throwaway price,” said Boen.

Demoralising farmers

Boen said the middlemen are out to demoralise maize farmers in a scheme that he claims is equal to cartelism in the sector. He lamented about millers and middlemen who he claimed are hiding under the guise of farmer’s produce having high aflatoxin levels in order to force the farmers to sell their produce for very low prices.

Last week, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of heavy downpours from the months of October to December 2023 across various parts of the country as a result of the El Nino climate phenomenon.

The met department stated that the long rains are expected to start in September and shall continue until January next year in various counties including the country’s grain basket regions of Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia. The farmers from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet counties also want a price of at least Sh5,500 per 90kg bag of maize.

Subsidised fertilisers

Jael Murgor, another farmer from Uasin Gishu, said that some farmers did not benefit from the subsidised fertilisers and were forced to purchase the inputs from retail shops.

“The process of getting the subsidised fertilisers proved hectic for some of us, forcing us to buy fertilisers at Sh7,000 per 50kg bag.

Some farmers, although registered, experienced delays in receipt of notifications to collect their fertilisers,” lamented Murgor.

She added that she would appreciate better maize prices of Sh8,000 per 90 kg bag stating that any lower price would give her losses. Murgor urged the government to conduct early preparations and ensure that it provides fertilisers for the next season in good time. She said that the subsidised fertilisers should be brought closer to the farmers in rural areas to avoid

The farmers have also urged  the government to buy maize directly from them and at a standardised price as is in neighbouing countries.

 They said NCPB should buy maize produce from farmers and thereafter sell to millers to avoid exploitation of the farmers.

“It would be better if the Government aimed at providing more stable and secure markets for farmers as it will play a pivotal role in supporting mitigating the distress faced by farmers and motivating us,” David Some, another farmer, stated.

They argued that as much as most farmers benefited from the subsidised fertilisers which were sold at Sh3,500, other services and needs have been very costly.

“The farmers incur a lot of costs before the maize is ready for the market. The fuel prices have been very high throughout the year as well as the cost of spare parts, topdressing and shelling of produce and even the labour required. With all these costs, and to ensure farmers do not incur losses, we would appreciate at least Sh5,500 per 90kg bag of maize,” added Some.

Author Profile

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement