The government has confirmed it will not increase maize prices at the NCPB, maintaining the rate of Sh4,000 per 90kg bag for farmers.
Agriculture PS Paul Rono stated at the NCPB depot in Eldoret on Friday that this price is the most advantageous for farmers. He mentioned that while the NCPB offers a competitive price, farmers have the option to sell their maize to other buyers who might offer better rates.
Rono reported that farmers have sold over 700,000 bags of maize to the NCPB, receiving more than Sh1.5 billion in payments. He assured that any outstanding payments would be completed by the end of the year.
This season, farmers are expected to harvest a record-breaking 70 million bags of maize, thanks to government-subsidized fertilizers and high-quality seeds. Rono, alongside Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, emphasized that farmers can still choose to sell their produce to the NCPB.
Starting in November, the government will distribute subsidized fertilizers nationwide to prepare farmers for the next planting season. The tendering process for the fertilizer distribution is underway, with a commitment to high-quality products.
Additionally, the government has distributed 100 driers to reduce the 30 percent post-harvest losses experienced annually by farmers. Rono also encouraged crop diversification to enhance soil fertility and profitability, announcing that sunflower seeds would be provided to farmers in 41 counties.
To streamline the process, all farm inputs will be available at the same depots, minimizing the need for farmers to seek supplies from multiple locations. The government is also promoting smart farming practices and mechanization in response to climate change impacts and is taking similar supportive measures for tea and sugarcane farmers.
