This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Published on November 13, 2019
Maize farmers in the North Rift region are celebrating after prices of the commodity rose this season.
A 90kg bag of maize, which fetched as low as Sh1,500 last season, is now selling between Sh2,600 and Sh3,000.
Traders from as far as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi have been trooping to the region to buy maize, with some farmers expecting the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to buy the produce at Sh3,500 per bag.
“It is a good beginning for us. The current market prices are encouraging compared to last year when we sold the commodity to traders at a throwaway price,” said Fredrick Rono, a farmer.
Mr. Rono added that they expect the Government to offer them between Sh3,500 and Sh3,600 per 90kg bag as an incentive for their efforts towards ensuring food security.
Tom Nyagechaga, the secretary general of Kenya National Federation of Farmers, called on the Government to be fair in its offer considering the high cost of production farmers have been incurring.
“Maize farming is a major source of income for North Rift residents. We don’t expect poor prices from the Government,” Mr. Nyagechaga said.
Strategic Food Reserve chairman Noah Wekesa has hinted that the Government would soon announce its prices, saying the Government was studying market trends before making an offer.
