Maize prices have started dropping drastically in most parts of North Rift where farmers in some areas are already harvesting.
Prices were as high as Sh7,000 per 90kg bag a month ago but a bag now sells for less than Sh4,500 and farmers fear prices will drop to less than Sh3,000 by mid-next month.
A group of leaders from the region have urged the government to start early preparations to purchase maize from farmers through the National Cereals and Produce Board.
Senator for Uasin Gishu Jackson Mandago says the drop in prices may reduce the financial ability by farmers to afford farm inputs for next year.
“We urge the government to make early plans on how to purchase the maize from farmers at good prices so they can go back to the farms and produce adequate food in the new year,”Mandago said.
Mandago at a meeting in Eldoret last weekend said prices of fertiliser for planting should be reduced to about Sh 1,500 per 50kg bag because of the quick drop in maize prices.
DP Rigathi Gachagua attended the session.
Mandago said as prices now are aboutSh 3,500 per 50kg bag, farmers will be forced to spent more on fertiliser while earning less from maize.
DP Gachagua rejected the lower prices of fertiliser but promised the government would look into the matter.
“As government, we have already taken steps to reduce the price of fertiliser but it’s not possible at the moment to go to Sh1,500 per bag as suggested," Gachagua said.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei and Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot also urged the government to reduce taxes of farm inputs so farmers can produce more food.
“We should not face famine in some parts of this country yet our farmers can produce excess food stocks if supported well,”Cherargei said.
Barorot said the cost of farm machinery like tractors should be brought down through reduction taxes by the new administration.
“The government should also lower taxes on animals feed so our dairy farmers can increase their productivity as we plan to make the country food secure,” Barorot said.
He said Uasin Gishu County as planned to reintroduce extension services for farmers to help them modernise and also deal with the challenges, such as increasing ctop diseases.
(Edited by V. Graham)
