North Rift maize farmers are closer to achieving value addition and earning more after machinery for a Sh500 million maize milling plant was delivered in Uasin Gishu.
The farmers formed the Moisoy Farmers' Cooperative Union, now the largest in the region. It is investing in the construction of the Moisoy Maize Milling firm at Kabenes in Soy subcounty
Formation of the co-operative society and setting up of the plant was spearheaded by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago.
The farmers have been facing marketing problems but the milling plant will buy the maize from members to produce flour, animal feed and other products in a value-addition chain.
"We expect by the end of the year, the mill will be fully completed,” Mandago said. We have asked the contractor to expedite the works so we can mill our maize starting with this year’ harvest.”
He said value addition was the only way out for farmers who would now sell end products and not raw maize to the market.
The machinery included driers, grinders, industrial weighing bridge, silos and packaging machines.
Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno thanked the Moisoy Cooperative for heeding advice and agreeing to form the giant union that brings together several cooperatives.
“This is a milestone and good example of pulling resources together to solve the perennial challenge of maize farmers lacking markets for their produce every year,” Chemno said.
He said value addition would give farmers better earnings and hence help to increase production.
"Farmers will now have a place to sell their produce for the purpose of value addition, hence, better prices," Chemno said.
County CEC for cooperatives Esther Mutai urged farmers to strengthen the union and buy shares so they can own the milling plant.
“We need more farmers to buy shares, making the union stronger so the milling plant can explore other value addition chains,” she said.
Cooperative union chairperson Belfast Sang said, "We are very happy to receive these machines. We have made good progress. We expect to begin milling early next year."
(Edited by V. Graham)
