Reports that some farmers are now using an unknown substance to dry maize is a matter of serious concern.
According to Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono, farmers are using an unknown white powder to dry maize.
The substance is sprayed on maize and within one hour all the maize is dry and hard, with the required moisture content.
This exposes hundreds of Kenyans whose staple food is ugali, which is a by-product of maize, to poisoning.
Over time, this will lead to increased illness and death. The government must therefore quickly move in to deal with those selling the substance.
The reason farmers have resorted to this quick fix is that the cost of maize drying services is way beyond the ordinary farmer and the dryers available are mainly located in towns.
The government last year procured 100 grain dryers for use in 15 maize-growing counties, but this is a drop in the ocean considering the demand for affordable maize-drying services.
Apart from maize, some fruit traders also use chemicals to hasten the ripening of bananas, mangoes and avocados for quick sale.
Profits must not be put at the forefront of people's health and all the relevant government agencies must play their role in dealing with these killer merchants.
Quote of the Day: “I sometimes think that there is a link between the decline in humanity and the increase in prosperity and comfort. Property and comfort are what people seek, but the costs to character are often terrifying.”
Guan Moye, pen name Mo Yan
The Chinese novelist and Nobel laureate (2012) was born on February 17, 1955
