Farmers to benefit from Sh3,500 maize price as state builds strategic reserve
JOSEPH NG’ANG’A- KNA
The Government, through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), will immediately begin purchasing one million 90kg bags of maize from farmers at a price of Sh3,500 per bag for the National Strategic Food Reserve.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja stated that the set price of Sh3,500 per bag is intended to help farmers maintain profit margins and aligns with the prevailing farm gate price of Sh2,835.
“During the 2022/2023 short rains, the Kenya Kwanza Government launched a fertilizer subsidy program to boost agricultural production and ensure food security for all Kenyans by reducing the cost of fertilizer from Sh6,500 to the current Sh2,500 per 50kg bag,” explained Dr. Karanja.
The CS added that a total of 6.45 million farmers have been successfully registered on the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS), a platform that has enabled effective administration of the subsidy program through the e-voucher system.
Dr. Karanja noted that the fertilizer subsidy, together with relatively favorable weather conditions, has led to improved maize production. “The maize production for the 2024 long rains season is projected to reach 75.97 million 50kg bags,” said Dr. Karanja.
The CS emphasized that, in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda to ensure a low cost of living, the Sh3,500 price will also help maintain the current price of maize flour, which is retailing at Sh130 per 2kg packet.
“The purchase of the one million bags will also bolster the National Strategic Food Reserve, which is currently at 30 per cent of the proposed quantities,” disclosed the CS. Dr. Karanja added that maize will be purchased from all farmers and urged them to adhere to quality standards to ensure safe storage.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, in collaboration with county governments, will provide capacity-building support on quality standards and post-harvest management practices to minimize food loss,” said Dr. Karanja.