Government to buy a bag of maize at Ksh.2,300

Government to buy a bag of maize at Ksh.2,300

The Strategic Food Reserve Trust Fund (SFRTB) has set the new price of maize at Ksh. 2,300 for the next season.

Members of the task-force formed to address farmers woes have however rejected the figure and asked for a review before implementation.

“The purchase price for the 2018/2019 crop is Ksh.2300 per 90kg bag,” Insisted Noah Wekesa – Chairman SFRTB.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has also distanced himself from the set price and asked for a review.

“…At the worst, if we are not buying at last year’s price of Ksh.3200… It should be Ksh.2500,” said Governor Mandago.

On his part, Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba said that the farmers will make a marginal profit and they may not have incentive to produce the crop next year.

The board has however defended the price saying it is meant to balance consumer price with that of the farmers.

The board intends to buy some 2.5 million bags from farmers in the next season.

“We know that the national requirement is 4 million bags… where will they get the 2 million bags they don’t want to buy from farmers,” queried Governor Mandago.

“The fund is currently holding an equivalent of 3.79 million bags procured in 2017/2018 majority of which are barely a year old and are being warehoused in warehouses and silos…. Bulk being in north rift,” said Noah Wekesa.

The board faces yet another challenge on storage which may be dealt with by incorporating technology in the warehouses to ensure the reserves remain fit for human consumption before 2 years elapse.

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories