Uhuru orders NCPB to buy 2M bags of maize from Kenyan farmers at Ksh.2,500

Uhuru orders NCPB to buy 2M bags of maize from Kenyan farmers at Ksh.2,500

President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to immediately open buying centres and stores to receive maize from farmers across the country.

In a statement to newsrooms on Thursday, State House said President Kenyatta ordered the NCPB – through the Strategic Food Reserve — to purchase 2 million bags of maize, each weighing 90 kilograms, at Ksh.2,500 per bag.

“Following various government interventions and the good weather experienced in 2018, we have had a bumper harvest to the tune of 46 million bags.  In addition, there is about 2.5 million bags carried over from the 2017 harvest,” read the statement.

“The Government will simultaneously release 1.7 million 90kg bags of maize at Ksh. 1,600 and an additional 300,000 bags of animal feed at KSh. 1,400 per bag.”

According to the President, there is sufficient maize in the market selling at between Ksh.1,700 and Ksh.1,800 per 90kg per bag.

The Head of State also called upon investigative agencies to expedite the verification process to ensure maize farmers are paid as soon as possible.

Last year during Madaraka Day, President Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Agriculture to finalize the audit and verify pending payments to sugar cane farmers.

“I am pleased to confirm that the process has been successfully completed and I therefore direct the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Treasury to immediately start the process of paying the farmers,” he stated.

“Finally, let me reiterate that the Government remains committed to supporting farmers to increase agricultural productivity. In this context, I have directed the Ministry to accelerate the implementation of interventions that have been agreed upon under the Big Four Food and Security Agenda.”

Tags:

President Uhuru Kenyatta Big four agenda maize NCPB

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