Farmers protest new maize prices

Kenya: The new maize prices have left farmers, who had been waiting for the pronouncement with bated breath, even more disheartened.

Farmers and leaders in maize growing areas had piled pressure on the Government to announce new prices and were expecting nothing less than Sh3,000 per 90kg bag of maize.

North Rift farmers criticised the Government's decision to buy maize at Sh2,200.

Both large and small-scale farmers expressed shock at the drastic drop in prices and said the Government was being "insensitive to those who toil to feed the country".

"We were dumbfounded following the announcement of Sh2,200 per 90kg bag of maize by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Felix Koskei. This will impede us from going back to farming next year," said Kimutai Kolum, a large-scale farmer from Uasin Gishu.

Ready cash

The farmers were of the view that the Government's move could spell victory to middlemen and millers who offer prices that are slightly below Sh2,200.

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is currently receiving maize under the Warehouse Receipting System (WRS). Farmers will not receive the money immediately but they have indicated they are faced with urgent financial needs and also want cash for Christmas.

Thomas Kiptum Korgoren, another farmer, said some farmers might opt to sell their produce to middlemen or millers if they want ready cash to meet their financial demands.

"We spend above Sh2,000 to produce a 90kg bag of maize. The Government has not factored other costs incurred," said Mr Korgoren.

Mr Kolum also expressed fear that with the new prices, there is likelihood there would be a drastic drop in acreage under maize.

"The Government should have been considerate by increasing the prices to enable farmers meet their children's educational obligations and also prepare well in advance for the next planting season. Sh2,200 is much below what we expected," said Kolum.

Farmers are also forced to part with an extra Sh41 per 50kg monthly as cost of storage under WRS at the NCPB go-downs.

Eldoret, Moi's Bridge, Ziwa, Kipkaren and Turbo depots are already receiving produce from farmers.

Uasin Gishu's Kenya National Farmers Federation branch chairman Musa Barno said there was congestion at Ziwa NCPB depot as farmers delivered the produce.

 

"On top of Sh500 rebate paid by the Government, farmers now earn more per 90kg bag. We urge the President to intervene and consider increasing produce prices to at least Sh3,500 per bag," said Mr Barno.

"Middlemen who offer prices of around Sh1,700 per 90kg bag of maize will benefit more because farmers urgently want ready cash," said Kipkorir Menjo, Kenya Farmers Association director.

Mr Menjo observed that the Government could not conceal its failure to offer favourable prices in the name of the East African Community common market price harmonisation since these other countries have significantly lowered the cost of production through subsidies.

He said maize is trading at lower prices in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania because the cost of production has been significantly reduced.

In West Pokot and Trans Nzoia counties farmers protested saying the Government ought to buy the produce for at least Sh3,000 to cushion them from losses.

Lucas Galgalo, a farmer, said the Government subsidised fertiliser costs but tilling, labour and fuel charges have remained high.