With the looming El Nino, maize farmers will have to wait longer for the government to distribute driers and open the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.
Principal Secretary Paul Rono revealed that the NCPB stores will be ready for maize storage in the next one month. He also disclosed that the 100 mobile maize driers procured by the government will be available in a month's time.
Speaking at Kenya Seed Company (KSC) stand while officially opening this year's North Rift Agricultural Showground Kitale, Dr Rono said government subsidies on agricultural inputs had reduced the cost of production and farmers should be contented with the recently announced price of maize of Sh4,000 per 90 kg.
The PS said the price was arrived at after extensive consultation with stakeholders to ensure reduction in the price of flour.
"The price is favourable, and farmers should be contented with it," said Rono, who was accompanied by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and KSC board chairperson Purity Ngirici.
He further stated that the government is keen to guard farmers against post-harvest losses by ensuring availability of driers.
Natembeya asked the national government to ensure timely mitigation measures, especially this year due to El Nino.
Kenya Seed Company MD Sammy Chepsiror said they have invested in research to ensure production of quality and climate-smart seed.
