Farmers in North Rift worried over poor rainfall

Most maize fields within Kaplamai, Kachibora, Kesogon, parts of Kwanza sub-county, Makutano area in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties had wilted as the scorching sun persists. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Maize farmers in the North Rift have expressed fears of heavy losses as a result of poor rains.

The crops in the fields have started to wilt.

Most maize fields within Kaplamai, Kachibora, Kesogon, parts of Kwanza sub-county, Makutano area in Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties had wilted as the scorching sun persists.

Since mid May, the amount of rainfall witnessed in the region has drastically dropped.

“It has been quite a challenge, especially for those who planted late since the maize crops are still in the early stages of growth and cannot withstand the hot sun that we have been experiencing for about one month now,” said John Kimutai, a maize farmer in Kapsara.

He challenged seed companies to begin researching on maize varieties that can withstand longer dry spells.

This comes even as the Meteorological Department disclosed this year’s rainfall could be scanty and below normal in some parts of Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties.

Fertiliser shortage

The farmers also took issue with the late supply of the Government subsidised top-dressing fertilisers; blaming officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) for allegedly working in cahoots with cartels to occasion the shortage of the input when it was needed most.

Statistics from the Department of Agriculture in Trans Nzoia indicate that maize production had gone up by over a million bags from about 4.7 million bags in the past four years with experts in the sector attributing the increase to use of customised mavuno fertilisers and favorable weather conditions.

However, farmers have this time decried over alleged poor quality fertilisers, which they suspect to be behind the stunted growth of maize in most farms.

“We are experiencing mixed challenges this season among them unreliable rainfall, poor fertilisers and high costs of farm inputs, and fear that it might affect our yields,” said Peter Chemonges, a maize farmer in Saboti.

But in an earlier monthly bulletin by the Meteorological Department,  light rains were expected early this month with a gradual increase towards the end.

Farmers have hence been advised to exercise patience as the crops will regain soon after the expected rains this month.