By George Munene
Farmers from Kenya’s grain hub of North Rift Valley have demanded a rise in the price of maize being offered by The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) from Sh.1,305 for a 50 kilogram bag to Sh.3,000 for a 90 kilogram bag. This price farmers say is commensurate to the cost of production.
For a 50 kilogram bag the farmers say a fairer price would be Sh.1,700.
“Given the prevailing cost of production, it is impossible for me to make a profit from selling my maize at current prices, explained Gideon Tanui, an Elgeyo Marakwet maize farmer.
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Maize farmers in the country have complained that the agriculture ministry has neglected them and focused on enacting regulations that uplift coffee, tea macadamia, avocado and potato agriculture sub-sectors.
They have vowed not to sell their maize at the prevailing prices.