The department of Agriculture in Gatundu North sub-county has urged farmers in the region to join cereal banking groups that will help them store and sell their farm produce at the right time and reasonable prices.
Speaking to farmers at Kanyoni market in Gatundu North sub-county on Wednesday, the agriculture officer, Marion Wangechi said lack of storage facilities and poor planning by farmers has forced them to sell their cereals at a throw away prices.
Wangechi encouraged farmers to join cereal banking groups in the region that have been established to assist them store their produce as they wait to sell at better prices.
“Please join cereal banking groups in this region so that you get assisted on storage practices for better pricing of your agricultural products,” she said.
Wangechi regretted that most farmers have already sold their maize and beans exposing them to hunger besides low profits due to poor prices.
“Poor storage methods and need to raise school fees are key factors pushing farmers to sell their produce cheaply and earlier than necessary,” she said.
The agriculture officer advised farmers to seek advice from agriculture officers on pesticide ratios for proper storage to avoid losses.
She assured the traders that the market modernisation was part of the county plans, adding that water and lavatories will be constructed at the market.