Farmers in Naivasha region in Nakuru County are worried of poor yields owing to the delayed long rains that often start in mid February.
The delayed rains which normally start in February after the necessary preparations on the farms are to blame for the unpredictable yields come harvesting season.
“I ploughed my shamba in January as we are used to receiving the rains beginning February. After the short rains that fell in January, I planted but now it has turned out it was a wrong timing since the long rains are yet to start,” lamented Julius Mugo.
The changing climatic patterns which may be attributed to the overall global warming and pollution has forced some farmers to cushion themselves lest the region is hit by poor yields and famine after the next harvesting season in December.
“I did the first planting in February as I was expecting the rains to start soon thereafter but they failed. I had bought high quality seeds but I will be forced to plant again since these seeds are sensitive to hot temperatures as was the case with the hot sun over the past one month. We are hoping that the rains will start soonest to salvage the little crops that have been left,” narrated another farmer, Cecilia Waithera.
Further, the farmers have urged the government to subsidise the cost of quality seeds which will assist in good harvests.
“We are buying the 2kg bag of maize seeds for as high as Sh700. This is very expensive especially for those who cannot afford them and we therefore urge the government through the ministry of agriculture to chip in and curb these unscrupulous traders who are taking advantage of the planting seasons,” Mugo added.