Cereal farmers have a reason to smile following the launch of special bags that will help reduce the number of post-harvest losses of grains.
The bag, 'Agroz Bag', was launched in Nakuru on Tuesday by the Africa Technical Research Center (ATRC).
Speaking during the launch, ATRC Director Dr Johnson Ouma said the bag would save the cost of preservation and boost the income of cereal farmers.
"This is a special gift to cereal farmers," Ouma said.
"These bags are well insulated to maintain cereal’s moisture and air content while ensuring no entry or survival of pests and insects. This will allow farmers to keep their produce for long until prices move high enough to increase their profits."
According to the Kenya Cereal Growers Association, post-harvest losses affect an approximated 40 per cent of cereals making the bags an immediate solution in curbing the problem especially to small scale farmers who lack adequate resources to store their harvests.
"These bags are cheap and will only cost Sh200 to purchase. Small scale farmers will largely benefit from it since it can also be used for three seasons."
Among produce that can be stored in these bags include maize, beans and cow peas.
However, farmers were advised to ensure that they have dried their cereals two weeks before storage.
The launch which took place at the ATRC offices was also attended by different stakeholders including county government officials and farmers.