The government has assured farmers in the North Rift region and across the country that they will be paid for the products supplied to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Dr Andrew Tuimur says they are already in the process of releasing Sh1.4 billion to facilitate payment to farmers.
“We will release the money this or next week so that they are paid. We know farmers are going through a hard time due to their unpaid dues but soon every farmer will be paid,” said Tuimur in Eldoret town, Tuesday.
NCPB owes farmers over Sh3.5 billion which has not been paid since as early as December last year.
Concerning the government's plan to allow importation of wheat from Tanzania, Tuimur said millers will be required to first buy the wheat from local farmers before importing.
"There is is no cause of alarm on this issue as we have made it clear to millers that they will prioritise buying wheat from local farmers before importing," said the Agriculture CAS.
Farmers from Uasin Gishu recently protested against plans to import wheat at a time they are preparing to harvest theirs while already farmers in Narok have started harvesting.
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