The cries of maize farmers have been soaring in the recent past. The year began with them crying for fertilizers, and now it is ending with them crying about markets for their produce.
These cries are often directed to political leaders who are either nonchalant or neglectful about the plight of maize farmers. Deputy President William Ruto said in August that it is not a must that farmers grew maize, and can venture into other cash crops such as coffee.
It indeed shows a lack of political commitment from our leaders. There are alleged cartels running the show at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), who even import maize from other countries at the expense of the farmer.
The shortage witnessed last year, and subsequent arrival, at record times, of maize imported from Mexico paints a bleak future for the Kenyan farmer. The farmer is seemingly being told by the powers that be that he either shuts up or ship out. No other options.
Poor maize prices are a great hindrance to that farmer who yearns to educate their children and meet other basic needs at home.
Perhaps it is time these farmers smelled the rat and abandoned maize all together and venture into other cash crops. Some have already decided to venture into silage making to feed their cows or sell it to other farmers.
Many plants enough for local consumption, which still is not economical in the long run. The costs are quite high, straight from tilling to harvesting. It makes sense if one just bought the maize from other farmers, especially if one has a small family.
Efforts by Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago to start maize mills to ensure that farmers get value for their money are laudable. Whether these efforts shall bear fruits remain to be seen in the near future.
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