Harvested Maize.[Photo/Nation]
Farmers have raised concerned that challenges experienced last year might be replicated in 2018.
Many farmers last season struggled with the high cost of inputs, an armyworm invasion, and delayed payment for maize delivered to the cereals board.
In North Rift, these issues have been the cause for poor yields even as the Government promised to improve producer prices from Sh3,000 to Sh3,200 per 90kg bag of maize.
Some farmers in the region want agriculture stakeholders to call for a meeting to help the producers to share their experiences and come up with lasting solutions to the myriad problems facing the sector.
“Unpaid dues for maize supplied to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), high and fluctuating cost of fuel, and high cost of pesticides are some of concerns for farmers as they prepare for the next planting season,” said Ruth Kemboi, a farmer in Uasin Gishu County.
Mrs Kemboi, who is also the Kenya National Farmers Federation’s Uasin Gishu branch treasurer, noted that the cost of diesel was Sh96 a litre, increasing the cost of ploughing.
She said farming was the main source of income for most of the residents and that additional operating costs will cut expected farming returns.
Another farmer, Kimutai Kolum, stated that once the new Agriculture Cabinet secretary, Mwangi Kiunjuri, is in office he should ensure speedy payment for the maize deliveries made to NCPB last December and January 2018.
Mr Joseph Cheboi, the Uasin Gishu county director of agriculture mentioned that the armyworm attack was a problem last year but added that farmers now have the knowledge to counter such a disaster.
At the same time, Kenya Seed Company (KSC) has promised farmers of enough certified maize seed for the current planting season. Sammy Chepsiror, KSC’s head of sales and marketing requested farmers to prepare their farms and buy certified seeds on time to avoid last minute rush. Mr Chepsiror said the company had about 10,000 stockists and agents countrywide.