The farmers in North Rift have accused the government of giving them low prices for their maize products. [Photo/Courtesy]
Farmers in North Rift have said they will not heed a government appeal to deliver their maize to the National and Cereals Produce Board (NCPB).
The farmers who are still recovering from a prolonged drought, are upset by what they say are low prices from the board. The situation might get worse for the farmers, with the met department warning of another drought in 2018.
The farmers have had to endure prolonged drought and unpredictable rains over the past one year, affecting greatly this year’s output.
Agriculture CS Willy Bett recently sent out an appeal to the farmers, calling upon the farmers to deliver all the maize they have.
“We will buy all the maize as the government has put in place resources to ensure farmers are paid. Paying farmers is ongoing and we urge them to deliver their produce,” he said.
Farmers, however, insist that the government is giving little compensation insisting they will not deliver the maize at a throw-away price.
On Tuesday, farmers in Nakuru demonstrated over the same issue, saying they had delivered maize from December but were yet to be paid.
The farmers said the government owes them over Sh300 million but were promised that their dues will be paid.
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