A maize plant that has been eaten by the destructive fall army worms. [Photo/Business Daily]
Farmers in the North Rift want the Ministry of Agriculture to announce buying price of this season's maize as they prepare to harvest.
The farmers, who were led by Ainabkoi Member of parliament William Chepkut, have asked the government through the ministry to also increase the price of maize and wheat as compared to last season prices.
It will be remembered that last season, government bought maize at Sh3,000 per 90 kilogram bag and wheat at Sh3200 per 90 kilogram bag.
They now claim that this season there has been increased cost of production due to the destructive army worms which they claim to have destroyed about 40 per cent of their produce.
Previously, the ministry had released data showing 250,000 hectares of land affected by the army worms.
The counties affected included, Uasin Gishu which lost (8,000 ha), Trans-Nzoia (10,000 ha), Bungoma (31,600 ha), Nandi (7,000 ha) and Nakuru (48,969 ha).
On cumulative, the land affected by the outbreak was estimated to be 11 per cent of total Land under which maize is cultivated in Kenya.
The farmers have, however, promised the government that the better pay will help them increase the next season produce.