The CS for Agriculture Willy Bett flanked by stakeholders from the cereals sector address the press in Naivasha at the end of a three-day forum on maize growing. [The Star]The government will introduce a new policy to make it a requirement for millers to blend maize with millet, sorghum or cassava.Agriculture CS Willy Bett has said that through this initiative the country shall reduce cases of malnutrition by two percent annually especially among young children who are more prone to the problem."This initiative which we have discussed at length with the millers will also give millet, sorghum and cassava farmers a chance to sell their produce," says Bett.Bett also announced measures meant to increase maize production countrywide which include reducing production costs.The CS also said that the government will lease its land to maize growers as the country is already facing a deficit of 10 million bags with production standing at 40 million bags per year against the demand for 50 million bags."We had a productive meeting with stakeholders in the maize sector and we have agreed on a raft of issues, which will come in handy in addressing productivity," Bett said as quoted by the Star.This emerged on Friday at the Country Club, Naivasha, at the end of a three-day forum between the state and players in the grain sector. Agriculture CS Willy Bett said the government is keen to reduce pressure on maize which Kenya’s staple food.

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