Farmers from the North Rift region and the entire nation have something to smile about after Deputy President William Ruto announced the price per bag of maize will be Kshs 3000, and procurement of 150,000 metric tonnes of subsidised fertilizers for the next planting season.
The announcement by the Deputy president was made after several leaders from the county led by the Trans Nzoia County Governor Patrick Khaemba, Senator Henry ole Ndiema and County MP Janet Nangabo made requests to the government to improve the buying price of a bag of maize from the current Kshs. 2300 to Kshs. 3000. This was aimed at improving the gains of farmers who were incurring losses due to the low prices.“After
“After analyzing the cost of production with the committee of agriculture and other stakeholders in agriculture, the government has resolved to buy a 90kg bag of maize from farmers at Kshs. 3000 to boost the maize farming business,” he said.
Ruto said the government is formulating strategies to protect maize farmers from being exploited by middlemen and traders, particularly when it comes to maize delivered to National Cereals and Produce Board and fertilizers.
Speaking when he officiated the opening of Kitale National ASK show, the Deputy President Ruto directed the Ministry of Agriculture to procure 150,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer ahead of the next planting season out of which 50,000 metric tonnes will be sourced from local manufacturers.
“The ball is in the hands of local fertilizer manufacturers. Let them ensure the fertilizer is suitable for the soil in the regions,” he added.
Ruto also announced that the government will next year release sh 300 million to Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) to put up an embryo transfer plant in Kitale.
He said already the government has spent sh 500 million to construct a bull station at Sabwani ADC farm and disclosed that additional Kshs 300 million will be provided for the completion of the project. He said the bull station at Endebess which is under construction will be complete by next year.