A maize milling plant in Busia has been hit by maize shortage forcing it to operate at half capacity. Western Deluxe Maize Millers can crash 800 bags of maize per day if there is enough stock of maize. However, due to the scarcity of maize, it has been crashing 400 bags per day.
The firm’s accountant Emmanuel Mwaro said maize shortage is the major challenge facing them, thus the need to find a lasting solution lest the firm might be forced to close until enough maize stock is obtained.
Speaking to the press at the firm’s premises, Mwaro appealed to farmers who have maize they want to sell to deliver to the firm at Sh3, 600 per 90kg bag.
“We have a large store which can accommodate up to 5million bags. The capacity has not exceeded 50,000 bags since the launch in April 2016. The door is open to anybody with maize to supply to the firm. We pay upon delivery,” he said, adding that farmers have an opportunity of a lifetime to plant more maize since there is a ready market.
Mwaro said the factory price of 2kg packets of maize per bale of 12 packets is Sh1440. 1 kg is Sh1460 per bale; 5kg is Sh3000 while 50kg is Sh2, 800.
He said the firm currently sells its products to Busia, Nyamira, Kisumu, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia Counties, adding that they will extend to other counties once they start receiving constant supplies of maize.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong opened the maize milling plant in April 2016.
Mwaro can be reached on Tel 0723486841 for more details about maize delivery to the factory.