Grain farmers in Lugari sub county have been urged to join cooperative societies for better bargaining power for their produce in the local and international markets.
Speaking when he officially flagged of the selling of maize by farmers to World Food Program (WFP) at the Majengo cereal warehouse in Lugari sub county, Kakamega County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for agriculture Geoffrey Omulayi said cooperative societies will discourage brokers who take advantage of farmers by buying their produce at low prices.
Omulayi said it was encouraging that the first batch of maize that had been stored by farmers at the warehouse which is managed by Majengo farmer cooperative society has attracted international market through WFP which bought it at a good price.
“It’s encouraging that WFP has been here in Lugari and bought our maize at Kshs. 3,000 per 90ks bag which is a good price,” said Omulayi.
However, Omulayi challenged the farmers to ensure they produce quality maize in order to attract more buyers and fetch maximum profits locally and internationally.
“International market has now been opened to our farmers here in Lugari and Kakamega county at large and therefore quality produce are needed for export to fetch good prices since from here this consignment is being transported to the Coast where it will be exported to foreign countries ,” said Omulayi.
Thanking Majengo farmers’ cooperative society leadership for the good job, the CEC encouraged them to continue offering good leadership that will lead the society to grow and reap maximum profits hence combat poverty afflicting many farmers in the county.
“Proper leadership brings about accountability and transparency in the cooperative movement that is a key driver in our economy,” stressed Omulayi.
According to the Majengo farmers’ cooperative society chair lady Alice Adage, WFP bought a total of 2,200 bags of maize that had been stored by farmers at the warehouse after meeting the required international standards.
She promised that the society will continue working closely with the international organization to solve the market problem that for a long time has remained the biggest challenge to maize farmers in the area.
