Lugari Member of National Assembly, Nabii Daraja Nabwera, has warned maize farmers in his Constituency against selling their produce at throw away prices to unscrupulous middlemen during this harvesting season.
Addressing residents in Lugari ward, Nabii observed that after heavy costs incurred during planting season early in the year, it was regrettable to see a section of unsuspecting farmers now disposing off the commodity at lower prices to business brokers.
The MNA pleaded for patience from the farmers while assuring them that plans for buying the crop at attractive prices by Muyuji Welfare based in Marakusi location through the sponsorship of Kenya Commercial Bank ( KCB) were at an advanced stage..
He at the same time asked the national government to open all National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) stations in order to save the farmers from exploitative individuals.
“Time and again the government has always been unfair to maize farmers in Western region. It has always opened NCPB stations long after middlemen have grabbed almost all the commodity at throw away prices from our helpless farmers,” observed Nabii.
With 2kg of maize locally known as gorogoro retailing at a paltry Shs.70, the MP cautioned maize buyers who have flooded the area against exploiting unsuspecting farmers.
“It’s so disappointing that just recently you buying 2kg of maize at sh. 230 now you are selling the same at a throw away price of between sh. 70 – 80 and soon again you’ll start buying it at over sh. 200,” regretted Nabii
