Maize farmers in Likuyani Sub County have been warned against selling their dry maize at throwaway prices in Lugari and Likuyani in Kakamega County. Matunda sub location assistant chief Joseph Shikuku has cautioned maize farmers from the area to be wary of unscrupulous middlemen who are out to exploit their hard work.
Shikuku noted that already some farmers have begun to sell dry maize at regrettable
prices to middlemen who have invaded the area during this harvesting season.
He regretted that only two months ago residents were buying maize in a 2kg tin at Ksh. 150 from the same middlemen, and he noted that those farmers who have already harvested maize are exchanging their produce for Sh 50 per 2kg tin.
The assistant chief further appealed to the agricultural officers in the Sub County to regularly sensitize farmers on the best commercial practices in order for them to benefit from informed decisions when it comes to buying and selling their farm produce.
He has advised farmers to instead sell maize through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) at reasonable prices once they open.
The local administrator also underlined the importance of farmers joining cooperative societies arguing that it was through such organizations that better prices will be realized.