Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show in Kitale was opened on Wednesday, with Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba urging the national government to announce the maize prices as well as opening the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) so that maize farmers can sell their produce and enhance agriculture.
The Governor further urged farmers in the County not to sell their maize to middlemen who are many in the County, saying the middlemen only take advantage of the government;’s failure to announce buying prices.
On his part, the Kenya Seed Company Sales and Marketing manager Albert Sumba urged residents to take advantage of the show and turn up in large numbers. He said farmers will benefit given that lessons will be offered during the show, and will equip them with the relevant knowledge needed in Agriculture.
He reiterated that despite the fact the fall armyworms’ menace hit the country hard this year, there were sufficient harvests which will cater for Kenyans when needed. He was quick to castigate the gambling culture in the country, saying the youth have neglected other vital practices like agriculture, “Most youths are now using that as a shortcut to make money instead of embracing practices like farming,” he said.
