Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua tells local farmers to sell their maize before the government imports it.
Speaking during the opening of the Eldoret National Agricultural Society of Kenya Show, the deputy president said that farmers should sell their produce before imports disrupt the current market prices.
“We have decided to import maize to plug in the deficit. Imported maize will reduce the cost of maize. I urge you to release maize into the market. Release the main in your stores to enjoy the current favourable prices,” he said.
According to Mr Gachagua, imported maize will be tax-free and thus cheaper, adding that Farmers will suffer losses despite their efforts. Deputy Gachagua stated that importation is critical in lowering the cost of living before measures implemented by the government, such as fertilizer subsidies, bear fruit, adding that in a few months, the price of a 2kg bag of maize meal will drop from Sh180 to Sh130 or even less.
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Deputy President Gachagua assured farmers that ongoing policy changes in the coffee, tea and dairy sectors would be maintained, and farmers would benefit from higher prices. He pointed out that the government has directed the Kenya Dairy Board to stop accepting milk from outside sources.
“We have stopped importation of powdered milk for local farmers to enjoy better prices. We do not want one person to dominate the market. No more licensing of imported powdered milk,” Mr Gachagua said.
Deputy president Gachagua prompted farmers to practise climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming.
“In climate smart agriculture, we are called upon to integrate crop and animal production into environmental management practices in a balanced and complementary manner. We must invest in technology to receive and understand weather and seasons better and in real time,” gachagua added.
The deputy president stated that more land is being irrigated as part of long-term plans to improve food security.
