The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has announced a review of its drying charges.
According to the board, the move seeks to help farmers avoid post-harvest loses and alleviate the challenges they are facing.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 7, 2023, NCPB said drying wet grain from a maximum of 18 per cent to 13.5%/12.5% moisture content will now be charged at Ksh70 per 90kg.
Further, drying wet grain from a maximum of 24 per cent to 18 per cent moisture content will be charged at Ksh80 per 90 kilogram bag.
“The charges are subsidized and farmers are encouraged to utilize NCPB mobile grain drying services,” the board said.
It also noted that the services are being offered in Ziwa, Kapsowar, Kedowa, Kapsokwony, Turbo, Mosroriot, Eldama Ravine, Bomet and Kapnguria.
Launch of mobile grain dryers
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi about a forthnight ago launched 100 grain dryers that were to be used within the North Rift region.
But some of the farmers say the dryers are yet to be delivered on the ground.
“Grain drying services are also accessible within silos/depots with fixed dryers like Nairobi, Nakuru, Narok, Kilgoris, Eldoret, Moi’s Bridge, Kitale, Bungoma and Kisumu,” NCPB said in the statement issued by the Corporate Communications.
The country has been witnessing high rainfall due to what the Kenya Meteorological Department has linked to the El-Nino phenomenon.
With the above-average rainfall expected to continue until January 2024, there has been fears that grain farmers might not be able to dry their produce using the open fields as it has been their tradition.
Farmers’ lack of capacity to manage their grain due to humidity that has led to high grain moisture content is the reason behind the government introducing mobile grain dryers.
NCPB notes that high humidity in grains leads to high levels of aflatoxin an other mycotoxins, hence rendering the grain unfit for human consumption.
“Wheat and maize farmers who wish to utilize the mobile and fixed dyers are invited to visit our depots to get the services at the above competitive rates,” NCPB said.
