In a bid to counter the undue influence of exploitative middlemen and safeguard the interests of local maize farmers, Trans Nzoia County Government is forging an agreement with agricultural aggregators.
The move aims to offer fair prices for maize produce and eliminate the vulnerability that weather-related concerns often exploit, causing farmers to undersell their yields.
Governor George Natembeya emphasized the need to break free from the grip of middlemen who set prices arbitrarily, disregarding production costs.
Speaking at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Governor Natembeya urged farmers to display patience and avoid hasty sales at reduced prices.
He also underscored the county’s commitment to instituting regulations governing the sale of green maize to combat prevalent theft issues.
To further fortify local farmers, the government plans to amplify resource allocation for vital agricultural inputs like maize seed supply.
This move is designed to enhance farmers’ capacity to achieve abundant yields. The governor’s resolute stance against exploitative practices aims to stimulate economic growth within the region.
Middlemen
Under the theme “Enhancing Diversification of Agricultural Technologies for Nutrition and Food Security,” Governor Natembeya rallied farmers to resist middlemen’s exploitative tactics as the harvest season approaches.
The county’s support extends to a crop diversification program that encourages cultivating various crops like coffee, tea, tissue culture bananas, and macadamia.
In addition, the administration is dedicated to subsidizing seedling costs, ensuring accessibility for more farmers and fostering a diversified agricultural landscape.
Governor Natembeya also disclosed plans to bolster farmer education with the hiring of 160 extension officers stationed at the grassroots level.
Moreover, their role will involve educating farmers on effective crop and livestock management practices, reinforcing the county’s commitment to agricultural prosperity.
