Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett has announced a price of Sh3,200 for a 90-kilogramme bag compared with Sh3,000 that was paid to growers last year.
Mr Bett defended the price saying it will cushion farmers from harsh weather conditions and fall armyworm invasion that they faced this year, forcing them to incur extra cost in spraying.
In May, Kenya announced a Sh6 billion subsidy on maize imports to help lower the cost of flour which had shot up due to a regional drought and poor planning.
Maize farmers will earn six per cent more this year from their produce after the government increased the buying price for this season's crop. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett has announced a price of Sh3,200 for a 90-kilogramme bag compared with Sh3,000 that was paid to growers last year.
Mr Bett defended the price saying it will cushion farmers from harsh weather conditions and fall armyworm invasion that they faced this year, forcing them to incur extra cost in spraying.
“Based on the cost of production and in consideration of the farmers’ mark up of 35 per cent (Sh790 per bag), the SFR Board has recommended the produce price for a 90kg bag of maize be Sh3,000,” said Mr Bett.
Subsidy
In May, Kenya announced a Sh6 billion subsidy on maize imports to help lower the cost of flour which had shot up due to a regional drought and poor planning.
The subsidy, which sets a two-kilogramme packet retails at Sh90, is expected to end by the end of the when new crop harvests enter the market.
