How senate is flexing to protect maize famers from Hungry cartels

The Senate has adopted proposals by farmers for the amendment of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Act.

Farmers want a revolving fund for the purchase of maize created as opposed to the current situation where NCPB is relying on money from the national government.

The Senate ad-hoc committee on agriculture, which visited maize-growing areas in the North Rift in September last year, is also proposing the registration of all farmers to weed out cartels who have infiltrated the sector.

“The Senate has adopted all proposals by farmers which, if implemented, will end many challenges bedevilling the agriculture sector,” said committee chairperson Margaret Kamar.

The team has also adopted a push by farmers to have guaranteed minimum returns.

According to Prof Kamar, this will assure growers of their true harvest value and make farming a viable investment.

Governors and farmers from maize-growing zones have been demanding that devolved units be allowed to manage the cereals board.

“Agriculture is a devolved function and we wonder why decisions are still made in Nairobi while farmers are with us here on the ground,” Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago told the committee during its sitting in Eldoret town last year.

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