Embu: Maize farmers alarmed by low prices, call on government to buy their produce

Maize farmers in Embu have called on the government through the National Cereals and Produce Board to buy their maize as they face exploitation by middlemen who are offering low prices for their produce.

Led by Mwariama Council of Elders chairman Njagi kumantha, the farmers lamented the dip in prices that has seen them sell their produce for as low as Sh 15 per kilo down from Sh.40 two months ago.

“We have a cereals depot in Majimbo and another one in Ishiara, which are stocked with maize from Rift Valley region. We want the Embu government to liaise with the national government and buy maize from the local farmers at a minimum price of Sh60 per 2kg tin,” said Kumantha.

The farmers who have had a bumper harvest due to the heavy rains from March-June are being forced to sell at low prices so as to raise money for school fees and other needs.

The farmers have to deal with the challenge of finding buyers for their produce as they lack the capability to store their produce and wait for improved prices a situation that has opened them to exploitation by unscrupulous traders and middlemen.