Maize farmers in Embu decry exploitation by middlemen

Maize farmers in Embu have called on the government to come to their rescue and save them from exploitation by unscrupulous middle men.

The farmers have blamed the brokers of taking advantage of them as parents are looking for fees. The farmers say they have nowhere else to sell the maize.

According to the farmers, the brokers are buying the maize cheaply owing to the fact that the National Cereals and Produce Board does not buy maize that has not completely dried. The brokers are now buying a 2kg tin at between Sh35 and Sh 25.

Embu Agriculture CEC Anne Nyaga said the farmers are victims of exploitation by brokers since they are not organized.

“The exploitation is as a result of farmers not being organized into groups,” she said urging the lot to form groups to enable to bargain for better prices.