A Ward Representative has urged the Embu County Government to intervene and protect farmers against a grain glut being experienced across the region due to overproduction. Kithimu MCA Julius Karuri observes that Embu County enjoyed a bumper harvest of cereals like maize, beans, green grams, sorghum and millet last season leading to low prices stemming from oversupply.
The Ward Representative said maize, which has flooded the market was currently retailing at KSh 30 for a two-kilogramme tin, adding that the County Government should put mitigation measures in place to protect farmers against exploitation by middlemen and brokers.
Karuri expressed concern that unscrupulous traders hoping to profiteer from the grain glut had pitched camp in the county, buying cereals at measly prices with the intention of hoarding and later selling to the same population at inflated amounts when demand goes up.
Speaking at the County Assembly Chambers during question and statement time, the MCA sought to know what measures the County Government had taken to improve handling of cereals to ensure that farmers do not suffer post-harvest losses caused by pests and aflatoxin caused by excessive moisture.
In addition, Karuri demanded to know whether the County Government was planning to provide farmers with grain drying machines and storage facilities such as silos to ensure their produce attains the recommended moisture content and is stored properly. He urged the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture to state whether there were plans to introduce warehousing receipts for farmers who would wish to deposit their produce in government facilities due to lack of space and proper structures on their farms.
The Ward Rep demanded an explanation on how the County Government intended to ensure food security is sustained within the county, using the available grain reserves, noting that there was no guarantee of another bumper harvest in the future.
He also wants the County Government to outline targeted interventions in place to ensure that farmers are capacity built and empowered to have the financial capability to fund food production in future.
Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui who stood in for Maurice Macharia; the Chairman Agriculture, Livestock, Blue Economy and Cooperatives Development asked for 28 days to table a report on the matter.
STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
No comments
Post a Comment