The Government will import another three million bags of white maize under the subsidized programme to feed the nation between now and the end of next month.
The importation of the maize follows the extension of the Ksh 6 billion government subsidy programme.
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett confirmed that they have applied to the National Treasury for at least Ksh 3 billion to be able to procure the maize immediately to supplement current harvest being received from various parts of the country.
The government launched the subsidy programme in early May, with a view to stabilizing the prices in the local market which had increased to between Ksh 140 and Ksh 160 for a two-kilogramme packet.
In an interview. Bett said that this means consumers will continue enjoying maize flour of Ksh 90 for a two-kilogramme packet.
“The impact of the prolonged drought is yet to be tamed and the harvest from the early crop is not significant to sustain the Country. We have therefore resolved to extend the programme up to the end of September when harvest of the main crop will start coming in”, he said.
He explained that the government under the Ksh 6 billion subsidy programme has managed to import five million bags as at end of July.
Further, Bett confirmed that the country has been relying on harvests from South Rift Valley and Western regions as from mid-July, which is now being consumed at household and Posho mill level and not reaching the commercial level.
“Maize production in the country will experience a shortfall of between 25 and 30 percent in the current production year owing to depressed long rains and invasion by army worms. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the food market is well regulated and ensure all maize produced is procured by the state from the farmers,” he added.
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Bett explained that in a good year the country harvests between 40 million and 42 million bags respectively.
The October-December harvest, Bett said is expected to produce about 27 million bags of which 4 million bags will be stored in the National Food Strategic Reserve. He however explained that the new prices will be announced next month.
The country has been harvesting below 37 million and 39 million bags due t various challenges mainly depressed rains and other vagaries of climate change, and has been bridging the balance with imports from the neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Uganda.
He said the new imports will be sourced from the same market which the other consignments were obtained.
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