Rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga county, have been dealt a blow after the government announced it would stop buying their unprocessed rice at Sh85 per kilo . He advised local rice farmers' cooperative to desist from taking huge loans for the payment of farmers for next year’s produce as the government has already pronounced itself on the matter . Alternatively he encouraged them to diversify on the rice brands to help meet the needs of the clients depending on the urgency and affordability. Prioritise even the lower variety because the local market is still deficient of the cheaper priced rice. The government has been buying the rice from local farmers through their cooperatives and supplying it to government institutions and other clients.

Source: The Star July 15, 2021 16:52 UTC