Economy Cereals board buys Sh5.12bn maize as farmers raise deliveriesMaize harvesting in Uasin Gishu county. FILE PHOTO | NMGThe National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has bought 1.6 million bags of maize estimated at Sh5.12 billion to replenish the country’s strategic grain reserve as farmers rush to deliver the produce ahead of the next planting season. The deliveries have been boosted by prompt payments of Sh3,200 per 90kg bag, up from Sh3,000 last year, and waiving of drying fees. The board has so far paid out Sh2.6 billion as more farmers deliver the produce due to the attractive price compared to Sh2,400 offered by middlemen. Meanwhile, leaders from the North Rift have petitioned the government to release funds to NCPB for prompt payment of maize deliveries.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 02, 2018 18:45 UTC