News Traders hoard maize stocks as retail flour prices remain highA shopper picks a packet of maize meal at Kasturi supermarket in Nyeri town. FILE PHOTO | NMGTraders are holding maize stocks enough to last the country a month in anticipation of future high prices, denying the consumers cheap flour by creating artificial shortage in the market. Kenyans consume three million bags a month with the high demand piling pressure on the available stocks. The report further indicates farmers are holding 5.5 million bags while National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has 1.3 million bags. Dr Irungu said stocks farmers are holding do not necessarily amount to hoarding as a huge chunk is meant for household consumption.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 06, 2017 19:52 UTC