The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has projected that farmers will produce approximately 75.9 million 50 kg bags of maize during the long rains season.
This is based on the cultivation of 1.64 million hectares, with an estimated average yield of 42 bags per acre.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja revealed that total annual maize production is expected to reach 94.4 million bags, based on a projected acreage of 2.71 million hectares for the year.
“The past two seasons have been favorable weather-wise, supported by the government’s fertilizer subsidy and input supply. The food situation in the country is currently stable,” Dr. Karanja noted.
Additionally, the CS announced that the government has directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to purchase one million 90 kg bags of maize for the strategic food reserve, at a price of Sh3,500 per bag.
Karanja explained that although there is pressure to purchase maize at higher prices, a careful analysis has shown that the cost of production has slightly decreased.
Last year, farmers received government-subsidized fertilizer at Sh3,500 per bag, while this year, it is retailing at Sh2,500 per bag.
The CS also addressed concerns about the balance between maize prices and the cost of unga.
“If the price of maize increases, the cost of unga will also rise. Currently, a packet of unga is selling at an average of Sh120,” he said.
