NCPB to Initiate Collection of Wheat to Combat National Crisis

The NCPB will collect 321,000 bags of wheat from farmers to mitigate the wheat crisis in Kenya. Farmers will receive payments within 30 days post-delivery, while millers will collect the wheat and receive payments shortly thereafter. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe aims to boost local production from 8% to over 40% to meet demand.

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is set to commence the collection of 321,000 bags of wheat from local farmers in response to Kenya’s ongoing wheat crisis. The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, has assured farmers of payments within 30 days after their wheat is delivered to warehouses nationwide. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding will facilitate the collection of wheat by millers, with payments to them occurring within 14 to 21 days following collection.

In a bid to enhance local production and reduce reliance on imports, Cabinet Secretary Kagwe aims to elevate domestic wheat production from the current 8% to above 40% to meet the demands of millers. This initiative is particularly beneficial for farmers in Narok, who have experienced challenges selling their wheat after a successful harvest. Many of these farmers took to the streets to express their frustrations over the lack of market opportunities since their harvesting began in August last year.

The Ministry of Agriculture has taken measures to assist wheat farmers, offering Sh5,300 for Grade 1 wheat and Sh5,200 for Grade 2 wheat. This commitment not only addresses the immediate needs of farmers but also fosters a sustainable agricultural environment that encourages increased local production.

The National Cereals and Produce Board’s initiative to collect 321,000 bags of wheat marks a critical step in addressing the ongoing wheat crisis in Kenya. By ensuring timely payments to farmers and incentivizing local production, the government aims to stabilize the market and improve the economic well-being of wheat farmers, particularly in Narok County. These actions illustrate a proactive approach to both resolving current challenges and enhancing future agricultural productivity in the sector.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke