NCPB to Collect 321,000 Bags of Wheat to Alleviate Crisis

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will collect 321,000 bags of wheat from farmers to address the country’s wheat crisis. Payments to farmers will be processed within 30 days, with strict regulations against importing wheat. The aim is to increase local production significantly, providing relief to frustrated farmers in Narok County who have struggled to sell their harvests.

The Ministry of Agriculture in Kenya has declared that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) will initiate the collection of 321,000 bags of wheat from farmers to mitigate the current wheat shortage. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has confirmed that payments to farmers will occur within 30 days of delivery to the designated warehouses nationwide.

Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary has issued a strict warning against those attempting to undermine this initiative by delivering imported wheat to the NCPB, threatening arrest for such actions. According to official statements, a memorandum of understanding will be established between the NCPB and millers for the collection of wheat, with payments scheduled to occur within 14 to 21 days.

Kagwe also expressed a commitment to increasing wheat production from local farmers, aiming to raise their contribution to market supply from the current 8% to over 40%. This strategy is particularly important for farmers in Narok County, who have been struggling to sell their wheat despite a plentiful harvest.

Frustrated by the lack of a market for their crops since the commencement of the harvest in August of the previous year, wheat farmers in Narok County have resorted to protests. In response to the situation, the Ministry announced that wheat farmers will receive payments of Sh5,300 per bag for Grade 1 wheat and Sh5,200 for Grade 2 wheat, thereby providing a much-needed avenue for them to sell their produce.

In conclusion, the NCPB’s collection of 321,000 bags of wheat represents a significant step toward alleviating the current wheat crisis in Kenya. Prompt payments to farmers and measures to ensure local production are crucial for stabilizing the market. The government’s commitment to reducing reliance on imports while supporting local farmers is vital for enhancing food security in the nation.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke