Nairobi: Wheat farmers in Narok are calling for an increase in the producer price of a 90kg bag to Sh6,000, as they currently face offers ranging between Sh3,100 and Sh3,200 per bag. At the same time, they urge government intervention for better maize prices.
According to Kenya News Agency, farmers have threatened to shift away from cultivating these staple crops due to rising production costs, driven by high fuel prices. Led by Stanley Konyo, the farmers expressed concern over potentially leaving the farming industry for more profitable ventures if conditions do not improve. Speaking in Narok Town, Konyo noted that a significant portion of land remains unused despite the onset of long rains, as the cost of production has surged.
Konyo elaborated that the increased fuel prices have raised the cost of tilling an acre from Sh1,800 to Sh2,500, and harrowing costs have jumped from Sh1,000 to Sh1,500. He urged the government to regulate wheat prices by setting a constant minimum price of Sh6,000 throughout the year. Additionally, Konyo called for the provision of subsidized Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, which currently retails at Sh3,200, compared to the subsidized rate of Sh1,800.
Another farmer, David Kilesi, highlighted that despite favorable weather conditions since last year, many farmers are abandoning wheat farming due to high production costs. ‘Some farmers have opted to subdivide their land and lease it to other small-scale farmers for planting alternative crops like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, maize, and peas,’ Kilesi said. He emphasized the need for government intervention to sustain their hopes of a bumper harvest amidst escalating production costs.
Kilesi also noted that the high cost of farm inputs has led to reduced acreage and poor harvests, urging government subsidies to maximize yields. He proposed lowering import duties on fertilizers and pesticides to reduce dependence on imports and suggested introducing guaranteed minimum returns to support farmers affected by poor harvests.
Joseph Ole Nchoe, another farmer, appealed to fellow farmers to maintain the set prices of Sh6,000 per bag for Grade 1 wheat and Sh5,500 for Grade 2, discouraging acceptance of lower prices. Narok remains one of the country’s largest wheat-producing regions, facing significant challenges amid the current economic pressures.
