Nairobi: It is often said that reaping a harvest is only half the journey to food security. The other half lies in how the produce is handled after it leaves the farm. As maize in Tinderet Sub County approaches maturity ahead of the main harvesting season, agricultural experts are urging farmers to pay as much attention to post-harvest handling just as they do during land preparation, planting and crop management.
According to Kenya News Agency, for many years, discussions on increasing maize production have centred on improved seed varieties, subsidized fertiliser and better farming practices. However, a significant portion of farmers’ hard-earned harvest never reaches the market or the family granary because of poor post-harvest handling.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reports that Kenya loses up to 30 per cent of its cereal harvest annually through poor drying, improper shelling, pest infestation, inadequate storage and fungal contamination. The losses amount to billions of shillings every year and significantly reduce farmers’ earnings despite increased production.
The challenge is particularly relevant in Tinderet Sub-county, one of Nandi County’s major maize-producing areas. Farmers are expected to begin harvesting within the coming months following the long rains season. Food Security Advocate Antony Bett emphasizes the importance of preparing storage facilities before harvesting begins.
Bett advises farmers to harvest only mature maize, dry it properly, and store it in clean, pest-free facilities. He noted that maize should be dried to about 13 per cent moisture content before storage to minimize mould growth and aflatoxin contamination.
Agronomist Joseph Kipchirchir highlights the income losses due to poor handling practices. He advises against leaving maize in the field post-maturity and recommends careful shelling to prevent cracked kernels susceptible to pests.
Farmers are encouraged to thoroughly clean storage facilities before introducing new harvests and to adopt hermetic storage technologies to reduce insect damage. The Ministry of Agriculture supports these practices to preserve cereal quality and reduce losses.
Experts warn against delaying harvesting to avoid moisture increase from unexpected rainfall, which encourages fungal growth. Proper mechanical shelling is recommended to prevent grain breakage and preserve quality.
Bett emphasizes that reducing post-harvest losses is a cost-effective way to increase food availability and secure better market prices. Regular inspection of stored grain for pests and moisture is crucial for preventing significant damage.
Aflatoxin contamination remains a public health concern, exacerbated by poor drying and storage conditions. The Kenya Cereals Enhancement Programme encourages investment in better storage solutions to enable farmers to sell when market prices improve.
With careful harvesting, proper drying, improved storage, and regular monitoring, farmers in Tinderet can preserve more of their harvest, boost household incomes, and contribute to greater food security in Nandi County and beyond.
