Farmers Decry High Cost of Maize Seeds Ahead of Planting Season
“You have no reason to dictate the price of seed, forcing farmers to dig deeper into their pockets,” said Ruto, addressing Kenya Seed Company officials.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Farmers in Uasin Gishu County have raised concerns over the soaring cost of maize seeds as the planting season approaches.
Speaking at the opening of the Eldoret Agricultural Show, Kesses MP Julius Ruto decried the high prices, noting that some maize seed varieties are retailing at up to Ksh 7,600, making it difficult for farmers to afford them.
“You have no reason to dictate the price of seed, forcing farmers to dig deeper into their pockets,” said Ruto, addressing Kenya Seed Company officials.
The legislator stated that he had engaged stakeholders, including Kenya Seed Company, to find ways of lowering the prices and urged the government to intervene.
“It is important for Kenya Seed to support farmers by ensuring affordable prices so they can plant on time,” he added.
Hon. Ruto also appealed to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to step in, citing the financial strain farmers are experiencing as they prepare their land for planting.
At the Eldoret Showground, farmers flocked to the Kenya Seed Company stand to purchase seeds despite the high prices.
John Kiptum, a farmer from Moiben, called on the government to subsidize farm inputs, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in Kenya’s economy.
“The government should assist farmers by subsidizing input costs. Agriculture is the backbone of our country,” he said.
The Eldoret Agricultural Show will officially be opened tomorrow, Friday.
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