Narok: It’s a relief for Narok wheat farmers after the County Government and the State Department of Agriculture put a strategy in place to ensure about 200,000 bags (90 kilogrammes) lying in the silos were sold off at a high price. While speaking to farmers at the Olokurto area in Narok North Sub County, where he launched multiple projects, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said he had wide consultation with top officials at the Department of Agriculture, where they agreed that each bag will be sold at Sh 5,200 as per the farmer’s expectations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the millers were delaying buying the wheat so that the farmers could lower the selling price. However, the government has agreed that all wheat will be sold at the agreed price of Sh 5,200. Governor Ntutu highlighted the high costs involved in wheat production, emphasizing the necessity of selling the wheat promptly to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.
The governor, accompanied by East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament David Sankok, encouraged farmers to continue planting wheat, assuring them of a stable market in the future. The County Government, in collaboration with the National Government, is also in the process of constructing wheat and potato processing plants. These facilities aim to provide farmers with opportunities to sell their produce at a higher profit by adding value to their products.
Narok County has been recognized for its significant contributions to potato and wheat production. The governor emphasized the importance of building processing plants to enhance the value of local produce and support the county’s agricultural sector. Sankok urged residents to support the current county administration’s efforts and discouraged early political campaigns, highlighting the county’s achievements in revenue collection and service delivery.
The decision to sell off the wheat stockpile is a significant relief for farmers who previously expressed concerns about the lack of market interest in their produce. Led by Chairman Stanley Koonyo, the farmers had been seeking government intervention since the harvesting season began in September last year. With another planting season approaching, the promise to facilitate the sale of their produce comes as a timely and welcomed initiative.