Eldoret: Wheat farmers in Uasin Gishu County have called on the government to put on hold wheat importation until all wheat harvested locally is sold out. Speaking during a press briefing in Eldoret after a meeting with wheat growers from the County, Cereal Growers Association, CGA, board member Nahashon Ngetich emphasized the need for market support for small-scale wheat farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ngetich expressed concern that wheat farmers are still holding large stocks of wheat due to a lack of market interest, as many millers are prioritizing imported wheat over local purchases. He pointed out that marketing agents willing to buy local wheat face challenges such as stockpiles and financial constraints.
Ngetich explained that to reduce dependency on imports, the government has facilitated the Local Wheat Purchase Program. This initiative allows millers to import wheat at a reduced duty of 10 percent, instead of the standard 35 percent, in exchange for purchasing locally produced wheat at a
predetermined minimum price. The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and seeks to promote local production and ensure fair consumer prices.
He highlighted the involvement of key stakeholders like the Cereal Millers Association, CMA, and CGA, along with marketing agents in this initiative. Wheat prices for the 2024/2025 season were set at Sh. 5,300 for grade one and Sh. 5,200 for grade two wheat, to be paid by registered marketing agents to farmers.
However, Ruth Kemboi, chairperson of the Kenya National Farmers Federation in Uasin Gishu County, expressed disappointment as the CMA has decided not to buy wheat from farmers. She warned that the federation might advise farmers to shift to other crops if the situation does not improve.
Ngetich stressed the urgency for government and stakeholders to address these challenges to ensure the success of the Local Wheat Purchase Program. He noted that issues affecting wheat farmers, especially in Uasin
Gishu, Nakuru, and parts of Laikipia, should be resolved to sustain the wheat industry in Kenya.
Small-scale wheat farmers are facing post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities, leading to significant financial losses. Ngetich also mentioned that some millers are offering prices below the agreed minimum, causing further financial strain.
CGA’s Chief Executive Officer Anthony Kioko projected a production of 1.7 million bags of wheat this year, with Uasin Gishu County contributing around 400,000 bags. Despite this, wheat production has decreased over the years due to factors like land segmentation and increased input costs.
Raymond Kimeli, a farmer from Uasin Gishu, urged the government and AFA to ensure compliance with the tripartite agreement between farmers and millers. He called for standardized measurement and certification to avoid issues at the selling point.