Gov't targets 50% reduction in post-harvest losses with new strategy

According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, post-harvest losses is a major contributor to declining food security in the country.

The CS noted that estimated losses are in the range of 30-40%, translating to a loss of Ksh.72 billion annually from across diverse value chains.

The post-harvest management is being developed by the ministry with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Linturi spoke on Thursday when he presided over pre-Madaraka Day exhibitions event at Kibabii University in Bungoma County ahead of the main event during the 61st Madaraka Day celebrations.

The exhibition whose theme is “improving market access and reduction of post-harvest losses” is a curtain raiser for the Madaraka Day celebrations that will be marked in Bungoma County led by President William Ruto.

The Agriculture CS noted that the Ministry has distributed 100 mobile grain dryers to curb post-harvest losses in 15 main maize growing counties and also commissioned 359 units of 3,000 liter capacity bulk milk coolers and accessories to 46 counties to reduce post-harvest losses in the dairy industry. 

"The market infrastructure for farmers has also remained underdeveloped in agricultural counties, however my ministry is working on ensuring we promote and facilitate agricultural trade and marketing of high quality agricultural products in the domestic, regional and international markets at competitive prices," said Linturi.