CS Linturi launches distribution of mobile grain dryers to curb post-harvest losses

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said the initiative has been implemented to put in place mechanisms to address challenges faced by farmers in post-harvest losses.

Speaking in Uasin Gishu County at the Eldoret National Cereals and Produce Board depot while flagging off distribution of 100 dryers in phase one of the exercise, Linturi said that port harvest loss management has been a major challenge in the agricultural sector with an estimated loss of thirty percent of harvested crops.

“To curb post-harvest losses mainly caused by poor storage, inadequate drying facilities and poor weather conditions during this harvest period, the Ministry under the grain drying for sustainable post-harvest management project is supporting NCPB Depots and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Community Based Organisations with two hundred 200 grain dryers in two phases,” Linturi stated.

In the distribution of the mobile grain dryers, phase one will cover 15 main maize growing counties of Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Bungoma, Kakamega, West Pokot, Narok, Kericho, Migori, Bomet, Baringo, Nyandarua and Laikipia.

Linturi further added that the Government has put up a Warehouse Receipt System which allows farmers to hold their produce in certified NCPB Depot warehouses where they can be tested, cleaned, graded and stored with the owners of the commodity receiving a receipt as proof of ownership.

“The Warehouse Receipt System will help our farmers to store their maize safely as they wait for the maize purchase price to be in their favour before selling the same, hence avoiding middle men," he said.

The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Soy MP David Kiplagat, NCPB Chairman Samwel Ragwa, the Board’s Managing Director Joseph Kimote among officials.

Governor Bii hailed the distribution of the mobile grain dryers to help farmers with post-harvest management.

“The mobile grain dryers will ensure that our farmers take advantage of the favourable drying prices to dry their maize both for consumption and commercial purposes,” said Bii.