Baringo, Uasin Gishu Famers Count Losses As Healthy Maize Farms Produce Empty Cobs

• Maize farmers in Baringo and Uasin Gishu counties expressed fears after their farmland produced empty maize cobs
• The farmers are counting losses spanning millions of shillings from the over 200 acres of land with the failed crops
• Kenya Farmers Association director Kipkorir Menjo said he received images of empty maize cobs from farmers in the region, and investigations are underway to ascertain the cause and loss

Kenyans could wait for a while to get cheap unga as farmers decry reduced maize yields.

Maize farmers in Baringo county raised concerns over cases of empty cobs reported on over 200 acres of land.

Reduced yield of maize per acre

Kenya Farmers Association director Kipkorir Menjo said he received similar complaints from farmers in Uasin Gishu county.

Menjo said he is currently carrying out investigations to ascertain the cause and the value of harvests lost.

"I have received the complaints even from Uasin Gishu farmers, some sending images of the kind of cobs that does not have maize seeds. For now, I do not want to commend on the issue until investigation into the issue is concluded in the next one week," said Menjo in an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke.

In Baringo, Farmers under the AIC Marigat Farmers Group said they were expecting more than 3,000 kilograms per acre, but their hopes have been dashed.

Causes of empty maize cobs

They called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the low yields, demanding compensation.

"I used enough fertiliser expecting to get a good harvest. But right now, this is what I will get. There is no maize even for domestic use," said one of the farmers, Bismack Kandagor, as quoted by Citizen TV.

Maize cobs with limited seeds can result from several factors, including severe drought and lack of enough moisture in the soil.

According to Yara, a Crop Nutrition Solution Company, deficiency in nutrients such as phosphorus can as well distort the formation of maize, taking a twisted appearance with poor grain set at the point of the cob.

Government expect bumper harvest from farmers

President William Ruto's administration introduced fertiliser subsidy to enable farmers to buy at low prices and enhance their production.

Ruto said the plan will see farmers harvest more this year compared to the previous years.

"Through this plan, we will curb the rising cost of living and reduce hunger by ensuring that our farmers produce enough food. Kenyans are dedicated, and I want to assure you, in the next two months, we will have a harvest like never before," said Ruto.

The head of state announced a reduction in fertiliser prices from KSh 3,500 to KSh 2,500 per 50kg bag.