Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has questioned the government on how it is prepared to handle the harvested maize and the planting season that is due.
In questions raised to the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Committee on Wednesday, the Senator sought answers from the committee on how the government is prepared to curb farmers' losses.
Among the answers he sought from the committee is measures put in place by the government to avail maize dries to support farmers during the harvest season, particularly in light of the impending El Nino rains.
He also asked the committee to indicate the minimum price of a bag of maize during the harvest season taking into account the rise in input costs due to global economic changes.
"Confirm if the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in collaboration with the national cereals and produce board will avail dries to farmers as a matter of urgency and at government costs," the Senator queried.
Chesang also wants the committee to disclose the number of operational dries currently at NCPB and indicate their distribution across the producing region
"Clarify whether the government has procured new driers and if so indicate the proposed distribution schedule and expected timelines for their installation," he stated.
As farmers prepare for the second phase of the planting season, Chesang queried the committee on whether the government has plans to distribute farm inputs.
"Spell out plans by the government to Subsidies farm inputs including seeds and pesticides during the upcoming planting season," he asked the committee.
Chesang further asked the committee to specify the applicable rate for the seeds and pesticides.
"Clarify whether the government plans to subsidise top dressing fertilizer during the upcoming planting season," he stated.
