State unveils industrial mycotoxin plants in Nairobi, Bungoma

The government has received a donation of two state-of-the-art industrial mycotoxin decontamination plants in a major boost towards efforts to advance food safety and security.

The plants, installed at the NCPB warehouses in Bungoma and Nairobi boast of capacity to process at least 10 tons per day of various commodities, focusing on those affected by mycotoxin.

Utilising an ozone-based solution, the plants are designed to eliminate a staggering 95 per cent of aflatoxin contamination in grains, pulses, nuts, and other food commodities.

Speaking on Thursday when he commissioned the Bungoma plant, Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh said farmers should now seize the opportunity to enhance food productivity.

TradeMark Africa donated the plants through funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the organization and support from GAC is spearheading an integrated solution to mycotoxin management.

"The collaboration between TradeMark Africa and the ministry is a pivotal step towards sustainable agricultural practices benefitting both farmers and consumers alike," he said.

The strategic placement of the plants at the NCPB warehouses in Bungoma and Nairobi, he said, ensure proximity to key trade borders like Malaba, Busia and Namanga.

This aims to prevent disruptions to trade caused by mycotoxin contamination while concurrently bolstering food safety and security in the region.

Acknowledging the critical role of proper drying in post-harvest practices, Ronoh said the ministry has also made available mobile driers at key production areas.

He noted that the driers, now available across strategic locations, will help address the crucial drying requirements in the sector.

"We are promoting the use of all safe and good post-harvest practices that include ensuring proper drying, climate change is challenging traditional approaches requiring us to be more innovative," he said.

Farmers from Bungoma managed to put 101,460 hectares under maize cultivation with a production of 3,481,000 bags of 90kg.

Distribution of subsidised fertiliser for the 2024 cropping season is currently ongoing in the country.

A total of 182,880 bags of the fertiliser, 63,000 bags being for planting, have been allocated across the county.

For ease in delivery of the fertiliser, Ronoh said they are planning to increase the number of transporters to a thousand in the next two months.