Residents of Matungu Sub-county in Kakamega County have been asked to store enough maize for domestic consumption instead of selling it off cheaply during this time of harvesting.
The Sub-County Agricultural Officer, Mrs. Mildred Sande decried the fact that most of the residents are selling off their maize that they have harvested this year to traders, leaving none for local consumption, warning that the habit poses a threat to the food security in the area.
She noted that maize is the staple food that is relied upon by most people in the area and added that the demand for the cereal is high.
According to statistics from the Agriculture office, residents of the area consume 261,718 bags of maize annually.
A two-kilo measure tin of maize is now retailing for Sh.60-Sh.70 up from Sh.45 two months ago while a 90kg bag is selling at Sh.2800.
Mrs. Sande asked farmers in the area to work closely with agriculture extension staff and have their soils tested before using fertilizer in order to ascertain the right fertilizer to apply in their farms.
This, she said, will enable them realize good yields from their farms. Other crops grown and consumed in the area are rice, sorghum, millet and beans.
By Catherine Nyongesa
