Migori maize farmers have asked the Government to reduce the prices of pesticides to lower their production costs.
The Kenya National Federation of Farmers (KENAF) Vice Chairperson -Migori Branch Mr. Peter Mwita said that the prices of pesticides especially that for Armyworms were too expensive for farmers to purchase.
Mwita noted that the armyworm pesticides were retailing at between Sh. 3,500 and Sh. 3,800 which was beyond their means.
He said that the maize plantation in recent times has been affected by Armyworms reducing their yields and consequently the little profits they were getting.
The official also called on Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to scrutinize some of the certified seeds and pesticides that were being sold to farmers noting that it was probable that farmers have been enduring losses because of ineffective seeds and pesticides.
Mwita urged the two levels of government to follow up and ensure that the reduced prices for fertilizers are available and easily accessible to farmers as promised.
He also called upon the national government to open the Migori cereals board depot to enable maize farmers to sell their produce and curb the exploitation by the middlemen.
By Geoffrey Makokha
