maize |
An acute shortage of maize could hit several parts of western Kenya, agriculture experts have said.
Dr Simon Wesechere,
director of Rural Information on Agriculture and Development Centre, on
Wednesday attributed the looming shortage to erratic weather.He said
production could fall by over 50 per cent in both Busia and Kakamega
counties.
There have also been challenges in Trans Nzoia county which has been a major maize producer in the region.
Dr Wesechere said
most of the crops which were planted much later than March have been
starved of water and therefore affected normal maize development.
"The reason why
most crops appear stunted is because of the poor rains being experienced
in the affected areas," said Dr Wesechere.
He said poorly spread rains had made it difficult for the crop to flower uniformly causing delay in formation of fruits.
Maize farmers have expressed fears of running into heavy losses this season due to poor rains causing crops to wilt.
WITHSTAND DRY SPELLS
"For us who planted
quite late is very challenging because we don't know if we will be able
to harvest anything," said Ms Mary Wekesa, a maize farmer in Lugari.
She challenged seed
companies to begin research on maize varieties that can withstand
longer dry spells to cushion farmers from losses that might be incurred
due to changes in rainfall patterns. Some farmers thought they bought the wrong seeds or fertilizers.
Busia County
Executive member for agriculture Moses Osia said a significant portion
of the crop had been completely destroyed. The worst hit parts are
Budalang'i and Funyula constituencies.
"We are taking necessary steps as a county government to cushion locals from a possible food shortage," he said.
He said production in the area was bound to hit a 30 per cent low as a result of poor rains. He noted that the farmers can compensate for the losses by planting maize a fresh during the short rain season.
Farmers in Kakamega produce two million bags of maize annually against a demand of four million.
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