Planning for your Harvest

The end of the year is synonymous with many festivities. For farmers, these festivities are observed with diligence. I mean, you would if you got a fat end of year bonus. Suddenly, Christmas will make meaning to you because you can afford to slaughter a goat. Your diary will even boast a whole page listed with gifts for Boxing day and your social life will be so busy and exciting.

The farmers in Rift Valley who produce the country's staple meal, maize, just got their harvest. But No, none of them has confirmed Christmas plans with the' relas' in the village. Reason? There is no one to buy the maize!

WHAT?


So the National Cereals and Produce Board (N.C.P.B)are currently not buying maize from farmers. Has anyone told them that the farmers are currently harvesting their yield.   When do they plan to buy the healthy produce from the farmers? When there is a shortage maybe? Right now, many farmers are crying out because their produce is going bad. They have harvested but the N.C.P.B is letting them down!

A bountiful maize harvest

Anyway, Kenya Food Diary is about helping farmers. Here a few things you can do so you never find yourself in the same position as the farmers in Rift Valley. This story is not new so better be prepared!

Plan ahead
 When you start planting, think of harvesting too so make sure you know what you will do with your harvest soon as it leaves your farm. Planning ahead involves identifying a market, getting good storage, transportation e.t.c.

Store your harvest and sell it later
The N.C.P.B. is the national body that buys from the farmers. However, around this time every year, many farmers are compelled to sell their harvest at a throw-away price which sadly, is set by the government. That is after all, the statutory farmers market   You can choose to go that way and complain when they refuse to buy or bear with the prices.Alternatively, find a different market altogether; or you can get good storage, treat your harvest, and store it for future sales. Between January and August maize production countrywide is low and you will definitely find a market then and at a competitive price.

Treat and store your harvest well for future sales.

Find a market beforehand
There are individuals or middle men who buy maize and other produce. Talk to a few before you harvest, they may just be interested in buying from you. Ensure that you find the best price and a reliable buyer who will not bail on you once the harvest comes.

The most important thing is that you have good storage so that if you are truly unprepared to sell after harvest, you do not risk the loss of your healthy produce as well. Maize goes bad when left in the shamba past harvest. They get wet, get worms and start breeding. The secret is to get your maize out of the shamba soon as it is ready. Dry it, treat it with pesticide regularly and then store it well before you get the ideal market.

Apart from N.C.P.B, note that you can sell your harvest to companies, hotels and restaurants, individuals, resorts among others. Do not limit your options!