Agricultural expert Oliver Bulaya has urged government, through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), to announce the maize floor price before the start of the marketing season to protect farmers from unscrupulous buyers.
Dr. Bulaya says delays in announcing the floor price force many farmers to sell their maize to “briefcase buyers” at unfairly low prices, driven by desperation to make ends meet, undermining their hard work and efforts.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News Dr Bulaya emphasized that timely communication of the maize floor price will not only guide farmers in making informed decisions but also prevent them from being exploited by unscrupulous traders.
“All the players in the marketing season must be aware and understand the price for a particular season early enough to avoid comprising on low prices”, said Dr.Bulaya.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bulaya predicted a slight increase in this year’s maize floor price, citing economic factors such as rising fertilizer and transport costs.
He however, said that a major price hike is unlikely, as the floor price has remained unchanged over the past two marketing seasons.
By Christabel Kamunu
