Kenyan Farmers to get bumber maize harvests in 2023
For the past 2-3 years, the country has been engaging in hot debates about the high price of maize.
Some factions have been blaming it on the long drought experienced in eastern Africa.
Others have blamed the mismanagement and rot in the previous government.
While others have blamed the high prices on the current administration’s failure to continue with maize subsidies.
In fact, last year, a 90 kilo bag hit a record high of Ksh 6,000/=
And Kenyans, especially the middleclass and the poor were hurting because of the high maize prices.
However, things are slowly turning for the better.
As we speak, maize prices have dropped from the high of Ksh 6,000 to currently Ksh 4,500.
My prediction is this going forward.
“By mid to late August 2023, the prices will drop to Ksh 3,500 or less.
So for those hoarding maize, they better hurry to sell it before the prices plummet drastically.
How can I be so bold in this prediction?
You may ask.
Here’s why.
I am a student of nature.
Wherever possible, I look around for the cues and messages nature is sending.
During the past 2-3 years I observed that as farmers planted their maize, few weeks after it germinated, armyworms would attack it thus causing serious damages to the crop.
Second, temperatures would rise a few weeks into the maize growing season.
This would be followed by a tapering of the rain, then dry weather sets in.
One thing I noted, these occurrences were widespread across the country.
They were happening in Luo Nyanza, Kisii, Rift valley, Eastern, Narok, Kilgoris, and across the entire country.
However, this year things are very different.
- Though the rains started with high intensity, in various parts of the country, causing destruction and flooding, they have stabilized. They are not too strong nor weak.
- The rain is now evenly spaced, with intermittent sunny and dry days in between.
- Third, the maize armyworms have been fewer this year, which is a sign of good weather.
- As we speak right now, maize in many parts of Nyanza, Rift valley, Eastern is hip high. And in 2-3 weeks it will start flowering.
This is an incredible observation I haven’t seen for some time.
What This Means to You and how to Profit from It.
If you are reading this and you’re feeling you’ve been left out, don’t worry.
You can work the situation to your advantage.
Here’s how.
- Find money to buy maize stocks. If the weather continues behaving as it is currently doing, in the next 6 months, maize is going to be dirt cheap. For a shrewd businessman, that would be the best time to buy.
- Find some storage space for the maize. Even if you don’t have much cash, you can still get some space. You don’t need to hire a go down. If you have an extra bedroom in your house, you can convert it into some storage space capable of storing 100+ bags. Even if you don’t have an extra bedroom, you can squeeze some space by disposing old household items you don’t need.
What about Spoilage of the Maize During Storage?
Of course when it comes to storing any grain, this is a major risk.
So here’s what to do to minimize the risk of postharvest loses
- Ensure that you buy properly dried maize. During purchase, the maize should be clear white, not discolored, produce a ringing sound when the grains rub against each other.
- The Maize should be clean, free of debris like soil, chaff, and broken maize cobs
- Use Purdue university storage bags instead of the ordinary bags. These bags have a double nylon layer that prevents entry of weevils and moisture on the maize.
- Don’t store the maize bags directly on a cold floor surface. Put a wooden or plastic pallet between the floor and the maize.
- Ensure your storage room is clean. The floor should free of any scattered, maize grains. This is absolutely important to avoid rats and mice infestation that may eat through the bags.
- As an extra layer of security against rats and mice. Invest in a rat sticky traps and put them strategically all over the room if you have a high risk of rat infestation.
- Monitor your store from time to time to ensure all is well.
Expected Profits after 8-13 months of storage
If you keep an eye on your store, and all goes well, and your math is adding up, expect to get 30-50% profits when you resell your maize.
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