Let’s manage grains prudently

There is a tendency amongst Kenyans to pay little attention to what is happening in agriculture.

Perhaps a credible explanation for this is because the critical sector only contributes just a fifth of the GDP despite contributing to the livelihood of about three-quarters of the Kenyan population.

However, as the global food crisis bites on, its time that this sector comes under renewed scrutiny.

IN OUR BUSINESS PAGES on Sunday, we focus on the National Cereals & Produce Board (NCPB), one of the strategic parastatals funded to the tune of billions by taxpayers.

In this regard, it should constantly be in the public glare which is not the case today. Established in 1979 under the NCPB Act enacted in 1985, it is charged with purchasing and selling all cereal grains to make food affordable and available at the right price.

The board has had chequered success over the years and political interference has been the defining factor in its failure and success.

At present, some millers claim that they are unable to secure maize from the board and blame it on brokers. This, however, is dismissed by NCPB. If at all there are brokers in the business, they must be weeded out completely.

None should be allowed to profit unfairly from tax money unless there is a compelling reason. An efficient agro-processing sub-sector is important in keeping inflation under wraps.