The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has reduced the minimum farm gate price for maize to K900 per kilogram, translating to K45,000 per 50kg bag, down from last season’s K1,050 per kilogram, equivalent to K52,500 per bag.
The new prices have taken immediate effect, with all agro-dealers, agro-processors and commodity buyers directed to purchase produce at not less than the stipulated rates.
The adjustment marks a K150 per kilogram drop, resulting in a K7,500 reduction per standard 50kg bag compared to the previous season.
According to the ministry, rice (paddy) has been set at K1,500 per kilogram, sorghum at K1,100 and finger millet at K1,400, while soya beans will be bought at a minimum of K1,700 per kilogram.
Bean prices have been pegged at K3,400 per kilogram for pure beans, K2,500 for mixed beans and K3,000 for white haricot beans.
Groundnuts are among the highest priced, with shelled groundnuts set at K3,500 per kilogram and unshelled at K2,000, while pigeon peas and cowpeas have been pegged at K1,500 and K1,600 respectively.
Other crops include sesame at K3,500 per kilogram, sunflower at K1,500, paprika at K3,800 and chillies at K7,000 per kilogram, the highest among the listed crops. Cassava (wet) has been set at K1,000 per kilogram, while milk will be bought at a minimum of K1,000 per litre.
The ministry says the minimum farm gate prices are aimed at regulating the market and ensuring structured trading of agricultural commodities, warning that buying below the set prices will be a violation of government regulations.
