Ministry increases wheat prices to boost farmer incomes

 WANGARI NDIRANGU - KNA

The Government has increased the pro ducer price of locally grown wheat to Sh 5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for the 2026 season, up from Sh 4,750.

The increase is aimed at improving farmers’ earnings, encouraging local production and reducing dependence on imported grain.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the revised price in a statement saying the desicion was reached after extensive consultations coordinated by the Agri culture and Food Authority (AFA).

The discussions brought together the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), wheat farmers and cereal millers to balance the interests of producers, processors and consumers.

Kagwe said the new producer price will apply at designated aggregation stable flour prices for consumers. centres where the Govern ment has already begun the wheat mop-up exercise ahead of any imports, reaf firming its commitment to giving priority to locally produced grain.

“We expect one million 90-kilogram bags of wheat this season, down from 1.7 million bags harvested last year due to adverse weather conditions and the shift by many farmers to barley production after favoura ble barley prices in 2025,” Kagwe said.

He expressed optimism that wheat production would rebound as barley prices ease, making wheat farming more attractive to growers.

More than 2,000 wheat farmers from Narok, Nakuru, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu counties are expected to benefit from the revised producer price. Kagwe said the agree ment represents a balanced outcome that improves returns for farmers while helping millers maintain.

He noted that the con sultative approach adopted across the wheat value chain demonstrates how collabo ration between government and industry stakeholders can strengthen local pro duction, support the milling sector and enhance national food security. T

he CS said the gov ernment will continue implementing measures to revitalize the wheat subsector, including expanding fertilizer subsidy programmes, accelerating the development and dis tribution of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and private seed companies.

“We will also promote mechanization, strengthen control of quelea birds, support commercial land leasing and encourage climate-smart agriculture to improve productivity,” he added