County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Mr. Edward Sawe on Thursday graced a large-scale farmers’ mobilization event on Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in Eldoret.

During the sensitization exercise, Mr. Sawe highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in the market and emphasized the potential solution provided by the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).

He stated that the implementation of the WRS project, spearheaded by the World Bank Group, would alleviate the long-standing market problems faced by farmers.

Many have been left at the mercy of middlemen, who often exploit their vulnerability by offering low prices for their crop”

…this not only leads to financial losses for the farmers but also undermines their confidence and hampers their ability to invest in their agricultural activities,” Said Sawe.

Sawe added that the Warehouse Receipt System enables farmers to deposit their produce in certified warehouses, where it is stored securely in return issued with a receipt that represents the value of their stored crops.

It is important as farmers to embrace the Warehouse Receipt System and actively participate in cooperatives,” said Sawe.

The CECM further assured them that the County Government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating the implementation of WRS by providing training and sensitization programs to ensure that farmers understand the benefits and processes involved.

Mr. Taneem Ahad, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group, WRS project’s success is contingent upon cooperation and actively requires the involvement of farmers.

By adopting sustainable farming practices, such as responsible irrigation techniques and efficient water usage, farmers can significantly contribute to preserving and safeguarding our limited water resources,” said Taneem.

According to AFC Regional Manager Lillian Kimulany, borrowers will experience a lighter financial load due to the decreased interest rate.

This will also foster a favourable setting for economic progress, as the receipt can be used as collateral to access credit facilities at a 10% interest rate.