By John Tewesa

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development has announced minimum farm gate prices for strategic crops for the 2025/26 agricultural season, in a move aimed at protecting farmers from exploitation and ensuring fair returns.

In a press statement, the Ministry said the prices take effect immediately, with all agro-dealers, agro-processors and buyers required to purchase produce at or above the stipulated rates.

Under the new pricing structure, maize has been set at K900 per kilogram, while rice (paddy) is pegged at K1,500 per kilogram and sorghum at K1,100 per kilogram. Soya beans will be sold at K1,700 per kilogram, with finger millet set at K1,400 per kilogram.

Bean prices vary by type, with pure beans at K3,400 per kilogram, mixed beans at K2,500 per kilogram, and white haricot beans at K3,000 per kilogram.

Groundnuts (shelled) have the highest price among legumes at K3,500 per kilogram, while unshelled groundnuts are pegged at K2,000 per kilogram.

Other crops include pigeon peas at K1,500 per kilogram, cowpeas at K1,600 per kilogram, sesame at K3,500 per kilogram, and sunflower at K1,500 per kilogram.

High-value crops such as paprika and chillies have been set at K3,800 per kilogram and K7,000 per kilogram, respectively. Cassava (wet) and milk are both pegged at K1,000 per kilogram or litre.

The Ministry has since urged all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to comply with the directive, warning that purchasing produce below the set minimum prices is prohibited.