The Meru South District Agricultural Officer (DAO) Justin Muriuki has told maize farmers to day up their crop properly to avoid aflatoxin poisoning.

He said following light rains that have been experienced in recent past, farmers risk losing crops that are not properly dried or well stored. The DAO said prevailing weather conditions were not favorable for drying maize, adding that the produce risks infection.

Maize farmers in Maara and Meru South and other neighbouring districts in Eastern Province had their produce declared fit for human consumption by the government last season after afflatoxin cal was detected in samples delivered to the Government chemist.

The DAO said farmers should ensure they do not expose maize to rains as they could be adversely. Meanwhile, dairy farmers in Buuri district are set to benefit from extension services.

A non-governmental orgainsation, ABS TCM Timau dairy project, has pledged to train local farmers on modern practices to improve their stock for better dairy yields.

The NGO recently held an exhibition to educate farmers on better feeding and marketing strategies.

Mr Henry Magara, the Timau dairy project manager, said farmers would be encouraged to form cooperatives to cut down overheads.

Under the programme farmers will benefit from free consultancy services as well as training in the best animal husbandry methods. The NGO will also assist farmers access market for their produce and keep brokers who have been esploiting them at bay.

In the recent past, farmers in the district abandoned dairy farming owing to the challenges of prolonged drought.