Produce description

Production Volume: Approximately 35 metric tons as of 2024, with substantial production in Western, Eastern, and Northern regions.
Varieties & Quality: High-yield hybrid seeds (DK777, Longe series) are preferred for commercial, with maturity in 115–120 days.
Key Traits: High starch content suitable for flour (posho), animal feeds (bran), and brewing.
Cultivation Method: Primarily rain-fed (first and second rains). Spacing is typically
between rows and between plants.
Harvest & Yield: Harvesting is largely manual. Average yields are low, but improved practices can reach bags (30-60 kg) per acre.
Post-Harvest: High post-harvest losses exist due to moisture management challenges, making timely drying (below 13.5% moisture content) critical for quality.
Market Dynamics
Demand: Highly sought for human consumption (local and export) and industrial use (breweries, feeds).
Export: Major commodity for Kenya and South Sudan, with high demand during regional shortages.
Seasonality: Prices are higher off-season (often between July and September).
Constraints: Poor post-harvest handling, low use of fertilizers, and pest risks (fall armyworm).