National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has purchased 1.6 million bags of maize estimated at Sh5.12 billion to replenish the country’s Strategic Grain Reserve as more farmers rush to deliver the produce ahead of next planting season. The deliveries have been boosted by prompt payments of Sh3,200 per 90kg bag of maize up from Sh3,000 last year and waiving of drying facilities to meet the required 13.5 per cent moisture content.