Macadamia farmers in Kenya seek state intervention as prices drop

According to farmers in the county, a kilogram of raw nuts is now trading for as low as Kshs. 30 compared to last year when the same was sold at up to Kshs. 180. Meru Macadamia Farmers Association (MMFA) Chairman Joshua Muriira said brokers had taken over the market once more and called on the government to rid them off the sub-sector. “We urge the government to crack down on cartels that have continuously impoverished farmers,’’ Muriira added. He said many nut processors in the region announced the suspension of nuts buying yet they were receiving the produce from brokers who buy the commodity from individual farmers at low prices. Muriira pointed out that peak seasons for nuts usually begin early March to July and it was unfortunate farmers are fetching such low returns. “We urge the government to set aside a special kitty for macadamia nut farmers to cushion them from the effects of COVID-19 just as it has done to small-scale businesses and Miraa farmers,” he said. Douglas ...