Macadamia farmers in Kenya seek state intervention as prices drop

Published 2021년 4월 9일

Tridge summary

Farmers in Meru County, Kenya are expressing concern over the drastic drop in the price of raw nuts, with a kilogram now selling as low as Kshs. 30, compared to last year's high of Kshs. 180. The Meru Macadamia Farmers Association (MMFA) has blamed this on the return of brokers to the market and has called on the government to intervene. The farmers are also struggling due to the suspension of nut buying by processors and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on international export markets. They are urging the government to set a minimum buying price for the commodity and provide them with financial support.

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Original content

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 ...

Source: Kenya Broadcasting Cooperation