The Government has undertaken far-reaching reforms in the agriculture sector to improve the lives of farmers, President William Ruto has said.
The President pointed out that the reforms are beginning to deliver real benefits to farmers across the country.
Speaking at Kenyoro Market and Nyankororo Primary School grounds in Bonchari Constituency, Kisii County, on Tuesday, he explained that revitalisation of agriculture is key to the country’s economic prosperity.
“By lowering the cost of inputs, including fertiliser and seeds, registering farmers digitally and dismantling strangling cartels, we are ensuring that farmers earn more from their hard work,” President Ruto stated.
He pointed out that coffee farmers are now earning up to Ksh150 a kilo, up from an average of Ksh70 previously.
Additionally, the President said sugar growers are being paid seven days after delivery of cane and will receive bonuses for the first time like farmers in other sectors. Employees at sugar factories are also being paid monthly without fail.
“In the tea sector, we will invest Ksh4.2 billion in the modernisation of factories to ensure all farmers receive better prices and equitable bonus,” he announced.
The President singled out mismanagement, aging factories and high cost of power as some of the challenges facing many tea factories across the country.
