Miraa farmers demand share of Sh1 billion grant

Embu County Co-operatives Commissioner David Muriuki at a farm in Starehe, near Siakago town yesterday. The farmers demanded for a share of the Sh1 billion grant to miraa farmer in Meru region that was announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta recently. [Photo: JOSEPH MUCHIRI/STANDARD]

Miraa farmers have demanded for a share of the Sh1 billion grant meant for their counterparts in Meru.

They want the Government to allocate Sh400 million or 40 per cent of the kitty in uplifting farming and marketing infrastructure in miraa growing areas.

Through the Mbeere Muguka Sacco, which incorporates several miraa self-help groups, the farmers said they planned to use the money for research to diversify uses of the stimulant through value addition and to prevent its adverse effects.

Sacco chairman Francis Kimori praised the President for his measures to promote miraa farming by classifying it as a cash crop, allocating money and promising to seek more markets.

“We, however, want the President to note that Embu was equally affected by the ban on miraa in Britain and other markets as was Meru. When miraa flooded the local market, we also suffered. We too need the grant,” he said.

Speaking when Embu County Commissioner of Co-operatives David Muriuki visited the Sacco to guide them on writing proposals to access the kitty, Mr Kimori requested that the money be shared through registered groups and Saccos to maximise benefits to farmers.

He said once they get the money, they would use it for value addition including making juice and wine. He said the Sacco had empowered miraa farmers through loans which had enabled them purchase vehicles and land as well as bring sanity into khat farming and trading.

Mr Muriuki said miraa farming had revolutionised Mbeere’s economy and changed the fortunes of residents who in the past relied on relief food whenever rains failed.