Macadamia Nut Processors Association of Kenya (MACNUT) Chairperson Jane Maigua and macadamia farmers have refuted claims that government policies on macadamia have resulted in a dip in prices from Sh150 to Sh90.

Jane asserted that they will ensure farmers enjoy fair trading terms to eke out a decent living, noting that all farmers have been advised to not sell any produce below Sh100.

She called on the farmers to come together and back the government in making sure there is no selling of unprocessed macadamia which will help create jobs locally.

“There has been exploitation from various types of middlemen who peddle lies to the media so that they can continue benefiting from the chaos they create,” she noted while speaking in Diani, Kwale county after a workshop to review the directive by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

Harvesting season

Kagwe directed that harvesting season for mature macadamia nuts for this year begin on March 1.

Francis Kipsang, a macadamia farmer, noted that the government’s efforts are aimed to improve their exports and have a good return from their sweats.

The nuts have been seen as a game changer for the farmers who grow macadamia hence the need to safeguard the crop.

Elsewhere in Nyeri County, James Muturi, the Chair Agriculture CECM’s Caucus in Kenya(47 counties) says the ban of export of raw macadamia to the Chinese market must be enforced by both the national and county governments.

He also encouraged farmers to produce more nuts since the capacity by local processors is higher than what is currently produced which will positively impact the economy through value addition.