Pyrethrum Grower’s Association (PGA) National chairman Mr Justus Monda has said the new regulations are archaic hindering revival of the once giant cash crop in Kenya.
'Unfriendly regulations' proposed in the pyrethrum sub-sector is hurting Kenyan’s chances of reclaiming it position as the world leading producer of natural pyrethrum.
The growers say the new regulations which have been rejected by farmers requires them to obtain a certificate of good conduct before they are allowed to grow the crop, be attached to specific grower or processor, a clearance from ethics and anti corruption among other regulations.
Farmers are complaining that the proposed regulations are outdated and unfair since no such regulations have been imposed on other food and cash crops in Kenya.
Chairman Monda said pyrethrum farmers are not criminals or public servants to be weighed through chapter six of the constitution before taking their hoe to farms.
He said there was no public participation before the regulations were drafted adding that farmers will accept a document that is farmers' friendly before being gazetted.
"Over the years, farmers have been fighting for the pyrethrum sector to be fully liberalised, but outdated regulations are hindering motivated farmers who are ready to plant pyrethrum and restore the lost glory," added Monda.
He said farmers should be allowed to sell their product to willing buyers, adding that the world demand on natural pyrethrum is high attracting many investors.
When the crop was vibrant, Kenya used to export 20, 000 metric tones of dried pyrethrum contributing to about 80 per cent of the world market.