Tea farmers in Chania ward have been advised not to apply fertilizers during the dry season.
Nicholas Murume who is Chania ward's agricultural officer noted that applying fertilizers in January would not only waste fertilizers but will also destroy tea crops by causing them to wither.
"We have farmers who did not take advantage of the rain to apply fertilizers in their tea farms for easier consumption by crops. Without any moisture, applying fertilizers will not only destroy the tea crops by causing them to wither due to the fertilizer chemicals but will also cost farmers alot of money," he noted.
He further advised tea farmers to consider planting trees in their farm plantations to attract a cool environment that will reduce sun heat especially when plucking tea.
Murume noted that farmers who had applied fertilizers in December would be reaping big in January despite the harsh weather.
He further warned tea farmers against going for bank loans with higher interest rates to cater for their children school fees citing that such banks could turn and confiscate their items after failure to repay loans on time.