Sections of tea farmers from Gesima ward in Nyamira County have urged the Kenya Tea Development Agency to reduce the cost of fertiliser.
According to the farmers, the cost of the fertiliser has risen to an all time high, and with deductions from the company, they end up getting little or no cash at the end of the month.
Led by Sarah Mong’ina, the chairperson to one group based in Matunwa, the farmers said they want the cost of fertilizer reduced to help them have better salaries at the end of the month and even for their bonuses.
“We are urging our management, under the leadership of Nyansiongo Tea Factory to reduce the cost of fertiliser as one way of helping tea farmers,” said Mongina.
Mong’ina, who was speaking on Monday during a Group meeting, added that they have been encountering heavy loses, especially during dry seasons, and urged the company to set up measures which will help them during such seasons.
Samuel Onyambu is also a tea farmer who noted that it will be important for the company to look into the issue, adding that the county depends on it as their main cash crop.