Solai farmers are counting losses after their farms' produce declined in comparison to other years.
The farmers are now pleading with the county government to assist them in sampling the soil and advise them on the types of crops they should be planting. The farmers complain that they have not harvested beans recently and the maize crop is failing.
Speaking during a visit in the area, Rahab Wangeci, a renowned farmer from Kianugu in Solai location, explained that the climate has changed and farmers may be forced to beg for relief food from as early as November this year.
Wangeci said, “Last year we did not get much produce compared to 2012. Life is becoming unbearable for farmers here as this season no one harvested beans. We planted but due to bad weather conditions, we had no beans from our farms.”
The maize crop was not spared either and those who leased land there are regretting. The farmer said that the area needs the county’s ministry of agriculture to intervene.
Other parts of Solai affected by the low production include Ruiru, Nyandarua, Banita, Kianugu and Marigu. The bean crop was affected by failed rains.
James Thuranira, who had five acres of beans, claims he did not harvest even a cup of beans.
“I am so disappointed by the changing climate. This means I will have to look for other means to repay my bank loan,” said a worried Thuranira.
In shops where cereals are sold, a two-kilo tin of maize is retailing at between Sh70 and Sh100 while that of beans sells for between Sh200 and Sh280.