Two parliamentary members from Meru County are calling upon the Agricultural Ministry, for creation of miraa directorate to solve challenges faced by miraa farmers.
The two, Kathuri Murungi from Imenti South and his colleague John Mwirigi from Igembe South, argued that despite the crop recognition and funds allocation by the national government, there lacked a body tasked with marketing and proper handling of the produce.
Addressing residents at Amwamba Primary School, the two noted how the crop was faced by many challenges domestically as well as foreign propblems, and which could be dealt with through a directorate.
Mwirigi lamented the deteriorating market for the produce, adding how some other counties were formulating regulations for its sales. He demanded that Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) devise a way which will enable trade for the commodity easily across the nation.
"We are talking of BBI as the structure that wil enhance inclusivity. You cannot talk of inclusivity, yet miraa is being fought in some counties," said Mwirigi.
Both MPs also urged the government to conduct an audit over miraa fund whose manager was former Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mwangi Kiunjuri, and whereby little could be shown from it.
"I have been hearing a lot of complaints from the farmers asking about the fund and I think there is need to do audit it. I appeal to CS Peter Munya to come to the ground and see what has been done. Miraa should also have a body, it could be a parastal to address the various problems facing the crop," noted Mr. Murungi.