Pyrethrum farmers in Nakuru raked in Sh24 million from the sale of the produce in 2018, the first phase of the crop revival program.
Late 2017, the County Government of Nakuru embarked on a program to re-introduce the high-fetching crop to farmers after years of neglect.
County CEC for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Dr Immaculate Maina said the County has increased money allocated towards the revival from Sh10 million to Sh20 million to see all farmers benefit from the initiative.
Dr Maina said the county and other key players have distributed planting materials to over 3, 000 farmers in the last one year, to see over 1, 500 acreages under the flowers.
“The county and other key players have distributed planting materials to over 3, 000 farmers in the last one year, to see over 1, 500 acreages under the flowers,” said Maina.
Maina was speaking during a pyrethrum farmers’ meeting at Eburru, in Gilgil to review the year and address challenges.
The national government has licensed Kentegra, Africhem Botanical, Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya and other companies to buy, process and market the crop.
Kentegra’s chief operating officer Scott Sweat said the American company was working on timely and fair payment in addition to upholding integrity to motivate pyrethrum farmers.
The firm purchases a kilogram of the dried flower at Sh200 payable in two week’s time.
Mary Muthoni said since the revival of the crop, she has been able to meet her domestic obligations due to constant cash flow.
“Since the revival of the crop, I have been able to meet my domestic obligations due to constant cash flow,” said Muthoni.
She called on the County Government of Nakuru to distribute the planting materials in ti