Ikinu chief Amos Kamau has urged residents to form cooperative societies to market their produce and to flush out exploitative brokers.
Speaking on Thursday during a public baraza at Ikinu trading centre, the chief said that cooperatives have been of great importance to residents in flushing out middlemen and improving livelihood of farmers.
“It is high time that you form cooperatives to enable you market your produce at reasonable prices and do away with brokers. In the absence of middlemen, you will enhance your profit, improve your livelihood and attain reasonable economic status,” said the chief.
He cautioned the farmers against selling their produce to middlemen who exploit them.
“These brokers you see moving from one sub-county to another are the enemies of economic growth of farmers. They exploit farmers leaving them with nothing to gain,” said the chief.
He urged the farmers to increase efforts and diversify farming activities to improve their living standards.
“Farming is the primary economic activity of Ikinu Division. Increase your farming activities so that you can enjoy more,” said the administrator.
He added that the county government has earmarked funds for the renovation of the impassable rural roads in the area to enable farmers market their produce especially perishable produce like milk and fruits.