Coffee farmers in Kisii County have challenged Governor James Ongwae to establish a coffee market in Kisii region where they can sell their produce.
The farmers led by Gusii Coffee farmers Cooperative Union official Robert Mainya said coffee farmers were being exploited by middlemen.
"Middlemen have exploited coffee farmers by acting as brokers in selling coffee produce. We are requesting Governor James Ongwae to intervene so that we can have a ready market in Kisii region where farmers can sell coffee products without exploitation from the middlemen,” said Mainya.
He urged coffee farmers not to fall into tricks from the brokers to sell coffee products at low prices.
Mainya said the Kisii county government through the department of agriculture should conduct public forums to help farmers learn new technology skills in coffee farming to realize high yields.
“Farmers should be sensitized on the importance of growing coffee. The available coffee farms in the county are not enough. More farmers need to grow coffee due to its good market when sold directly to customers without involving middlemen,” he added.
He warned farmers against uprooting coffee trees from their farms saying the ministry of agriculture will punish anyone found uprooting coffee trees.
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