Tea farmers from Enchoro in West Mugirango have been urged to resume their farming, after a long standoff between a land owner and the local community where the buying center is set that led to its closure.
This comes after intensive consultations and negotiations between the land owner and the management of the buying center with Nyansiongo Tea factory representatives as the arbitrators.
According to the Chairperson of the buying center Bernard Nyakundi, the factory’s management had agreed to clear an outstanding fee of Sh70,000 that they owed the owner after the purchase of the land, and the money will later be deducted from monthly salaries of the farmers.
“We have reached a consensus and there is no big deal about that. We are happy that the factory has really helped us to settle the dues before farmers pay back,” said Nyakundi on Thursday after the meeting.
“We would like to urge farmers to go back and embark on their farming after almost two weeks’ break. We really regret over what had happened, but I am sure we will bounce back now that we will get our title deed,” he added.
Nyansiongo factory chairman Christopher Nyakora appreciated farmers for embracing dialogue without causing chaos.
“My appreciation goes to farmers for being patriots. You have made us proud and as a company, we are extremely happy,” he said.