Pyrethrum farmers across the country has a reason to smile after the government through the Ministry of Agriculture licensed eight private companies to address their problems.
Some of problems facing pyrethrum farmers include insufficient seedlings.
The move comes amid constant calls by farmers to fully liberalize the pyrethrum sector in order to revive the ailing industry.
According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Felix Koskei, some private companies have started propagating seedlings.
The ministry move has rejuvenated the urge of farmers and companies who have started to work in unison.
High Chem Agriculture- a division of High Chem Essentials has rolled out a programme to supply agro chemicals to pyrethrum farmers at a subsidised cost.
According to High Chem Managing Director, Dr Wachira Maina the programme targets pyrethrum farmers who sell their produce to High Chem agriculture following liberalization of the pyrethrum sector.
Wachira said that the chemicals will be useful to farmers especially, farmers under co-operatives societies.
He said that even without cash, the farmers will be able to access the chemicals on credit basis as long as they deliver flowers to High Chem agriculture. Wachira said that the chemicals will go a long way in supporting pyrethrum farming especially during weeding.
“In order to ensure farmers have access to information on modern farming methods, High Chem Agriculture will be using SMS services to furnish farmers with such information,” said Wachira.