Pyrethrum farmers in Nakuru and Nyandarua counties have given the government one month to liberalise the sector and address challenges facing farmers, failure to which they will abandon the crop.
Speaking to reporters, Nakuru Pyrethrum Growerers Association representative, Wilson Kiarie, accused the government of lacking the will in reviving the sector.
He said farmers are tired of false promises from the government on reviving the sector, stating that they will soon neglect the plant and venture into other crops.
“We have given the government one-month ultimatum to liberalise the sector or else we will rally behind farmers to stop planting the crop,” said Kiarie.
The farmers blamed the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya (PBK) for the woes facing pyrethrum growerers.
Mr Kiarie alleged that PBK is being led by selfish interests, saying they have failed to push the government to liberalise the sector.
They further accused PBK of failing to regulate and ensure proper and quality seeds are supplied to farmers.
“Farmers have been receiving fake seeds from the market which is a clear indication that PBK has no interest in the sector,” he added.