Farmers in North Kuresoi have got great reprieve, after traders started observing the Potato Act, which demands farmers to pack their produce in 50kg bags.
A spot check by our reporter at Kiptororo Ward, North Kuresoi Constituency revealed that most of the brokers and farmers as well have started observing the rule, packing potatoes in 50kg sacks.
“We are now being guided by the directive from the county government on packing rules,” said Soi Kiptum, a broker in the market.
He however faulted the directive, saying that their profit margins have plummeted as a result of the cabinet secretary’s directive.
“We are fetching little profit in comparison to 130 or 180kg sacks that we used have,” added Kiptum.
Nakuru County agricultural Officer, Purity Muritu said that the agricultural officers in collaboration with police officer are enforcing the directive.
“We are working with police officer to enforce the rule and ensure everyone sticks to the rule, so that the farmers do not lose a lot,” said Muritu.
According to the farmers, the directive has ushered a new dawn, where exploitation by brokers is on the deathbed.
“We have been saved by the county's directive because we can now reap from our hard labour,” said Joe Ngetich, another farmer.
Nakuru County Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has ordered the directive, further agricultural officers at grass root levels to enforce the rule.
Other counties, which grow potatoes, have also started implementing the rule in effort to protect farmers from exploitation by brokers.