Tea farmers from Nyamira County may suffer severe loses after majority of them decided to prune their tea farms following massive destruction by drought that hit the region recently.
Speaking to Hivisasa on Tuesday, they defended their actions terming them as appropriate and timely since pruning would make their farming catch up.
The move has resulted to severe shortages of tea for processing with Nyansiongo tea factory a major casualty after its management announced reduced production in the month of March.
“We had no option other than pruning the tea farms. The drought that hit this region led to massive destruction and therefore, we had to start afresh and that is what we have done,” said Charles Kerauni.
“This action was timely and appropriate and we urge other farmers to do so for the sake of improved yields in future. We must understand that this was natural calamity and has massively affected our production rate,” he added.
They asked the area companies to increase their prices per kilo due to reduced production, a move that was vehemently rejected by many managers notably those of Nyansiongo tea factory.
“We have received a suggestion that we increase the amount paid per Kilo but it will not be possible because financial crisis. Our factories do not have enough tea for processing and we are really worried of the situation because we might be forced to reduce our casual workers,” said Christopher Nyagwoka, manager of Nyansiongo factory.
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