Senator Mundigi Assures Macadamia Farmers of End to Exploitation and Low Returns

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Senator said the proposed Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill, 2023, currently under review in the Senate, is designed to bring order and fairness to the industry that has long been dominated by brokers and cartels.

Mundigi, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, noted that the bill seeks to address systemic challenges that have disadvantaged farmers for years.

He emphasized that one of the key provisions of the bill is to cushion farmers from erratic and often exploitative pricing by introducing minimum guaranteed returns for their produce.

According to the Senator, the legislation will eliminate middlemen who have been buying macadamia at throwaway prices only to sell at significantly higher margins in international markets.

Speaking in Runyenjes Town on Sunday after attending a social function, Mundigi said the government is keen on ensuring farmers reap maximum benefits from their hard work.

He pointed out that the bill also focuses on promoting value addition within the country by encouraging local processing of macadamia instead of exporting raw nuts.

Mundigi explained that processed macadamia products fetch significantly higher prices in global markets, with a kilo going for up to Sh. 800 compared to less than Sh. 100 at the farm gate.

He noted that shifting to value addition will not only increase farmers’ incomes but also create jobs and stimulate local economies within macadamia-growing regions.

The Senator further drew parallels with successful agricultural models in Kenya, saying the sector can learn from value chains established in tea and coffee farming.

“We are advocating for macadamia to adopt the value addition model instituted on products such as tea and coffee to ensure good and sustainable returns to farmers,” he stated.

Mundigi also raised concern over the rising cases of theft of raw macadamia nuts directly from farms, terming it a major setback to farmers’ efforts.

He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take firm action against individuals involved in the illegal harvesting and trade of the crop.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to championing policies that empower farmers, saying the success of the bill will mark a turning point in restoring dignity and profitability in macadamia farming.