Tharaka nithi: Macadamia farmers in Tharaka Nithi County have been trained on organic farming practices aimed at improving nut quality, accessing international markets, and increasing their earnings amid fluctuating prices.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training, held at the Muthambi Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) grounds, brought together more than 30 small-scale macadamia farmers, agricultural experts, and coordinators from Maara Sub-County. The farmers were sensitized on best practices in macadamia production, including planting, pest and disease management, use of organic fertilizers, harvesting, drying, and marketing.
Speaking during a media briefing after the training, Agricultural Coordinator Leonida Amwai highlighted the increasing demand for organically produced agricultural products in international markets. She urged farmers to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fungicides. ‘We have trained the farmers on the benefits of organic farming and the best practices to use because most of the macadamia nuts destined for international markets are rejected due to high levels of fungicide residues,’ said Ms. Amwai.
Ms. Amwai also called on the government to intervene in the macadamia market to address challenges posed by brokers. She noted that farmers have long been advocating for better prices for their produce. Macadamia farmer Kenneth Njiru expressed concerns over challenges in accessing organic fertilizers and quality seedlings, which forces many to rely on costly farm inputs.
Njiru also emphasized the dangers of using pesticides and fungicides, not only on the quality of produce but also on farmers’ health. He urged the government to establish and support macadamia nurseries to ensure farmers have access to adequate and quality seedlings. Furthermore, Njiru decried unreliable markets and fluctuating prices, with macadamia nuts sometimes being bought for as little as Sh40 per kilogram. ‘The price can go as low as Sh40 per kilogram. Yet we would like the government to help raise the price to at least Sh250 per kilogram. This really affects us because we are unable to recover the costs incurred in farming,’ he said.
The farmers believe that improved market access, better prices, and availability of organic farm inputs would make macadamia farming more profitable and sustainable in the county.
