Makueni County Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana has urged fruit farmers to join cooperative societies for better bargaining power for their produce in the local and international markets.
Kibwana said cooperative societies will discourage brokers who take advantage of farmers by buying their fruits at low prices.
However, Kibwana challenged the farmers to produce quality mangoes in order to fetch maximum profits locally and internationally.
“European market will open soon, and quality mangoes are needed for export to fetch good prices, cooperatives play a fundamental role in marketing,” said Kibwana.
The Governor said this when he commissioned a lorry belonging to Makueni Fruit Processors Cooperative Society at Wote town.
It was supported by National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Project (NARIGP) in collaboration with the Makueni County Government.
Further, the Governor challenged the cooperative officials to offer good leadership that will lead the society to grow and reap maximum profits hence combat poverty afflicting many farmers in the county.
“Proper leadership brings about accountability and transparency in the cooperative movement that is a key driver in our economy,” said the county boss.
The NARIGP project is funded by World Bank and aims at increasing agricultural productivity and profitability of targeted rural communities.
By Ronald Rono
