The government is implementing Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) so that farmers get predictable incomes.
Consequently, the country’s agricultural sector is experiencing a resurgence with gains in farmer incomes, economic growth and food security under the Kenya-Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Government spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura, speaking at a media briefing held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi said the GMR programme has significantly stabilized farmers’ earnings and reduced the vulnerability to market volatility.
“GMR is a true realization of the campaign slogan of ‘pesa mfukoni’ as a result of prioritizing production subsidies over consumption,” stated Mwaura.
He said the realization reflects Kenya Kwanza government solemn pledge to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector into a power of agency for economic growth, food security and farmer prosperity.
On macadamia, the spokesperson announced that the price of the crop has increased from Sh24 to Sh100 per kilo thereby making Kenya a top global producer of nut.
“This is something we should be proud of, it reflects a strategic shift to production subsidies and better market scheduling,” noted Mwaura.
At the same time, he observed that coffee farmers have also seen a significant improvement, with average earnings rising from Sh50 to Sh130 per kilo, through the Coffee Cherry Fund and direct M-Pesa payments.
Some of the farm produces whose prices have increased include milk, which has increased from Sh37 to Sh50 per litre, thus boosting daily income for thousands of farmers.
Sugarcane farmers have similarly benefited, earning up to Sh5,300 per metric tonne, up from Sh4,500 with bonuses flowing due to debt cancellations and production support.
Other beneficiaries of farm produce that Mwaura singled out are Miraa farmers who are enjoying record prices across all grades, with grade one rising from Sh700 to Sh1,300, grade two from Sh350 to Sh700, while Alele grade jumped from Sh500 to Sh1000.
Mwaura said the government has also promoted local value addition in tea, enabling the export of processed tea and increase returns to farmers.
Additionally, Kenya has become Africa’s leading exporter of avocados and producer of the crop, which reflects a successful policy support and market access, he added.
The government is also focusing on leather tanneries with its expansion expected to create value addition opportunities and strengthening local production.
“The leather industry is also expanding, with local manufacturing receiving a boost. The school shoes, in particular, are excellent and our leather sector is creating jobs and promoting value addition,” said Mwaura
These tangible results are a realization of our campaign for a more peaceful and self-reliant economy, he added.
By Muhati Venesa
