The County Government of Makueni intends to increase coffee production to 2.5 metric tonnes in the next two years.
The County Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr., has said his government will distribute 26,000 coffee seedlings to farmers through their Cooperatives Societies like Kikima, Kithangathini, Masokani, and Kithumani in the area.
Mutula was speaking at his Wote office while addressing the media when he flagged off the first consignment of 8,000 seedlings, saying the remaining seedlings will be distributed next week.
“We had agreed with farmers that through this plan, we shall increase coffee production to 2.5 metric tonnes. We started this plan last year, and I am happy farmers have given a good report that they have 100,000 kilos of quality coffee,” he said.
In this regard, the governor urged farmers in the coffee-growing areas to embrace planting of more crops, saying there is a ready market abroad, while adding that the price of coffee currently stands at Sh87 per kilo, saying this will help farmers earn more income to fight poverty.
Mutula also urged the Department of Agriculture to intensify efforts in educating farmers using experts to ensure they are empowered with knowledge that will help them to enhance coffee production in the county.
“So we need to urge farmers to plant more coffee because we have a ready market abroad. People cannot stop drinking coffee; this is something that can earn farmers an income,” he added.
He disclosed that he was working closely with the national government through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to ensure coffee farmers are provided with subsidised fertiliser.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili and the County Executive for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, among others.
By Patrick Nyakundi
