Participants at the national mango conference held in Makueni County, have resolved that farmers be given farm inputs subsidised by the government in an effort to improve mango production in the country.
The delegates drawn from mango growing counties, agreed to expand both local and international markets for mangoes so as to avoid exploitation from middlemen.
“We want to increase mango yields and improve quality and production to meet the market standards. The government in mango growing counties should provide fertilizer and chemicals,” said Joyce Mutua, the Executive Committee Member (ECM) for the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock while reading the resolutions of the forum on Thursday in Wote town.
“In expanding local and international markets through strengthening linkages between farmers, traders and processors should ensure all mangoes that meet the standards get to the market hence improve farmer’s earnings,” she added.
On research, the delegates resolved they will come up with concrete information that will be shared with the value chain actors to ensure a steady production and market for the mangoes.
During the event, the participants resolved to practice organic farming geared towards boosting farmers’ earnings besides getting a ready market that dictates organic farming of mangoes.
“We will innovate and practice organic farming aimed at boosting farmer’s earnings,” said Mutua.
The delegates included exporters, officials from Agricultural Food Authority, ICIPE, KEPHIS besides farmers from Kwale, Makueni, Murang’a, Kilifi, Machakos, Embu and West Pokot counties, and government officials.
By Patrick Nyakundi and Faith Mwende/Tabitha Wambui
