Tea Farmers to Receive Reduced Payments Due to Prolonged Dry Spell

Tea production in the country has decreased by 30 percent in the last five months due to a prolonged dry spell. Despite the fact that there have been improved prices at the Mombasa auction, production at the farms has gone down due to climatic changes. This is according to Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).

Agriculture is not only the driver of the economy of Kenya but also the means of livelihood the majority of people. This sector comprises of crop production, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and forestry. Production of Crops and horticulture contributes to 76.5 percent of Agriculture GDP followed by livestock production at 4.9 percent.

Tea production and exports tend to contribute largely towards the growth of the Kenyan economy through generation of foreign exchange and employment. It also provides a material base for national economic growth. In particular, they make significant contributions to food security by helping to cover food import bills.

Speaking at Ragati Tea Factory during its Annual General Meeting in Mathira, Nyeri County, Mr Kanyago from KTDA said farmers may receive reduced payments this year since crop production has been greatly affected.He noted that the effects started in June last year which was the beginning of the current financial year.

Kanyago urged politicians to keep away from the tea industry saying politics should not interfere with the running of the agricultural sector.

Ragati Factory chairman Eustace Karanja said his factory is one of the most affected after experiencing a 40 percent deficit in crop production since July last year adding that the issue has led to laying off of some workers especially the casual laborers.

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