The Government has promised macadamia nut farmers better prices in the days following months of a slump to as low as Kes 20 per kilo.
Following the government's ban on the export of raw nuts, local processors have been purchasing macadamia nuts from farmers at a discount.
However, since Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria lifted the ban three weeks ago, prices have improved as competition increases due to the opening of new market outlets globally.
According to Mithika Linturi, the secretary to the cabinet for agriculture, after the government intervened, prices began to rise; a kilo is now selling for Kes 65, up from Kes 20 one month ago.
Speaking in Embu Town on Tuesday, Linturi said the government was keen on ensuring farmers’ earnings keep improving.
The CS said they push for a further increment of macadamia prices this month from the current Kes. 65 to Kes. 100, noting that they talked with buyers to ensure they don’t exploit farmers.
Linturi further said depending on the output of the report of SGS, a leading Global inspection, verification, testing and certification body on the quality of the macadamia in the country; the prices could jump to Kes. 150 by June.
