Kiraitu Cautions People Against Irresponsible Politicking on Coffee Farming
Governor Kiraitu has issued cheques worth 50 million to ward level agricultural groups to increase productivity and profitability. This is 60% of phase one funding after the groups had received another sh.43 million in October last year, meant to boost four select value chains; Macadamia, Avocado, Banana and potatoes, through the National Agricultural & Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).
The governor asked farmers to form more groups along the said value chains order to get more funding in phase two, for increased incomes and food security. However, the governor pointed out that political noise is like water and will never end. He added that he is not a child that he may be guided on what and when to speak, since he knows when to do so and when to remain silent. The governor spoke in response to the undisclosed individuals he mentioned to have been using some media platforms to throw insults at him.
In coffee farming, Kiraitu said President Kenyatta gave ksh.3 billion to help coffee farmers, but farmers have not yet benefited from the funds. He further noted that this is not the first time the government is helping coffee or tea farmers as even Rt.President Kibaki, had allocated sh. 9 billion still to coffee farmers but it did not help them. Being a coffee and tea farmer, Kiraitu said that even though many politicians speaks about agriculture, their main interest is always on votes.
He cautioned the people of Meru against blind politics, saying politicians will make more noice around votes and money to create distraction. He said from political experience, coffee farmers have been shown money but do not get. You will be shown money but between money and farmers many things happen making the funds fail to reach farmers”
He said the government should give money directly to farmers as this is a sure way that will ensure money reaches to the people. He asked coffee farmers to continue farming even as they await this national allocation.
