In the month of February, KTDA revealed that tea production declined by 40 per cent across all the tea-growing areas, a situation that has significantly affected the income of farmers
According to Kenya Tea Development Agency KTDA) chair David Ichoho, depressed, short rains have significantly impacted the production of the major foreign exchange earner.
Besides drought, farmers are also reported to be facing rising costs of labour which further lessens their ultimate income.
Speaking at Gathomi village in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, where fire accidentally broke out, destroying 600 bushes, Ichoho said that although farmers are optimistic of rains to boost production, the government has instituted measures to curb farmers’ losses for better earnings.
“We are optimistic and hopeful that rains will come by the end of February and March with a hope that we will recoup what we have lost in terms of production,” said Ichoho as quoted by People Daily.
Read also; Kenya to Begin Exporting Tea and Coffee in Bulk to Slovakia.
