Muguka farmers demand half of Sh1bn Uhuru gave to miraa farmers

Muguka traders in Kawanjara, Embu County wait for customers along the Meru-Embu road. Muguka farmers in Mbeere Sub-County have demanded a share of the Sh1 billion allocated to miraa growers in Meru County. FILE PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The muguka farmers asked the Head of State to ensure they are not discriminated against when the money to boost the crop is released.
  • The farmers said they faced similar challenges as their Meru counterparts.
  • They already have registered groups and saccos where the money can be channelled through to maximise benefits to farmers.
  • The crop has revitalised Mbeere’s economy and changed the fortunes of residents.

Miraa farmers in Mbeere Sub-county have demanded a share of the Sh1 billion allocated to the crop in Meru County.

The muguka farmers asked the Head of State to ensure they are not discriminated against when the money to boost the crop is released. They demanded a 40 per cent share of it.

Muguka, which is said to be a species of miraa, is grown in the drier parts of Embu.

Through their umbrella organisation, Mbeere Muguka Sacco, the farmers said they faced similar challenges as their Meru counterparts and it was only fair that they get money for research to diversify uses of the stimulant.

Their chairman, Mr Francis Kimori, said muguka was adversely affected by the flooding of miraa from Meru due to the ban in various European countries.

He said the move to classify miraa as a cash crop will help them to access various inputs and farm extension services.

ACCESS THE KITTY

Mr Kimori spoke in Siakago Market when Embu County Commissioner of Cooperatives David Muriuki visited the sacco to guide them on writing proposals to access the kitty.

“Embu was equally affected by the ban of miraa in Britain and other markets as was Meru,” said Mr Kimori. “When miraa flooded the local market, we also suffered.

“We, too, need the cash grant.

“We already have registered groups and saccos where the money can be channelled through to maximise benefits to farmers.”

Mr Kimori said they were prepared to add value to their crop by making juice, wines and other products and so create jobs.

Mr Muriuki cautioned against demonising the crop for being associated with child labour and influx of drugs to the region and called for steps to eradicate the negative effects.

He said the crop had revitalised Mbeere’s economy and changed the fortunes of residents, who used to rely on relief food during droughts.