By Joyce Wambui
A deal has been approved by the County Assembly of Murang’a and an Italian firm allowing five corporative societies to sell their produce in Italy. This was after a research tour was conducted and the corporative societies’ management signed a memorandum of understanding with Ibarico Sri Italy.
The farmers’ societies include: Thikagiki, Kinogerama, New Gatanga, Gatunyu Kigio and Kanyenyaini.
Farmers will be trained at a cost of Sh 358,344,000 to enable them produce the best quality for the Italian Market and allow certification from regulatory bodies to ensure Muranga coffee finds a niche in the export market.
Charles Kahoro, the Assembly Agriculture committee chairman, said that Muranga farmers’ co-operative union signed the agreement on behalf of the cooperatives based in Gatanga and Kangema sub-counties between September 24 and October 6.
“The cooperation between the Italian firm and the five societies is an indomitable interrelation that will improve quality of coffee grown in the region. It will also raise demand, hence better prices for the farmers,” he said.
“The county assembly should help farmers get better prices for their produce to end decades of poor returns,” said Amos Murigi, a farmer.
