The government has distributed 5,000 coffee seedlings in Igembe South sub-county, Meru County, in a broader national strategy aimed at improving farmer returns and strengthening the agricultural sector.
The seedlings were issued to farmers from Makiri, Anchenge, Athiru Gaiti, Kanthiari, Athi, Tiira and the surrounding areas, targeting at least seven coffee factories in the region.
The government’s coffee revitalization programme, aims to expand acreage under the crop, increase production and improve livelihoods of the people.
Anchenge coffee factory Chairman, Benson Kithinji said the intervention had already begun to transform the sector, noting that a previous batch of 5,000 seedlings had significantly boosted farmers’ morale and encouraged wider participation in coffee farming.
“Production is steadily increasing as more farmers embrace coffee. Empowerment through such government programmes is far more meaningful than empty political rhetoric,” he said, urging residents to continue planting coffee trees.
The chairman highlighted a sharp improvement in coffee prices, revealing that farmers who previously earned between Sh40 and Sh50 per kilogramme are now receiving between Sh80 and Sh90, with the minimum payment not falling below Sh80.
“This is a major boost to household incomes and has restored confidence in coffee farming as a reliable source of livelihood,” he added.
Farmers who spoke during the event echoed similar sentiments, pointing to both increased earnings and timely payments as key benefits of the government’s renewed focus on agriculture.
Caroline Karema described the seedling distribution as timely, saying it will go a long way in expanding production at the household level.
Another farmer, Ntinyari Kithinji, noted that earlier distributions saw each farmer receive at least 10 seedlings, a move that has gradually increased the number of coffee trees across farms.
She also welcomed plans to fence the factory, saying it will enhance security and protect farmers’ produce.
“We are grateful for the continued support. Payments have also been timely, especially when schools are reopening, which has helped many families meet education costs,” added Ntinyari.
On his part, Christopher Mbaabu credited the government for reviving the Anchenge coffee factory, which he said had previously been crippled by cartels and mismanagement, leaving farmers struggling with low returns.
“We thank the government for restoring order in the coffee subsector,” he said.
Salesius Mithika, a member of the factory, pointed to tangible gains already realised, revealing that the factory recently sold 19,700 kilogrammes of coffee, with farmers earning up to Sh90 per kilogramme.
“We have seen real progress. Farmers are motivated again, and we expect even better results in the coming seasons,” he said.
The farmers reiterated the call for continued government support, including interventions in other cash crops such as miraa, to ensure fairness across the agricultural sector.
By Kamanja Maeria
