Macadamia farmers have been urged to reject payments below the government-mandated minimum price of Ksh 100 per kilogram, as set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Macadamia Association of Kenya (MACNUT) Chairperson Jane Maigua reassured farmers of fair pricing and value addition within the sector.
“No farmer should accept payment below the minimum guaranteed price of Ksh 100 per kilogram, as stipulated by CS Kagwe,” Maigua stated, emphasizing that processors are ready to purchase mature macadamia nuts.
She urged farmers to deliver only high-quality, mature nuts to designated collection centers in key growing regions to benefit from the established fair price.
Maigua also dismissed claims that processors were buying nuts at lower prices and warned farmers against unscrupulous brokers attempting to undermine the government directive.
“We are committed to ensuring that you are not exploited and receive a fair price for your efforts,” she said.
Beyond pricing concerns, MACNUT is working on plans to introduce higher prices for premium-quality nuts as part of a strategy to expand into global retail and consumer markets.
The association is encouraging farmers to register with cooperatives and farmer groups, which will provide access to certified seedlings, subsidized bio-fertilizers, training programs, dehusking technologies, and financial opportunities from carbon credits.
The government announced the minimum guaranteed price of Ksh 100 per kilogram for macadamia nuts in October last year as part of its efforts to support farmers and stabilize the macadamia industry.
