This came after reports claimed that growers were lamenting the ban on exports of unprocessed nuts, urging the State to allow the export of 39% of the unprocessed nuts.
In a rejoinder on Wednesday, MACNUT termed the reports as misleading, affirming that farmers have enjoyed the best prices for the first time in three years, recording a definitive recovery for the sector and better prospects for smallholder farmers.
“Farmers who adhered to the government’s price guidelines did not sell below Ksh. 100 per kilogram, and the majority earned between Ksh. 130 and Ksh. 150 during the peak season,” read the statement in part.
“This is a remarkable turnaround from as low as Ksh. 20 per kilogram offered by brokers before the reforms were implemented.”
MACNUT however, noted that the second planting season has been impeded by increased pest infestations affecting nut quality.
The Association is now urging the government, county agricultural departments and the private sector to intervene through biological and non-chemical control methods to protect the next harvest.
In November 2024, Kenya imposed a ban on importing macadamia to tame the harvesting of immature nuts, and it was extended by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe on February 28.
MACNUT has asserted that it will remain committed to providing a fair and transparent macadamia value chain that benefits the farmers and the economy.
Kenya is currently the fourth-largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world, and its largest export markets for processed macadamia kernels remain the United States, Europe, and China.
MACNUT says the sector also contributes over Ksh. 15 billion annually in foreign exchange earnings through local processing and export.
By Citizen Reporter
