Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has urged miraa farmers to join cooperative societies. He said this will strengthen their bargaining power and improve marketing of the crop. Leaders are pushing for revival of the sector, which has faced years of decline.

Miraa Farmers Cooperative Societies in Meru Urged by Governor Mutuma to Boost Earnings and Bargaining Power

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at Kathatene Methodist Church in Antobetwe Kiongo Ward, Igembe North Constituency, Governor Mutuma said miraa farmers have continued to face economic hardships. This is despite investing heavily in the crop. Many farmers have abandoned their farms because prices are too low to cover costs.

The Governor said cooperative societies would help farmers to access better markets. Better markets mean better prices. Cooperatives would also enhance value addition initiatives aimed at increasing earnings from miraa products. Instead of selling raw twigs, farmers could process miraa into juice, wine, or flavoured products.

Mutuma expressed confidence that the county leadership, jointly with the national government and other stakeholders, would address the long-standing challenges affecting the miraa sector. The goal is to improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region.

Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi said the Senate had already passed the second reading of a Bill seeking to remove miraa from the list of drugs regulated by NACADA. The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has long listed miraa as a substance of concern. Farmers argue that this classification has hurt their market.

The Senator said the proposed legal changes would pave the way for value addition. Farmers could produce miraa juice, miraa wine, and other flavoured products. These new products would create more income opportunities for farmers. They would also open doors to new customers who do not chew raw miraa.

The two leaders also raised concerns over challenges that have affected the miraa market over the years. These include the closure of the Somalia market, which was once a major destination for Kenyan miraa. They also cited allegations of poor management of the sector by previous administrations.

They accused former Agriculture Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya and Mithika Linturi of contributing to the collapse of the miraa market. They cited weak regulations and cartels which they claimed affected key export markets such as Somalia. Farmers have long complained that middlemen take most of the profits while farmers earn very little.

A miraa businessman, Jacob Mantili, called for investigations into the alleged loss of funds meant for miraa development. Over the years, various governments have promised to support the sector. Billions of shillings have been allocated. But farmers say they have seen little of that money.

Some leaders urged residents to support ongoing efforts aimed at reviving the sector and restoring farmers’ incomes. They called on farmers to unite and speak with one voice. Divided farmers are easily exploited. United farmers can demand fair prices.

The miraa farmers cooperative societies in Meru are seen as a key part of this revival. A cooperative can buy inputs in bulk at lower prices. It can process and package products for export. It can negotiate with buyers from Somalia, Ethiopia, and other countries. An individual farmer cannot do any of these things.

Governor Mutuma’s message is clear. Join a cooperative. Stop selling to middlemen who exploit you. Work together to add value to your product. Push the government to open new markets. Demand accountability for funds meant for your sector.

The miraa farmers cooperative societies in Meru are not a new idea. They have existed for years. But many have been weak or poorly managed. The Governor is now calling for a new wave of cooperation. Strong cooperatives with professional management. Cooperatives that serve farmers, not politicians.

The road ahead is long. The Somalia market may not reopen quickly. New markets in other countries will take time to develop. Value addition requires investment in equipment and training. But the first step is organization. Farmers must come together. They must speak as one. They must demand their share.

The miraa farmers cooperative societies in Meru have a chance to change the sector. The Governor is behind them. The Senator is pushing for legal changes. The farmers are ready. Now is the time to act. The season is short. The opportunity is now. Miraa farming can be profitable again. Farmers must cooperate to make it happen.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Meru-Governor-Isaac-Mutuma-1024x683.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Meru-Governor-Isaac-Mutuma-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming NewsMeru Governor Isaac Mutuma has urged miraa farmers to join cooperative societies. He said this will strengthen their bargaining power and improve marketing of the crop. Leaders are pushing for revival of the sector, which has faced years of decline.Speaking on Sunday during a church service at Kathatene Methodist...New Generation Culture in Agriculture