The Mountain Journal
editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Tea farmers have received Sh3.2 billion for the payment of green leaf processed in the month of December by smallholder factories across the counties.
KTDA Holding Chairman Enos Njeru said the monthly payment for 131.5 million kilogrammes of green leaf delivered for processing in the 70 tea factories.
Njeru said the payment was along with the factory’s dividends of Sh 144 million.
“ As we usher in the year 2025 we call upon the farmers to remain united to ensure they continue plucking quality green leaf in effort to attract the best prices in the market,” said Njeru.
In a statement, he said,KTDA has released the December green leave payment amounting to Sh 3.2 billion for 131.5 million kgs of green leaf.
“The amount is along with factory-wise dividends totaling Sh 144 million,” said the chairman.
Ngere tea factory James Githinji said the payment was released when the growers were in need of money to enable them to pay school fees for their children.
“ We appreciate the timely release of the much awaited money to enable farmers to ensure their children resume learning after the December holiday and the festive season,” said Githinji.
In the year ended June 30, last year the growers earned Sh89.2 billion from the delivery of green leaf, up from Sh 67.7 billion of the previous year.
Peter Kamore, a tea value chain expert, says the amount will save the growers from seeking for expensive loans from shylocks and commercial banks.
“Release of the monthly payment is a blessing to many farmers as their children will proceed for the first term without experiencing challenges,” said Kamore.
