Nandi hills: The Director of Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) Tea Company in Nandi County, Leah Bii, has urged tea farmers to enhance the quality of their tea leaves to achieve better returns in the global market. High-quality tea leaves, characterized by optimal leaf size, shape, color, and overall freshness, are essential for producing superior flavor and aroma.
According to Kenya News Agency, Bii emphasized during a field day at Kipsitoi Primary School in Nandi Hills that maintaining high-quality tea standards ensures that their produce is favored in the market, despite fluctuations in international prices. She encouraged farmers to implement the knowledge acquired during the event to produce quality tea leaves consistently.
Bii also advised farmers to diversify their farming practices to mitigate the impact of market price fluctuations. She suggested that farmers engage in cultivating other crops such as coffee, potatoes, avocados, maize, and vegetables, alongside livestock farming, to enhance their income sources.
EPK operations director Noel Smith highlighted the company's commitment to fostering sustainable community partnerships and ensuring that tea purchased in Nandi stands out as the best in Kenya. He stressed the importance of collaboration with farmers to achieve these goals.
Dr. Paul Sanga, Chief Officer of the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Development, praised EPK Tea Company for their dedication to community partnerships. He noted that such initiatives offer farmers valuable insights into best agricultural practices, new technologies, and diversification strategies, all contributing to improved tea quality and higher international market returns.
Nandi East Deputy County Commissioner Ngalia Ndaya echoed these sentiments, urging farmers to adopt all measures necessary to enhance their tea quality and remain competitive in the global market.