Murang'a: The management of Kiru Tea Factory in Murang'a county has unveiled a strategic avocado diversification project in partnership with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation, TechnoServe, CASA, and SokoFresh. The initiative aims to help farmers broaden their income base and enhance long-term economic sustainability in the face of fluctuating tea prices.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiru Tea Factory Chairman Chege Kirundi described the move as a game changer for smallholder tea farmers who have long relied solely on tea production. He noted that the global tea market has faced numerous challenges, and diversification into avocado farming will enable farmers to have an additional, reliable source of income.
Kirundi emphasized that the factory's management is focused on building a more resilient and self-sustaining farming community. He highlighted the factory's goal not just to produce tea but to empower farmers to thrive through innovation and modern agribusiness. Avocado farming, he stated, has immense potential, and with support from partners, it can become a success story in Kiru.
Representatives from the KTDA Foundation and Technoserve organization praised the factory for embracing diversification, noting that avocado cultivation offers significant export potential and can greatly improve household incomes. They pledged to provide technical support, training, and access to markets to ensure the project's success.
Under Chege Kirundi's leadership, Kiru Tea Factory has earned praise for introducing progressive reforms and implementing farmer-centred initiatives. The factory continues to explore innovative ways to enhance value addition and boost farmer welfare through climate-smart and sustainable farming practices.
The collaboration with KTDA Foundation, CASA, and SokoFresh marks another milestone in Kiru Tea Factory's transformation journey, underscoring its commitment to inclusive growth and farmer empowerment. Kirundi highlighted that farmers are the backbone of the factory's operations and emphasized the importance of partnerships in ensuring agriculture remains profitable and sustainable.