Protests against potato reforms

Hundreds of potato dealers from the Imenti-Gakoromone market of Meru county, have taken to the streets in protest against the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority Act(AFFA) of 2013, which was enacted into law in 2014.

“The County Government of Meru will protect farmers in the county against exploitation,” Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi said on August 24, 2015.

He said that the County Government collaborated with the National Government as well as all other stakeholders to ensure that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority Act (AFFA) of 2013 was fully implemented.

The Deputy Governor was speaking outside the County Government offices when traders sought the government audience. He advised the dealers to comply with the act to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law.

The law, which is a big relief for potato farmers, went into effect in early 2013 but remained largely unimplemented until late last year, when the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Authority wrote to governors asking for collaboration in implementing the law in the counties.

Jenaro Quantai, Executive Director of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries stated that the law, which is intended to standardize farm produce packaging and protect farmers and dealers in the value chain, is the result of a bill introduced and passed by Parliament in order to comply with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations on trade product packaging.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the law’s success for the county’s and country’s economic well-being.

The law stipulates the unit of measurement of the weight of all produce shall be the kilogramme and each package shall not exceed a weight of fifty (50) kilogrammes and anybody who contravenes this is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both.

Julius Kirimi, a potato trader said: “The potato law went into effect in 2013, but we’re curious why dealers in Meru county aren’t allowed to package their potatoes like in other county markets.

“The team that came to Gakoromone market did not notify us beforehand. The issue is not with the trader, but with the farmer who wishes to set the terms of purchase.

“We also calculate the cost of transportation from Mau-Narok to Meru. We are perplexed as to why it is permitted to pass through all of the countries, only for the laws to change when it reaches Meru.

“We ask for more time and do not want to be told that Matiangi will arrive on Friday.”

Another trader said: “Potato packaging is agreed upon between the dealer and the customer. The rest of the story is history.

“If I don’t have any money, the farmer will be without customers, and they will rot in the house. Due to a lack of customers, most of the farmer’s potatoes have gone bad.

“They waited until the potatoes were past their prime before pleading with us to buy them. The government should be aware that we are paying farmers with our own money, and they should not intervene.

“A spike is used to determine the type of bean. Is it expected that potato dealers will use it as well?

“There is no challenge for the farmer. The issue arises when the national government stands between the farmer and the dealer.

“Before informing the trader, the national government should have communicated with the farmer about the laws.

“Farmers sell us potatoes for Ksh 2200. A broker will charge you Ksh 200 and the transportation fee is Ksh 150.

“We have nothing when we sell them for Ksh 2600.

A government official said: “When the farmer buys fertilizer, he does not ask the shopkeeper to fill it all the way to the top. He purchases based on the fixed set weight he requires.

“However, dealers are asking farmers to add an extra kilogram to the gunny bag, which is reducing their earnings. The 50 kg bag that was previously used as a unit of measurement has been abandoned by the dealers.

“Farmers will be unable to farm potatoes in the future if current trends continue. Bundi, a former market chairman.

Another trader said: “I oppose the government’s decision to impose demands on dealers without first consulting them. It appears that Gakoromone market dealers are not respected in the same way that dealers in other counties are.

“I urge the government to solicit public participation on (AFFA). However, even a person with a disability is respectfully notified before entering his home.

“Let the county commissioner and Matiangi know that we reject the demands. Why are people being oppressed in the midst of a pandemic and being threatened with having their possessions taken away?

“The government is unconcerned about the needs of the people or where the loaders will get their food.”

Another trader said: “I’ll pick the best potato from the farmers, and they’ll have nowhere to go with the rest. If the Kilogram is the unit of measurement, I will steal it from the farmer because there is a way. The farmer will continue to suffer.

“The cost of fertilizer should be kept as low as possible so that the farmer incurs as few expenses as possible.”

Another trader said: “Some customers prefer to purchase potatoes in their current packaging. The farmer will not benefit because potatoes are purchased in kilos, such as 100kgs or 120kgs.

“I propose establishing a standard, such as a fixed buying price from the farmer. However, I disagree with the government’s demands on their packaging proposal because traders sell in kilos to customers.”