The construction of a Miraa Research Institute is due to start after the land was identified in Igembe North, Meru County.
The centre is meant to improve the production of quality miraa seed and pioneer research on best agronomy, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Managing Director Eliud Kireger said at the weekend.
Munya said the research station, to be built at Murungene at Ntunene in Igembe North Sub-County, will cost Sh12 million.
He said the institute in a region where miraa is the predominant cash crop will also research on miraa diseases and pests.
Dr Kireger said Kalro will test the soils for miraa farmers and research on potential pests and diseases.
“We are starting it here,” Kireger said.
Kalro will work in collaboration with the Kenya Seed Company at the research centre, as the government works to increase the production of quality miraa seeds for farmers.
Bernard Ngore, the Chairman of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) said the organisation was working on standardisation of miraa value-added products including drink and beverages.
Ngore said they recognised miraa as a legal cash crop and wanted it in the market, including internationally.
“Professionals are doing the standardisation of miraa, so that it is not fought. Miraa is not bad. Is it bad as alcohol or cigarettes?” he posed.
At the same time, David Kariithi, a director at Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) said there were plans to plant miraa in farms owned by the corporation, including near Kenya’s borders.
Kariithi said the aim of having miraa farms near the borders with neighboring countries is to promote planting and consumption in the region.
Abothuguchi Central MCA Ayub Bundi said MCAs were working on a motion to allocate funds to construct a major miraa market in Nairobi.
His colleague Isaiah Kanyaru from the miraa growing bastion of Igembe Central Sub County, was tasked with tabling the motion compelling the county government to set aside funds for the construction of the market in the capital.
“Somalia was the biggest miraa market and since its closure the prices have dipped. Parents have no cash to pay fees for their children,” Mr Kanyaru (Njia ward), said.
Want to get latest farming tips and videos?
Join Us
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
Tomato Farmers reap big from drive to raise yields
Farmers diversify to sorghum to fight climate change effects
Green revolution as Eastern counties adopt high-yielding upland rice variety
Siaya farmers abandon maize after dismal yields, turn to fruit farming
join 