Mango farmers from Embu are making efforts to tap into the European market, but they claim they are being exploited by brokers. According to the growers, the brokers have infiltrated the market, urging them to harvest the crop before maturity and exposing them to huge losses.
Isaac Mwangi, an exporter, said the brokers had spoilt business, and they no longer have reliable customers. “I usually visit the farms and advise farmers to wait for the mangoes to grow to maturity. However, a broker will entice the farmers and offer instant cash, irrespective of whether the fruits have matured. This affects the quality.”
Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi has challenged the county government to offer extension services to farmers to improve the quality of the business. He noted that the farmers depended on advice from the brokers or the exporters, which might be misleading.
Source: standardmedia.co.ke
