Gov’t to boost Pyrethrum farming

PARLIAMENT - The government is reviving its interest and investments in pyrethrum years after farmers gave up growing the cash crop, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Agnes Kalibata has said She told members of the Lower Chamber of Parliament, yesterday, that the government was concentrating on finding seeds that will support farmers interested in growing pyrethrum. “Right now, we are looking for pyrethrum seeds and renovating and constructing 450 seed driers to help boost this activity,” she said Kalibata also responded to several questions raised on the crop intensification programme that she said has boosted agriculture ratings. The programme was introduced by the government in August 2007, to address low productivity and minimal use of fertilizers in the country. MP Jean Baptiste Musemakweli took the opportunity to ask Kalibata about tea prices. “What happens when the prices are good on the international market? Is there transparency on how the local farmer benefits if prices on the international market skyrocket?” he asked. Kalibata explained that tea prices were set in an elaborate way that fairly considered everyone because the process was centred mainly on the farmers themselves. “Every tea grower is a member of a co-operative. The prices are set basing on several consultative meetings with tea growers and the factories that they sell to,” she said. Ends

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Gov’t to boost Pyrethrum farming