FS Solutions: Enhancing Tea Production

Agriland Solutions is transforming the tea farming landscape for small-scale growers in Murang'a. By collaborating with farmers across various tea manufacturers, we are enhancing green leaf production through efficient plucking techniques.

In response to complaints regarding high levies on green leaf harvesting, Agriland has implemented effective strategies. Currently, tea pickers charge Sh12 per kilogram, a cost that many small growers find burdensome given their farm sizes. Moreover, tea pickers often overlook smaller farms that lack the capacity for consistent work.

Since September 2023, Agriland has been providing tea pickers and managing weekly payments for registered farmers. CEO Sam Muiruri explains that Agriland acts as an agent within the tea industry, maximizing returns for growers while lowering production costs. Our support extends to large-scale growers by providing access to skilled tea pickers and managing the collected green leaves efficiently.

We've established partnerships with farmers from tea factories in Ngeere, Ikumbi, Makomboki, and Njunu. Farmers only pay 7.5% of their earnings, which is deducted from their monthly payouts, resulting in a nearly 50% increase in agricultural yields during our pilot program.

Agriland employs agronomists who visit farms to ensure optimal maintenance and effective performance by tea pickers. They conduct soil tests on low-yield farms and provide tailored advice to boost harvests. Farmers can also request essential agricultural inputs, such as manure, which Agriland procures and supplies at minimal costs.

Muiruri highlights the challenges many tea farmers face, including substantial debts while juggling farm management and family responsibilities. "Our goal is to empower farmers to diversify their activities and increase their income while receiving better returns from their tea production," he said. Additionally, a new system ensures that tea pickers cannot sell to multiple buyers at varying prices, promoting fair practices.

Local farmer Florence Githinji shared her experience, noting significant profit increases since joining Agriland in October 2023. "My farm has been well-managed by Agriland, leading to higher tea production. My crop no longer spoils, and I can now focus on other ventures," she stated.

Another farmer, Samuel Kirubi, expressed satisfaction with the new management system, emphasizing that tea pickers now receive timely payments.