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Banana Farmers Count Losses

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Published on Thursday, 24 January 2008 16:11

Banana growers in Kisii are complaining of heavy loses since transporters into other towns stopped their operations. A survey by The Standard established that growers were now selling bananas at throw-away prices at shopping centres.

A bunch, which previously sold at Sh200 is now selling at between Sh60 and Sh80. Traders are in search of new markets in Kisii, Ogembo, Keroka and Nyamira towns.

Mrs Mary Nyang'au who sells the fruit in Kisii town said though growers had opted to sell the produce at throw away prices, alot was going to waste. "Bananas are highly perishable. We have surpassed the demand and are making huge loses since potential transporters kept off our region following unrest in the country," she said.

She expressed concern that the Government had failed to establish a banana factory in the region. She said many residents relied on the crop, adding that it was disgraceful that growers had opted to vend the fruits due to lack of proper storage facilities.