The County Government of Meru will continue reorganizing and empowering farmers in cooperatives to ensure that they achieve maximum financial gain through the various forms of agriculture practiced in the County. Governor Kiraitu Murungi has reiterated that the vision of Making Meru Great, can only be realized, if the residents are organized and educated to ensure that whatever form of agriculture they practice is financially profitable.

Speaking at Abothuguchi Boarding Primary School Githongo during the International Co-operatives Alliance Day Celebrations, the Governor said that agriculture can only be profitable through implementation of value addition and maximum exploitation of value chains of various produce, which are only possible if farmers are organized into strong Co-operatives.

"We want to have processing of potatoes and bananas into easily usable products like flour, chips and banana wine among others, which have a very expansive and quick market. The only way to establish systems which can allow this is by having powerful and well organized Co-operatives of our farmers," said Governor Kiraitu.

The Governor told the people that it is important to realize that everyone is looking for money to ensure a better and more comfortable life, and agriculture in the County must be streamlined to ensure Meru farmers realize this goal from their hard and honest labor. Strong Cooperatives are the only catalyst for farmers to be able to bargain for better prices for their products, get trained on improved, quick and profitable farming practices, said Governor Kiraitu, adding that his Government has now revived Kaguru Agricultural Training Centre and is in the process of completing construction of a training hall, which will have a capacity of 1000 farmers per training session.

The CEC member for Cooperatives, Maingi Mugambi said that his Department is working hard to actualize the Co-operatives Act of 2014, which will ensure execution of regulations and prudent management of finances and assets of Cooperatives by the officials placed in charge on behalf of farmers. He noted that the Department is working closely with all partners including the national government, to reach the intended goal of helping the farmers reap benefits commensurate to their efforts and investment in all agricultural ventures.

The event was also attended by Imenti Central MP Hon. Kirima Nguchine, Abothuguchi Central MCA Patrick Muthuri, leaders and members of various Cooperatives from across Meru County and residents.
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