He said since their miraa variety has no market locally, they have been forced to prune their trees and occasionally sell small amounts to local traders. The situation is dire and the President should move with speed to reopen the economy and engage our neighbours to allow cargo flights,” Mr Lichoro said. According to Mr Lichoro, Nyambene Miraa Sacco, which has 1,200 members, has hit its lending limit due to increased borrowing from cash-strapped farmers. Somalia closed its airspace and banned cargo flights apart from medical supplies, late March after recording its first Covid-19 case. According to Nyambene Miraa Traders Association, Somalia takes in about 50 tonnes of miraa daily valued at about Sh100 million during the peak season.

Source: Daily Nation July 06, 2020 13:07 UTC