Miraa traders will soon be barred from transporting the commodity using proboxes, Motorcycles and pick-ups if new regulations are adopted and passed by the Senate.

The crops (miraa) 2023 developed by the Ministry of Agriculture seeks to streamline the planting, handling, transporting and exporting of the ‘Green Gold’ to ensure that the farmers get maximum profits from the commodity.

The regulations drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture seek to put stringent handling of the commodity to avoid damage and to maintain the original quality.

“A vessel used for transportation of miraa shall be built and equipped to ensure maintenance of optimal temperatures and hygiene to prevent damage, contamination and spoilage of produce. (6) quality assurance for the handling, packaging, transportation harvesting and postharvest handling of produce under this section shall be in accordance with the code of practice,” reads part of the regulations.

This even as non-compliant produce due to food safety reasons shall be seized, detained and destroyed at the offender’s cost and that miraa produce presented using forged export or import documents shall be destroyed upon interception and the company is suspended from an export dealership for one year.

This even as non-compliant produce due to food safety reasons shall be seized, detained and destroyed at the offender’s cost and that miraa produce presented using forged export or import documents shall be destroyed upon interception and the company is suspended from an export dealership for one year.

Besides, the regulations that will be considered by the Senate, the Cabinet Secretary may by a notice in the gazette impose a levy on miraa produce or products and that the levy imposed shall be at a rate of Sh2 per kilogram of miraa produce imported or exported.