Description
Farm/Region Background:
Rutuma Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) is located in the heart of Nyeri, just outside of the town of Karatina. The cooperative has five factories and was created in 2005 after three coops were combined. The water used for processing the cherries comes from the Ruthagati Dam.
Processing Techniques:
The first step is for the farmers to sort their cherries. Only the ripe cherries are accepted for pulping. After pulping, the parchment is left in the tanks so that it can ferment overnight. Once the parchment is fermented it is separated and dried for 10-16 days. The factory uses raised beds to dry the parchment.
Environmental Sustainability and Community Development:
Farmers use water from the nearby Ruthagati Dam not only to process their cherries, but also to provide clean water for their cattle. Cherry pulps and manure are used as fertilizer for their trees.
