Tea Machinery Engineering Company Limited (TEMEC) has concluded trials for new Monofilament Green Leaves Tea Plucking Baskets (TPBs), aiming to provide a more efficient and comfortable solution for tea farmers in Kenya. These baskets are designed to replace cumbersome conventional types, offering significant improvements in durability, hygiene, and user comfort.

• The new TPBs weigh 0.9kg compared to 2.6kg for conventional bags, yet have a higher carrying capacity of 14kg versus 8kg.
• TEMEC General Manager, Michael Cherutich, stated the baskets are made from hygienic, virgin, food-grade quality High Density Polythene (HDPE) and are UV stabilized.
• Priced at Sh1,500, the monofilament baskets are expected to last over 3 years, making them more affordable long-term than annual purchases of conventional baskets costing Sh1,000.