Kenya avocado farmers
have produced 58.4 metric tonnes that have been exported in the last six
months.
The highest production
of 14.3 metric tonnes was registered in April, and the lowest in January 1.1
metric tonnes.
According to Avocado
Society of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr Ernest Muthomi said during the six
months period Netherland bought produce estimated at 16.3 metric tonnes,
followed by Spain at 7.5 metric tonnes, UAE 5.8 metric tonnes.
Muthoni speaking on
phone said only best quality was allowed in the market, saying the society will
be holding an international webinar between July 21and July 23 about the future
of avocado growing in the world.
“Despite Covid 19
pandemic Kenya exported the best produce in the market and hope in the coming
months that farmers will benefit for the foreign market,” said Muthomi. Last
year exported 26 metric tonnes into the market
Agriculture Food Authority Interim Director
General Antony Mureithi said in 2018 Kenya produced 110 metric tonnes of
avocado and ranked the highest producer in Africa.
“Seventy percent of
the country production is exported. In 2018 our export to Britain was 72 metric
tonnes. The regulator has partnered with county government to promote avocado
farming” he said.
Murang’a County Government has established
avocado department that is coordinating the sector ahead of approval of the
County Avocado Production and Processing Bill 2020.
Two weeks ago, an exporter Elijah Kamau
encouraged small scale farmers to plant more avocado saying there were better
returns in the local and foreign market.
He said farmers who
have formed cooperative societies were getting more from their organised
structure.
“A kilogramme of
avocado is fetching between Sh60 and Sh80 from the lucrative market, thus need
for more farmers to join the fruit farming,” said Kamau when he spoke at Punda
Milia village in Makuyu.
The society has embarked on international
branding of Kenya avocado. Ends
