Concerns over the export of premature horticultural produce

Eldoret,

Friday, September 8, 2023

KNA by Kiptanui Cherono

The government has raised fears that the continued export of premature horticultural produce could jeopardize and compromise the appeal and standards of local products in the international market.

 Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, CS Mithika Linturi insists that fresh produce exports should only be harvested at the right time so that when sent to the markets, they meet the prerequisite standards.

He stressed that this was necessary to ensure the country was not blacklisted and does not lose the market for horticulture products because of the greed of some unscrupulous exporters keen on making higher profit margins at the expense of standards.

To ensure horticultural farmers and exporters know when to harvest what type of fruit or crop, the ministry will give necessary support to the Agriculture and Food Authority, AFA to enable it to enforce the laid down rules and requirements of the sector, the CS stated.

The CS warned that letting the unscrupulous exporters trade in premature produce would have a major effect on the horticulture sector since it would ruin the export markets the country has been able to penetrate.

The CS made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by AFA Board chairman Cornelly Serem to the effect that some exporters who exported immature produce especially avocado were jeopardizing future exports.

Serem said China was willing to import up to 100,000 metric tons of avocado from our region, but most exporters were exporting immature avocado fruits.

 He also observed that the transportation of avocados from the farms to areas of export was sometimes not handled carefully thus compromising on its quality.

 “We urge our farmers and exporters to work closely with our crop inspectors to make sure what you do complies with the requirements of the country that is going to import our horticultural produce,” advised Serem, adding that AFA would create discussions in all counties so that all players in the sector have an opportunity to discuss with other players and regulators within the industry.

They were speaking during a stakeholder meeting on the export of fresh produce through the Eldoret International Airport.

The meeting was also attended by among others Cabinet Secretary Roads Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Stephen Sang (Nandi) and Ken Lusaka (Bungoma). Others were Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Eng. Johan Barorot and his Baringo counterpart Felix Maiyo.

Courtesy; KNA