· Avocado accounts for nearly half of the total returns from fruits and has been a major contributor to Kenya’s horticulture earnings, The Directorate of Horticulture ok Kenya has slapped a ban on exports of Kenya’s popular avocado varieties.
· The ban was issued to curb the harvesting of immature crops effective from November 15.
· There have been cases of traders harvesting immature crops to capitalise on high prices of the commodity at the international market.
Avocado accounts for nearly half of the total returns from fruits and has been a major contributor to Kenya’s horticulture earnings, The Directorate of Horticulture ok Kenya has slapped a ban on exports of Kenya’s popular avocado varieties. The ban was issued to curb the harvesting of immature crop effective from November 15.There have been cases of traders harvesting immature crops to capitalise on high prices of the commodity at the international market. In 2018, Kenya’s avocado exports to the Middle East was hit following the supply of low-quality crop . The price of a unit of avocado dropped from 35 dirhams (Sh945) previously to 16 dirhams (Sh432) during the period.
Exporters who have the Jumbo type and those having off-season crops will be exempted from the ban. The Jumbo variety with minimum184 grams for a single fruit is to be sent by air and not sea. Head of Horticulture Directorate Benjamin Tito stated that the closing of Hass and Fuerte harvesting season for the 2021/2022 fiscal year shall be effected on November 15 to protect the overseas market.
Dealers and companies with off-season crops have been advised to seek verification for inspection from HCD regional offices in writing within 24 hours as of November 15. The ban is expected to be reviewed on January 15 2022 to ascertain the status of the crop.
