AFA authorizes harvesting of two varieties of avocado from mid of February

The Kenya Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has directed farmers and exporters to start harvesting Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties of avocado from February 14.

The authority, through a notice to farmers and exporters dated January 24, has stated that following a survey conducted between January 20 and 23, this year, it has established sufficient volumes of Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties are ready for harvest in some regions.

The directive from AFA comes when farmers especially from Kandara in Murang’a have complained about theft and selling of immature avocado to unscrupulous brokers.

According to the notice signed by AFA Director General Grace Kyallo the Authority will commence to issue export clearance of the two varieties from February 14 subject to inspection of pack houses.

Following the survey, AFA indicated the Hass variety main season crop is yet ready for harvest in all the major production regions in the country.

Last year, the Authority suspended from October 25 harvesting and exporting by sea avocado in order to prevent selling of immature fruits in the international markets.

“After suspending harvest and export of avocado, the Authority continued to monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns and a survey on off-season crop was carried out late in November 2024,” read part of the notice.

“The authority will continue to monitor the main season Hass avocado maturity trends and patterns and will convene a stakeholders’ consultative meeting to review the closure notice,” the general director further indicated in the notice.

AFA is mandated to enforce the Crops (Horticulture Crops) Act 2020 to ensure that only mature avocado are harvested and exported.

This is to sustain and grow Kenya international markets and minimize interruption of the crop cycle occasioned by harvesting immature fruits that results in reduction of projected volumes in subsequent harvests.

Murang’a county commissioner Joshua Nkanatha speaking to KNA on increased theft of avocado from farms warned some traders who have opened kiosks in avocado growing areas to buy the fruits without following procedures provided by the government.

Nkanatha observed that some brokers are perpetuating stealing of immature avocado saying export of low quality fruits will negatively affect the reputation of Kenyan avocado in overseas markets.

He continued, “Selling of mature and high quality avocados will fetch better prices for farmers and earn a good reputation for the country’s fruits.”

By Bernard Munyao