The Kenyan government has ordered a suspension of avocado exports, pending a review in January next year.
The Horticulture Crops Directorate under the Agriculture and Food Authority says this protects the local produce market.
The suspension affects the harvesting season for Hass, Furte, Pinkerton and Jumbo varieties and shipment by sea for the 2021/2022 season.
Horticultural Crop Directorate Director Benjamin Tito says a survey in October revealed a shortage of mature fruits to support large orders and deter the export of immature fruits that might affect the shipment of Kenyan avocados.
According to the Directorate, the off-season crop is inadequate for shipment and will interfere with the trees’ cropping cycle, thereby reducing projected volumes in subsequent harvests.
Kenya shipped 1.7 million kilos of avocado worth Ksh 7 billion in the last three months after China relaxed export requirements to allow the importation of fresh avocados.
Most Kenyan avocado farmers are in Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru and Kisii.
The other regions where avocado farming is fast growing include Nakuru, Nandi, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Trans- Nzoia, Bungoma, and Siaya counties.
