This archive report was first published on 4 November 2021.
Kenya's horticulture regulator has taken a crucial step to protect the country's overseas avocado market by banning the export of immature crops.
According to Benjamin Tito, Head of Horticulture Directorate, the ban on Fuerte and Hass varieties will be effective from November 15, 2021, with exceptions given to exporters who have the Jumbo type and those with off-season crops.
"The closing of Hass and Fuerte harvesting season for the 2021/2022 fiscal year shall be effected on November 15 to protect our overseas market," Mr. Tito said.
Exporters with the Jumbo variety will be allowed to ship out their produce by air, but only if the size of the fruit is at least 184 grammes. Dealers and companies with off-season crops will need to request verification for inspection from HCD regional offices in writing within 24 hours from November 15.
The review on when the ban will be lifted will be conducted on January 15, 2022, to ascertain the status of the crop.
The move by the regulator is aimed at curbing the harvesting of immature crops, which has been a major contributor to the income from horticulture earnings.
Avocado has been a major contributor to the country's horticulture earnings, accounting for nearly half of the total returns from fruits.
However, the ban on immature crops is expected to impact local prices, leading to a shortage in the market. Already, there have been price movements, with a piece of the fruit now retailing at Sh30 from Sh20 previously.
Kenya's avocado market in the Middle East was hit in 2018 following the export of low-quality crops to that continent.
The price of avocado to Dubai dropped by almost half in March 2018 due to the export of immature crops.
