In Murang'a, Kenya, avocado producers anticipate enhanced revenues due to a newly inaugurated grading and packing facility. This center, situated in Nga'raria ward, Kandara constituency, includes a cold storage facility at the Murang'a Avocado Farmers Cooperative Union Ltd. (MAVOC). Comprising 5,689 members from 16 primary cooperatives, this facility is central to the county's avocado production regions.
Governor Irungu Kangata, during the launch, emphasized the administration's dedication to strengthening support for avocado farmers. He acknowledged the role of MAVOC in consolidating farmers and accessing reliable markets, thereby securing higher prices for avocados. Kangata highlighted the facility's employment opportunities and potential for value addition, stating, "The facility is not only a step forward for Muranga's agricultural sector but also a major employment opportunity for our youth."
The facility, operated by the farmers, aims to meet international quality standards by providing centralized sorting, washing, grading, and packing, bolstering the global marketability and traceability of Murang'a avocados.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege called for stringent guidelines to protect farmers from theft, urging cooperative membership for organized marketing. "Now that we have this facility, what we need are proper regulations, including the timing of harvesting and transporting the fruits to curb rampant theft of avocados from the farms," Chege noted.
Farmers expressed hope that the new facility will help address challenges such as post-harvest losses. Purity Mwihaki Warui from Gikuu village shared, "There was a time we would sell a single avocado for just KSh 3 (about $0.02), but since joining the cooperative, we've been earning around KSh 80 per kilo (approximately $0.62). With this new facility, we're confident the price could rise to KSh 100 or more (about $0.78). It gives us dignity and returns worth our effort."
John Mburu Ngigi, the general manager of MAVOC, indicated that collective efforts have consolidated significant quantities of avocados, securing stable markets. He emphasized collaboration with local authorities to resolve issues like farm gate theft and middleman exploitation. Commenting on the progress, he noted, "Over the past three years, we have managed to consolidate over 500 tons of the avocado fruit and secure a stable market—this facility will only enhance that further."
Source: Kenya News Agency