The remarkable growth of the avocado sector in Nakuru county has been attributed to empowered cooperative movements, ready market and continuous training of farmers.
Speaking today during a sensitisation meeting with Nakuru North Agri-business Avocado Cooperatives, County Cooperatives Chief Officer Kibet Kurgat said the event has provided a platform for avocado farmers to acquire knowledge on proper farming techniques and value addition in the avocado value chain.
The event attracted 410 members of the Cooperatives who were also taken through a sensitisation programme on how the County Government intends to continue supporting the lucrative sector that has put money in the pockets of farmers.
Kurgat said since the national government signed a deal with the Chinese government in the year 2019 the huge market of over 1.4 billion people has made the avocado value chain the fastest money earner for farmers in the county.
He noted that the sensitisation process of farmers, and allocation of free seedlings has made a major difference in the growth and management of the most famous fruit in the world currently due to its nutritional values.
Further, he said they are in the process of linking farmers to the Kakuzi company, which is the leading avocado export in the country.
He commended cooperative societies that have managed to make direct export without passing through middlemen.
However, some farmers during the meeting urged the county government to continue supplying the free seedlings because sourcing for quality seedlings was still a challenge to some farmers.
The farmers noted that the other challenges faced was the occurrence of pests and diseases, which can significantly reduce crop yields. In addition, transportation and logistics when not handled properly leads to spoilage, affecting profitability.
By Veronica Bosibori
