Avocado farmers in Kenya sighed with relief after the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) officially announced that harvesting for export through will commence on April 2.

The directive follows weeks of anticipation after the authority delayed the opening of the harvesting new season due to concerns over fruit maturity.

AFA had conducted a comprehensive field survey from March 1-6 in key avocado-growing regions to assess whether the produce had reached the required maturity levels for export. At the time, the findings indicated that the fruits were not sufficiently mature prompting an extension of restrictions on harvesting for sea export.

However, the authority has now noted a significant improvement in fruit maturity across major production zones paving the way for the season to commence.

In a public notice issued by AFA Director General Calistus Kundu, exporters have been instructed to adhere to new guidelines aimed at safeguarding quality and maintaining Kenya’s reputation in international markets.

“All fresh produce will be subject to pack-house inspection starting April 7 and exporters must apply for inspection at least three days before shipment,” the notice stated.

Additionally, exporters are required to submit a list of their registered horticultural produce marketing agents or suppliers by March 30. The authority warned that only duly registered players will be allowed to participate in the export value chain.

AFA has also set April 30 as the official date for the commencement of avocado harvesting intended for oil processing.

To further enforce quality standards, the authority has directed that all harvested avocados must be transported in crates. It warned that exporters or their agents found using open pickups or trucks or transporting produce without proper packaging, risk having their licenses revoked.

The regulator expressed concern over reports that some exporters and processors have been harvesting immature avocados, a practice that threatens market access and farmer earnings.

As a result, AFA announced intensified surveillance of pack-houses and avocado processing facilities. Any operator found handling immature fruits risks deregistration or loss of export licenses.

Meanwhile, in Murang’a County, security concerns around avocado farming have also come into focus. County Commissioner Hassan Bule warned individuals involved in theft of avocados from farms that thy will be arrested.

Bule said security agencies have been put on high alert to track down and arrest those engaging in the vice, noting that such activities deny farmers the fruits of their labour.

He further directed that only licensed dealers will be allowed to purchase avocados directly from farms, pointing out that illegal brokers often fuel theft by operating unauthorised buying centres.

The combined measures by AFA and local authorities are expected to bring order to the sector, protect farmers and ensure that Kenya maintains its competitive edge in the global avocado market.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Bernard Munyao