Kenya has sent its first consignment of avocados to India, but the government has promised to address the issues with duties that could harm the competitiveness of the country’s produce.
Flagging the consignment on Saturday, Agriculture Principal Secretary Harsama Kellow said the new market, which is a result of bilateral talks between Kenya and India shows the government’s commitment to promoting the growth and sustainability of agriculture.
Mr Kellow said direct export of avocados to India, marks a great milestone that will lead to good returns for farmers and all value chain actors.
In line with India’s required standards, Mr Kellow said starting next week, a multi-agency team from the government, including the police, will visit all packing houses to ensure they follow the rules and regulations.
“The government is committed to ensuring that our exported avocados meet market standards. I want to emphasise that those who go against the regulations and laws will have their licenses revoked immediately, and their names will be published in the media,” said Mr Kellow.
The PS said Kenya being the leading avocado exporter in Africa and sixth in the world, will continue to seek more markets for farmers in line with the spirit of the bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
Kenya’s avocado was last month granted market access to India after five years of negotiations, however, the consignment will attract a 30 percent duty, making it less competitive when compared with other countries such as Tanzania which is also exporting to this Asian country at zero duty.
India is a lucrative market for Kenya’s avocado given its huge population that can absorb more volumes.
Kenya Health Plant Inspectorate Service (Kephis) has been at the forefront of scouting for new markets around the globe.
Kephis managing director Theophilus Mutui said they are now working to have access to the American market.
“We are in negotiations with the US to have access to that market as we expand the destinations where we sell our avocado,” said Prof Mutui.
Present in the forum was the High Commissioner for India in Kenya Ms Namgya C Khampa, the Kenyan High Commissioner in India Ambassador Willy Bett and AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem.
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