Avocado farmers in Murang’a are optimistic about increased earnings from the avocado fruit following the launch of a modern grading line and pack house in Nga’raria ward, Kandara constituency.
The avocado aggregation and packing centre complete with a cold storage facility at the Murang’a Avocado Farmers Cooperative Union Ltd. (MAVOC), has a membership of 5,689 farmers from 16 affiliate primary cooperatives from the county’s avocado-growing areas.
Speaking during the launch of the aggregation centre , Governor Irungu Kangata observed that this administration is committed to strengthening and supporting avocado farmers in the region.
He lauded the Murang’a avocado farmers’ cooperative union for uniting local farmers and creating access to reliable markets, thus securing better prices for their produce.
He reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting farmers through improved infrastructure and market linkage.
“The facility is not only a step forward for Muranga’s agricultural sector but also a major employment opportunity for our youth” he noted
“It will also add value to our avocados, thus helping farmers fetch higher prices for their produce.
Kangata also hinted at plans for future value addition of the avocado fruit.
The facility that is fully owned and managed by the farmers marks a new dawn for the avocado farmers,, as it will enable MAVOC to meet international quality standards by providing centralized sorting, washing, grading,, and packaging,, thus increasing the marketability and traceability of Murang’a avocados internationally.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege and a member of the National Assembly Agriculture Committee emphasized the need for clear guidelines to protect farmers from theft of their avocado fruits.
“Now that we have this facility, what we need are proper regulations,, including the timing of harvesting and transporting the fruits so as to curb rampant theft of avocados from the farms,” she said, urging other farmers to.
“Join cooperatives, as it is only through unity and organized marketing that they will fully benefit from such investments.”
Farmers who attended the launch expressed optimism that the new facility would solve the recurring challenge of post-harvest losses.
They cited years of low prices and post -harvest losses due to lack of proper storage and market structures
They welcomed the new development, saying it marks a turning point in their avocado farming journey.
“I have been growing avocados for over ten years and I have over 100 trees,” said Purity Mwihaki warui from Gikuu village
“There was a time we would sell a single avocado fruit for just Sh3, but since we joined the cooperative, we have been getting around Sh80 per kilo, and with this new facility, we are certain that it will rise to Sh. 100 or more. It gives us dignity and returns worth our effort.”
Mwihaki, who is also an ECDE teacher,, harvests up to 5 tonnes of the fruit per season.
Another farmer, 70-year-old Francis Njuguna, has been growing avocados for many years and currently tends to 40 trees.
He says he harvests about three tonnes per season twice a year and is optimistic that the new facility will help stabilize and improve prices for local farmers.
He also encouraged the youth to embrace avocado farming as it is a rewarding venture.
“Avocados have changed my life; with good care, these trees give back generously,, and we are excited that we shall now reap more from our venture as post-harvest losses will be a thing of the past,” he stated.
Murang’a Avocado Farmer Cooperative Union general manager John Mburu Ngigi,, on his part,, noted that for a long time farmers have been getting low prices for their fruits,, but being in a union has played a key role in helping farmers access better markets.
He said that the union will work closely with the county government to address critical challenges, including farm gate theft, farmers’ exploitation by middlemen, and lack of coordination in produce handling.
“Over the past three years, we have managed to consolidate over 500 tonnes of the avocado fruit and secure a stable market—this facility will only enhance that further,” he said.
By Florence Kinyua
