The Murang’a County government has formulated a bill to regulate the avocado sector and protect farmers from exploitation by cartels. The County Avocado Production and Marketing Bill 2020 will establish a directorate to regulate the sector, through registration and licensing of the players within the value chain.
Murang’a is the first county to formulate the bill to streamline the sector, months after Kenya declared to it had entered into a pact with China. Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairman Charles Kahoro said members will deliberate on the bill: “Murang’a being a leading producer of avocado has taken the lead to formulate regulations to guard farmers from exploitation.”
The bill aims to establish a surveillance unit that will ensure the policies are followed to the letter. Those who will serve in the surveillance unit, should not be connected with production of avocado, export, sale or distribution. All premises for storage and processing of avocado produce shall be inspected to ensure they comply with Public Health Act, national, regional and international food safety and quality standards.
Source: standardmedia.co.ke
