Kenya is the 15th largest mango producer in the world and the fruit is the third most important export fruit after avocado and banana. In July 2021, Kenya’s mango exports hit 3,050 tons. Now, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (Cabi) under the PlantwisePlus programme, has trained young service providers to help Makueni county smallholder mango farmers produce better quality fruits for the export market.
Cabi projects support officer Linda Likoko said the Training of Youth Service Providers project seeks to help in tackling a range of challenges mango farmers face, such as the threat posed by fruit flies. Kenya has since 2013 placed a self-imposed ban on the export of mangoes to the European Union. This is due to the fruit fly menace, but the resumption of mangoes to Europe started during the November to March 2022 season.
Likoko said the training provided by CABI has given the service providers the chance to earn extra income in advisory and spray service provision. “They will not only serve the farmers under Keitt Exporters Limited, but their services can also be offered to other mango farmers within Makueni county,” she said.
Source: the-star.co.ke