Kenya has started the export of mangoes to Jordan, which is seen as a major breakthrough for its growers, who now have an alternative market for their produce. Officials from Jordan, attending last year to assess the state of Kenya’s mangoes in regard to pest management, were particularly interested in knowing the measures that the country has put in place to contain pests that have previously seen Kenya’s mangoes to Europe stopped.
Kenya Health Inspectorate Service managing director Theophilus Mutui said Jordan gave Kenya’s the go-ahead, leading to the commencement of exports early this year: “The officials approved our pest-free area and the hot vapour treatment plant and they were content that we have put enough measures in place, leading to the opening of mango exports to Jordan.”
Mango exports to Pakistan expected to start in two weeks
Prof Mutui said Kenya is still keen to fully resume the European market as it fetches more money for the farmers than any other region in the world. The bulk of these fruits currently go to the Middle East. Last year, Kenya started export of mangoes to Italy on a pilot basis following the creation of pest-free areas in Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet and the consignment was received well, giving the country hopes of resuming the exports to the European business bloc fully.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com