The horticulture regulator has extended the ban on the export of Kenya’s popular avocado varieties to overseas markets to curb the harvesting of immature crops.
Head of Horticultural Crops Directorate, Benjamin Tito, said the ban on Fuerte and Hass varieties will continue indefinitely. The ban was instituted on November 15, 2021, with exceptions given to exporters specializing on the Jumbo variety and those having off-season crop.
“The harvesting of Hass and Fuerte avocado varieties will remain suspended until further notice,” Tito said. He added that exporters with the Jumbo variety, who are still allowed to ship out, will only do it by air and not sea with the weight expected to be at least 184 grammes for a single fruit.
Traders and companies with off-season crop shall request verification for inspection from HCD regional offices in writing within 24 hours, a requirement that has been in place since November 15 last year.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com
