Four lorries loaded with 32 tons of immature avocados from Kenya were recently seized by Tanzanian regulatory authorities. The issue was brought to light by Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the Tanzania Horticultural Association, who reached out to Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe. Mkindi, representing horticultural stakeholders, condemned the illegal smuggling of unripe avocados.
In her posts, Mkindi applauded the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) for their vigilance, while also urging Tanzania and Kenya to penalize those involved in these unlawful activities. She further noted that the start of the purchasing season in Njombe, located on Tanzania's southern plateaus, brings high expectations of significant earnings for farmers.
The illicit avocado consignment was intercepted by TPHPA officials stationed at the border, as it was being transported by road.
Source: ippmedia.com