COLD STORES AND PACK HOUSES UNLOCK NEW VALUE FOR FARMERS THIS MANGO SEASON

The County Government has given mango farmers a timely boost with the operationalization of Kavuthu and Kalawani Cold Stores and Pack Houses, offering a reliable solution to post-harvest losses and improved market access during the peak mango season.

On Friday, Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli led a farmer sensitization forum at the Kavuthu Cold Store and Pack House in Mbitini Ward, aimed at equipping farmers with practical knowledge on how to effectively utilize cold chain and pack house services to maximize returns from their produce.

Speaking during forum, the CECM urged farmers to focus on producing high-quality fruits in increased volumes and to join cooperatives, noting that organized farmers are better positioned to benefit from structured markets, fair pricing, and value-addition opportunities.

The facilities, implemented by the County Government and set to be operationalized through a partnership with TradeMark Africa, are opening up dependable markets for farmers, with Goshen providing off-take at Kalawani, while Kavuthu securing Frodotol, alongside mango and avocado buyers, guaranteeing steady and reliable produce uptake.

Also attending the forum, Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka said the facilities will enable farmers to sell collectively and access better prices, while Mbitini MCA Benard Tivu encouraged farmers to fully utilize the infrastructure to stabilize incomes during peak harvest.

By improving produce quality, extending shelf life, and directly linking farmers to reliable markets, the initiative is strengthening agricultural value chains and economically empowering farming households across the county.