Agriculture

On Friday, avocado farmers in Kilungu and Kilome sub-counties completed a four-day training to enhance their export capabilities.

The training, conducted by TradeMark Africa (TMA), an NGO committed to promoting trade and prosperity, with support by the European Union through the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Program (BEEEP), centered on achieving compliance with global export standards.

BEEEP is designed to boost Kenya’s export competitiveness in key agricultural commodities such as avocados, mangoes, vegetables and flowers.

The training aimed to equip participants with essential skills in proper chemical usage and hygiene practices to ensure high-quality farm produce.

Attending the training session, Agriculture Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo emphasized the importance of farmers organizing themselves into registered groups to access more trainings and market opportunities.

The session ended with plans for a certification exercise under Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and KEBS’ KS1758-2016 standards.

This standardization certification will enhance market access for avocado produce, leading to better prices and improved livelihoods for farmers.

The initiative reflects Makueni County’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening agricultural exports.

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

Makueni County has taken a monumental step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the official launch of an Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The facility is set to enhance the processing, packaging and marketing of mangoes for both export and local markets.

Strategically located near the Wote Police Station, the facility is set to revolutionize the mango value-chain in the county and serve as a central collection point for mangoes from local farmers, reducing post-harvest losses. It will also provide exporters with direct access to high-quality produce.

Export mangoes will fetch Ksh. 12 per piece, while mangoes for the local market will attract between Ksh. 15 and Ksh. 19 per kilo, ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Farmers have been advised to notify their ward agriculture officers or ward administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting. This initiative will facilitate seamless linkage with buyers, maximizing profits for farmers.

The aggregation center is equipped to handle large quantities of mangoes, ensuring efficient sorting, grading and packaging for local and international markets.

The initiative is expected to boost incomes for farmers by providing a direct link to exporters, who previously faced logistical challenges in sourcing quality produce from the region.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr. William Mwangi the agriculture officer in charge through 0756395050.