Lucrative market for avocados in China

Avocado farmers in Kirinyaga county have formed the Kirinyaga Avocado Growers’ Cooperative Society Limited to help them market their avocados in one voice.

According to the society’s Chairman, Amos Gicanga, there was a need to form the society to help farmers access the market directly and enhance quality.

Previously, farmers had been selling the avocados to brokers who would buy at throw away prices and entice them to harvest the produce before reaching the recommended weight, which led to losses on the farmer’s side.

Source : Classic 105

Gicanga revealed that a Chinese delegation had visited the county last week and was looking to partner with the farmers directly.

“This is why we saw the need to bring the farmers together and educate them on the need to completely avoid the middle men and sell their farm produce to the right people. You can imagine Sh4 to 6 dollars for the farmer as compared to Sh1 or two paid by the brokers when they go for the avocados from our farmers,” said Gicanga.

He added that a single tree of avocado is able to produce close to 2, 000 pieces if well taken care off.

Previously, the society was known as Gichugu Avocado Organization.