Siaya County Government through its Environment department has launched a sustained campaign to revitalize avocado farming in Ugenya as it seeks to unlock untapped potential running into billions of shillings in the regional and international markets.
According to Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo, the county government was empowering farmers not only with food, but a high-value income-generating crop, since the avocado export market in the country has been growing exponentially.
The distribution of avocado seedlings that kicked off at Ralak Primary school in Ugenya sub-County is in line with Governor Orengo’s promise to invest in the agriculture sector with the aim of supporting the livelihoods of the residents.
Kenya is the second-largest producer and exporter of avocados in Africa and the sixth-largest in the world. Most of this produce is consumed in Europe and the Middle East.
Seventy percent of Kenya’s avocado production is contributed by small-scale farmers, while the remaining 30 per cent is grown by large-scale farmers.
Orengo while Speaking in Ugenya said that the avocado seedlings being given to farmers in North Ugenya today was as a result of a proposal by the climate change committee which was ratified by the County Climate Unit and funded under the FLLoCA program.
The distribution that kicked off today will see 6200 Hass avocado seedlings benefitting farmers in 5 Wards within Ugenya Constituency and each of the identified farmers will get 20 seedlings.
The aim of promoting avocado growth is to turn Ugenya into an avocado Growing haven.
“Siaya is nurturing various agricultural value chains. In Alego-Usonga we have rice value chains while in Rarieda specifically Madiany area is promoting Cotton value chain and cotton ginery is being revitalized.
“I want to see Ugenya thriving in avocado value chain. The Hass species of avocado that is grown in Murang’a is highly profitable and is at the same time used for manufacture of a variety of oils,” said Orengo.
The County boss noted that a renowned avocado farmer in Ugenya Professor Wanyande has been pocketing millions out of his 7000-tree avocado plantation and it was high time residents of Ugenya emulated him.
“I want to request the Department of Environment to liaise with the Agriculture department so as to train the famers on how to grow and tender for the fruit trees, “said Governor Orengo.
The Chief Officer For Environment Mr Michael Oliech said that Avacado is the suitable cash crop that can survive and thrive in Ugenya and that’s why Governor Orengo found appropriate to start its systematic growth in the region
“The County is reinforcing sensitization of crop diversification, increasing income as well as promoting food and nutrition security,”said Oliech.
The North Ward Climate Change Committee Chairman Andrew Alieth said for the first time, Ugenya has a cash crop that will trigger establishment of avocado factories in the region.
The cash crop is going to benefit 240 households including Provincial administration, Community health Promoters and Ruwa Group members.
Schools that will host demo plots include Ligala Primary School, Ralak Primary and Secondary Schools and Sega Girls Secondary School.
“Each of the youth who dug a hole for planting the avocado seedlings in the mentioned areas will pocket Sh 50,”
The European Union accounted for 42 percent of the market while the Middle East came second at 28 percent.
Avocados rank fourth most important national fruit crop and have grown to represent 17 percent of Kenya’s total horticultural exports.
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