By DORCAS LINCHORE
Kenya has made great international strides as it is set to host the largest global Avocado growers and exporters convergence in Nairobi by the end of this month .
Speaking to The Voice Daily ,Avocado Society of Kenya Executive Director Muthomi Earnest said the congress dubbed ‘Avocado Africa 2023’ will be Secord largest convergence in Africa .
He added the event themed ‘ Growing Avocado for sustainability, ‘will bring together many stakeholders across the world after the first one was held in New Zealand early this year.
The CEO further added the event to be held at Sant Expo Centre,will focus on destructive production models ,developing more sustainable and profitable crops and value chain addition among others towards realization of making the fruit most traded by 2030.
“ We are happy to host the first largest congress in Africa here in Kenya this a positive Nation branding because we will witness some of the avocado leading troops from many continents ,” noted Muthomi.
Muthomi at the same time said they are expecting more than 5,000 visitors from all over the world and more than 300 exhibitors .
The director noted the congress is a wake up call for East Africa which is set to be a major avocado frontier.
“ We welcome everyone to this event our country offer the best hospitality and our international buyers will be treated for a game drive at Nairobi National park after the congress ,’’ he added.
According to Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) statistics Kenya has become the fastest avocado growing country doubling it production to become the sixth -largest producer surpassing South Africa in ,2021 to become the Africa largest exporter of the fruits.
“ Avocado growing is a lucrative business, about 95,000 tonnes are exported to the European unions,Spain ,UK ,Germany and France among other countries with China being the largest market for Kenyan avocado earning the country more than Sh 7 billion,” said Muthomi.
The executive director also called on local farmers to consider growing the fruits on large scale -farming saying the market for the fruit is fast growing with sustainable income.
