Kenya is eying the Malaysian market for the export of avocado as it seeks to expand its reach beyond the traditional buyers.
The plant regulator-Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) says it has received inquiries from Malaysia, whose officials want to visit the country to assess if Kenya can export the produce to this Asian nation.
“We have received inquiries from Malaysia and we expect officials from that country to visit soon to kickstart the process of buying our produce,” Kephis managing director Theophilus Mutui as quoted by a local newspaper.
Theophilus Mutui further added that the Malaysian officials would want to assess if Kenya can produce pest-free avocado before they can commence imports.
The move will come as a boost to Kenyan farmers as it will open up more opportunities for local producers to sell their crops outside their traditional markets.
Kenya has been missing out on some of the global market destinations, especially in Europe because of pests that have seen some overseas markets place a ban on the export of some of the horticulture produce to these overseas markets.
However, Prof Mutui said Kenya has put in place special mechanisms such as the establishment of pest-free zones to contain the insects.
Read also; Kenya Tightens Avocado Quality Control as Global Demand Rises.