Farmers in Kenya now have a new market for their mangoes as they have started exporting the fruit to Jordan, which is a significant achievement.
Last year, officials from Jordan visited Kenya to evaluate the pest management status of Kenyan mangoes and decide on importation. They inquired about the measures implemented to control the pests that had previously caused the suspension of mango exports to Europe.
The Managing Director of the Kenya Health Inspectorate Service, Theophilus Mutui, reported that Jordan approved Kenya’s pest control system, allowing exports to begin in early 2023.
The officials approved our pest-free area and the hot vapour treatment plant and they were content that we have put enough measures in place, leading to the opening of mango exports to Jordan.
Managing Director of the Kenya Health Inspectorate Service – Theophilus Mutui
Despite sending most of its fruit exports to the Middle East, Kenya is eager to fully resume exporting to the European market, as it yields higher profits for its farmers than any other region in the world.
Last year, Kenya piloted a successful export of mangoes to Italy after establishing pest-free areas in Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet. Exporting fruits grown in pest-free regions ensures that the product is free of fruit flies, which previously prevented exports to Europe.
Although Kenya faces stiff competition from Egypt due to lower shipping costs, the presence of hot water treatment to contain fruit flies makes the European market more attractive to Kenyan farmers, who previously relied on the less lucrative Egypt market.
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