Kenya is set to start exporting fresh avocados to India to boost trade between the two countries.

This follows the approval of fresh produce export by the Indian government beginning in September when the first shipments are expected to commence.

Confirming the approval, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Theophilus Mutui noted that the move will boost the government’s expansion of its share in the international market.

The MD confirmed that they had received a communication from the Indian government dated Aug. 16, 2023, confirming the opening of the market by the Asian nation.

 He was speaking on the fringes of a meeting organised by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) to share updates on the implications of lifting the GMO ban in the country.

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“The India Government allowed Kenya avocado market access after notifying the world trade organization (WTO) about the same. We are happy as export destinations continue to increase and thus help our farmers to grow more avocados”, he said.

However, Mutui details the conditions Kenya has to meet before the fruits are allowed to access the Asian country market.

“The requirements that are to be met by all growers to be able to export is that all avocados have to be fumigated by Methyl bromide to control and remove pests such as fruit fly or an alternative will be the cold treatment “ he added.

Further, he confirmed that, as of now, Kenya can conduct fumigation.

Prof. Muthui noted that soon, the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and his counterpart in the Trade Ministry will launch the inaugural export of Avocados to India/.

 The inauguration will be a few samples of the avocados will be sent out with a diplomatic bag that the Kenyan High Commission will receive to India and the Kenyan dignitaries, and after that, exporters will look for partners and start exporting with the help of KEPHIS.

The MD noted that Kenya and India have negotiated for five years. Therefore, this is good news for Kenya, which has already exported the fruits to China.