Nakuru County distributes 91,000 avocado seedlings to boost farmers’ income

The Nakuru County Government has ramped up its efforts to boost avocado production by distributing 91,000 seedlings to farmers across the county.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Leonard Bor said the initiative aims to empower farmers with a high-value, income-generating crop, noting that the avocado export market in Kenya continues to grow exponentially.

Speaking during the seedlings distribution exercise in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Bor said agricultural extension officers had been deployed to all wards to assist farmers with technical knowledge and modern agricultural practices.

“In the 2023/2024 financial year, we distributed 60,000 avocado seedlings across 44 agricultural wards. Due to the success of that programme, we increased the number to 91,000 this year,” Bor said.

He added that the department has made plans to conduct field days to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture in efforts to address food security and climate resilience.

Kenya is the second-largest avocado producer and exporter in Africa and ranks sixth globally. Most of its avocado exports are destined for Europe and the Middle East. Small-scale farmers contribute 70% of the total avocado output, while large-scale producers account for the remaining 30%.

Local farmers welcomed the initiative, terming it a long-term investment.

“This is a gift that will benefit even our children,” said Jane Wanjiru, a beneficiary of the programme.

Paulina Sang, another farmer, praised the county government’s long-term vision, saying the initiative would not only improve the community’s nutrition but also offer a sustainable income stream.

Besides avocado seedlings, the Nakuru County Government has also supported farmers by distributing maize seeds and 1.2 million pyrethrum seedlings under both county and national government programmes.