Migori: The National Government in collaboration with the Migori County Government has distributed 42,000 grafted Hass avocado seedlings to farmers across Migori county. This move aims at boosting household incomes, expanding export-oriented agriculture, and supporting the government’s 15 billion trees growing initiative.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua, during the seedling distribution event at the Migori County Commissioner’s residence, announced the receipt of not only avocado seedlings but also 100,000 coffee seedlings from the Ministry of Agriculture, with additional macadamia seedlings expected soon. Mutua emphasized that each farmer would receive ten grafted avocado seedlings and that training on planting, management, and extension services access had been provided by crop officers.
Mutua highlighted the investment of nearly Sh20 million by the government, with each seedling costing approximately Sh444. He assured farmers that properly managed avocado trees could generate up to Sh10,000 annually after five years, significantly enhancing household livelihoods. Additionally, two farmer groups received milk coolers valued at Sh4.5 million to aid dairy farming and value addition.
Migori County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Lucas Mosenda, noted that avocado farming is emerging as a significant export opportunity for Kenya. He stressed the importance of crop diversification to help local farmers tap into international markets. Mosenda indicated that approximately 300 acres in Migori are currently under avocado cultivation, involving around 600 to 700 active farmers.
Mosenda pointed out that traditional avocado varieties fetch lower returns and have limited export value, whereas Hass avocados target the export market and offer better returns. The county government plans to increase avocado farming acreage and focus on value addition to boost farmers’ earnings. He confirmed that this batch of seedlings is the first, with plans to secure close to 100,000 seedlings this year.
Farmer Samson Ochieng Migeni from God Jope Ward in Suna East Sub County welcomed the initiative, noting that avocado farming has transformed livelihoods in the area. He mentioned that Suna East produces over 213 tonnes of avocados weekly, mainly transported to Nairobi for oil processing, while grafted varieties are destined for export markets. Migeni urged the government to strengthen extension services and support agricultural officers’ mobility to provide continuous assistance to farmers.
Migeni further appealed for the recognition of avocado farming as a key value chain in Migori County and called for more resources toward market organization and farmer empowerment. He highlighted expanding opportunities in the international avocado market, with countries like China and India reducing import levies on Kenyan avocados.
Peter Chacha, Chairman of Migori County Farmers, praised the governments for their support through the seedling distribution program. He noted that avocado farming has helped many farmers improve household incomes and reduce poverty levels. Chacha called on the Ministry of Agriculture to intensify farmer education on crop management, herbicide use, and modern farming practices to maximize production and quality.
