Kenya: JKIA treatment plant boosts farmers’ bid to access EU market

Mango farmers eyeing to export their produce to Europe have been handed a fighting chance following the launch of a hot water treatment facility to curb the notorious pests that resulted in a ban. The facility, which is located at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, will be used by all exporters to arrest fruit flies on the produce. Kenya imposed a self-ban on exports of mango to Europe- a lucrative market for the country’s produce in 2015, following high cases of fruit flies to avert sanctions from the European Union. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya said the hot water treatment facility will enhance Kenya’s horticulture exports to the international markets. “It is clear in my mind that the facility will revitalise and expand the horticulture export business by improving market access and cementing Kenya’s position as a leading exporter of fresh horticulture produce to the global market,” said Mr Munya. Before Kenya imposed a ban on mango exports in 2015 the volume ...