Ghana eyes Ukambani Mangoes: A win win situation

It is a sign of relief to Mango farmers drawn from Machakos and Makueni counties as Mark Up Kenya links them with buyers from Ghana.
Ghana which has two Mango seasons compared with Kenya which enjoys one season is counting on the Kenyan season as she is off-season while here at home we are in-season.
According to Maina Karuiru, national project coordinator for Mark-Up, a project implemented by UNIDO and funded by EU, they brought a delegation from Ghana comprised of Mango growers and processors to visit Kenya for market linkage.
Karuiru said that they have trained Kenyan Mango farmers and producers on technical know-how on international market requirements.
He pointed out that Kenya Mango value chain is faced by challenges like: Fruit Fly which destroys the fruits making them to be thrown away, market a challenge which they’re trying to solve now by linking farmers with buyers and trying to educate farmers on irrigating their Mango trees.
Davies Narh Korboe, President Federation of Association of Ghanaian exporters, said that the two countries can trade together when one is off-season and the other is in-season.
“Having visited Mango factories in Ukambani, we have seen some which produce Puree, we are going to start sourcing now as to begin business”, revealed Korboe.
He welcomed the market linkage between Kenya and Ghana terming it as a win-win situation.
Clement Kilonzi, chairman Kaani fruit growers society, Kaani village, Kathiani constituency, Machakos County said that the factory which was buying their produce left them with their harvest and they were forced to sell their Mangoes at Ksh. 3 per piece which was a loss to them.
Kilonzi welcomed the move of market linkage as it will help them to their produce in fixed prices.
In his sentiments Alex Muli a processor in Machakos County thanked Mark-Up Kenya for educating them and connecting them with buyers.
Kiruiru said the future is bright as demand is high hence they shall contract more Mango farmers.
Rita Brobey, a processor from Ghana says Mango growers in Kenya need the knowhow to do value addition.
www.Farmers.co.ke is the site for authoritative multimedia agricultural and agribusiness content.
#FarmKenya
Visit us today for farming news, agribusiness tips, practical expert advice and industry updates.
SMS: 22071

[@georgeoguda9644]

wonderful news and development! Africa for Africa🎉

[@lifeunpacked701]

I love this. Fellow Kenyan

[@terahanekeya4976]

Good work