Mango farmers in Malindi District have lost Sh130 million in two years following refusal by exporters to buy their produce because of mango weevil, fruit fly and other diseases.
The agricultural business coordinator for Malindi and Tana River districts, Mr Genya Nyale Genya, said the companies were now doing business in Eastern Province where the fruits had not been affected.
World market
“The fruits here were affected by mango weevil, fruit fly and other diseases, making the produce uncompetitive on the world market,” he said.
East African Growers, Mzuri Exporters, Jakal Exporters and Wakashe Exporters are some of the companies that are no longer buying the fruit.
“As a result, the Malindi Farmers Association, which was started in 1959 and exported fruits to Europe, collapsed and farmers are losing Sh64 million a year,” said Mr Genya.
Addressing a farmers’ open day at Barani Secondary School, Mr Genya said all hope was not lost as the government had launched a recovery programme in the area.
He said the programme includes educating farmers on the best fruits to grow and the type of chemicals and fertilisers to use.
Source: nation.co.ke
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