Nyanza farmers tipped on EU market opportunities
HORTICULTURE: Nyanza farmers have been urged to increase investment in horticulture and take advantage of the new cargo facility established at the Kisumu International Airport to access the lucrative European Union (EU) market.
The call by Kisumu Lakefront Development Corporation (KLDC) came as it embarked on training local producers to create more awareness of market openings.
Eddie Ouko, KLDC chairman said the export idea is part of its long-term strategy of training farmers to extend footprints beyond Kisumu and Kenya.
“This will involve a range of long-life products (both dairy and non-dairy), mangoes, fish, potatoes, and other assorted fresh farm produce,’’ he said.
Ouko spoke as KLDC met with representatives from Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Airways, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services, to discuss export market ideas for the new year.
The corporation aims to promote investment, trade and tourism to drive export growth and trade development through air cargo transportation.
Undergone expansion
Kisumu International Airport and port have undergone expansion under a scheme designed to provide existing and new exporters, from Kenya with the skills and advice to help them expand their export business.
The county government said they had started supplying subsidised seedlings to revive the lucrative horticultural crop production.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o said it was part of his commitment to grow the sub-sector.
“We want farmers to get ready to start exporting their produce as the county government through KLDC continue to train them on value addition,” he said.
