By MKT Correspondent
The Horticultural sector in Kenya has been advised to adopt new European Union (EU) market standards to ensure environmental safety and meet the rising challenge of climate change.
Chairman of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, Mr. Richard McGonnell, stated that local growers have started adhering to strict market demands, especially in quality and chemical levels, especially those destined for European markets.
However, the ongoing global conflicts, including the Israel-Gaza war and Russia-Ukraine, have affected the local horticultural sector, leading to high costs of production and products destined for European markets.
McGonnell noted that freight charges have increased by more than 50 per cent since the start of the war, while shipping time almost tripled.
He emphasized the commitment of the horticultural sector to double-sea freight shipments to European Union markets despite the challenges.
Despite the recent drop in oil prices, the sector has yet to receive much-needed relief, leading to high production costs.
McGonnell urged the Kenyan government to set up soil testing centres for small-scale farmers to help them determine the right fertilisers and crops for maximum yields.
The government announced early this year that it will provide seven million bags of subsidised fertiliser to farmers in all 1,450 wards across the country for the 2024 long and short rainy seasons.
The last two years have seen the government provide fertiliser subsidies to cushion farmers against the high cost of the commodity.
The subsidy programme was followed by a farmer registration exercise and the deployment of an accurate and transparent e-voucher system for managing distribution.