Benjamin Tito talks about the sector’s potential, the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and how the directorate plans to navigate the ensuing storms.
Describe the country’s horticultural potential
Horticulture is among the top agricultural subsectors in terms of income generation through both domestic and foreign markets. In 2019, the value of horticulture was estimated at Sh268.5 billion, from an estimated area of 496,062 hectares and production of 7.9 million metric tonnes. The total value of fresh horticultural exports in 2020 was Sh150.2 billion from 313,668 metric tonnes, compared to Sh143 billion in 2019 from 328,335.5 metric tonnes. Flowers accounted for Sh107.5 billion (72 per cent), while vegetables and fruits accounted for Sh24.2 billion (16 per cent) and Sh18.8 billion (12 per cent) respectively. Such figures tell you the country’s horticultural potential is enormous.
The local and international lockdowns affected horticultural production…
Yes it did. The bulk of inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and seeds are imported. Therefore, the lockdowns affected access to inputs due to delays in supply as a result of local and cross border transport restrictions and night curfews. However, this was addressed by the government providing protocols for movement of goods across the country and the borders. Second, movement of staff across counties under lockdowns impacted on farm operations like spraying, weeding and harvesting. However, the HCD facilitated their movement as essential service providers.
Impact on markets?
The key destinations taking over 60 per cent of Kenyan products are European Union and the United Kingdom. International lockdowns suppressed consumer demand in the foreign market. In addition, reduced cargo freight capacity resulted to increased airfreight charges. For example, flower exports reduced by 50 per cent in the months of March-May…