Avocado farmers are being exploited; Timon Lel, Avocado farmer

 In summary

-some companies are buying the produce at ksh.30/kg

-others are buying the produce at Ksh. 67.50 per kg

-some farmers are being exploited by the brokers

-calls for farmers to join cooperatives 

Timon Lel, Large Scale Avocado farmer in Nandi

Timon Lel, a large scale Avocado farmer in Nandi has decried exploitation of Avocado farmers by brokers. 

The farmer who also doubles up as a lawyer informed our reporter that the commodity which fetches high prices in the international market was not earning farmers what they deserve.

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"We do not have a steady buyer. Brokers representing export companies approach farmers with different prices. Some of the farmers end up being exploited." He said.

Mr. Lel began Avocado farming in the year 2012 and started his harvests three years later. 

According to the farmer, he has been approached by a number of brokers. Notably, one of the brokers was buying the fuerte variety at Ksh. 30 per Kg, which translates into Ksh. 120 per 4kg. Interestingly, exporters of the same can fetch up to Ksh. 800 per 4kgs of the fruit (Businessdaily.com)

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Lel also disclosed that he had been approached by another company that was offering better prices for the commodity. He said that he was being paid about Ksh. 67.50 and Ksh. 92.50 per kilogram on the Fuerte and Hass varieties respectively.

"After making a follow-up, I discovered that the company that was paying Ksh. 30 per Kg had already transported about 40  tones from our region, meaning they had exploited our farmers." he stated.

He called on farmers to remain patient and join hands to negotiate for better pricing of their produce. He also called on the farmers through their cooperative (Nandi cooperative Avocado Farmers) ensure that the fruit is processed for value addition.

"Avocado has a number of by-products, we can get cooking oil, hair oil, lotions and even grease from the fruit. We will end up getting more value from the produce if we process it." Said Lel.

Kenya is ranked eighth globally in avocado production.

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