Is the  Packhouse strategy the Final Solution to Farmers’ Post-Harvest Losses?

By Our Special Writer

WOTE, January 3, 2025

Makueni County has taken a monumental step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the official launch of a Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The state-of-the-art facility, located near the Wote Police Station, promises to revolutionize the county’s mango value chain by providing a central collection point for local farmers, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the processing, packaging, and marketing of mangoes for both export and local markets. Export mangoes will fetch Ksh. 12 per piece, while mangoes sold locally will attract between Ksh. 15 and Ksh. 19 per kilo.

Farmers have been urged to notify their ward agriculture officers or ward administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting to ensure smooth coordination with buyers and maximize profits.

While the packhouse is a significant milestone, the question remains: Is this the final solution to the endless post-harvest losses that farmers have endured since the advent of devolution? For years, fruit farmers have suffered massive losses due to a lack of proper storage, processing, and market access across the agricultural value chain.

The government must take bolder steps to end fruit losses, not just for mangoes but across the entire agricultural food chain. Comprehensive strategies, including proper storage infrastructure, reliable market linkages, and support for farmers from production to sale, are critical to ensuring farmers fully benefit from their labor.

For any inquiries, please contact Mr. William Mwangi, the agriculture officer in charge, through 0756395050.