By Monica Nashon
Avocado farmers in Bomachoge Borabu, Kisii County, are recording impressive gains from Hass avocado farming, thanks to the formation of Geticha Farmers’ Hass Cooperative Society, which has helped them access better markets and prices.
James Ong’ayo Okeng’e, a farmer from Bombaba Borabu ward, said he ventured into avocado farming after learning about the benefits of the improved seedlings.
“I planted over 400 seedlings, and in my last two harvests, I have harvested more than 1,000 kilograms,” said Ong’ayo.
“I plan to add more trees because I have seen the advantages.”
However, Ong’ayo noted that the crop has faced challenges from diseases.
“In the past two seasons, our avocado leaves turned yellow due to a disease called partial mites. The fruits also started falling before they matured,” he explained.
He called on agricultural officers to train farmers on better methods of mulching and disease control.
According to Ong’ayo, the market price for avocados now ranges between Sh80 and Sh120 per kilogram.
He added that since farmers formed the cooperative society, prices have improved compared to previous years.
James Onyango, the chairman of Geticha Farmers’ Hass Cooperative Society, said the group was started five years ago to help farmers fight exploitation by brokers.
“We realized brokers were making huge profits while farmers earned little,” Onyango said.
“We decided to form a cooperative to market our produce directly and ensure farmers benefit from their hard work.”
The cooperative covers several wards including Nyacheki, Bogetaorio, Bobochi, Bombaba, Masige East, Masige West, Kenyenya, Bogesoti, South Mugirango, and Nyaribari wards.
Onyango explained that during the harvest season, the society interviews and contracts avocado buyers and exporters to ensure fair prices and timely payments.
“We don’t want farmers’ money to delay. Once off-takers collect the fruits, they pay immediately,” he said.
Farmers who wish to join the cooperative pay a registration fee of Sh1,000 and an annual subscription of the same amount.
Bomachoge Borabu Sub-County Agriculture Officer, Richard Ogendo, said the government has prioritized Hass avocado farming because of its high value and income potential.
“The county government is working closely with cooperatives to ensure smooth operations,” Ogendo said.
“We train farmers on the right spraying programs and the use of approved chemicals to control diseases.”
He added that the government supplies certified seedlings to farmers at a subsidized price of Sh100 each.
Another farmer, Irene Nyaboke Moi, said she has planted 50 Hass avocado trees and also runs a nursery for selling seedlings to other farmers.