In a bold stride towards transforming the agricultural landscape of Makueni County, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has officially launched a state-of-the-art Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse in Wote.
Strategically situated near the Wote Police Station, this facility promises to revolutionize the mango value chain, offering farmers a centralized hub for collection, processing, packaging, and marketing of their produce. Designed to combat the perennial issue of post-harvest losses, the center is a lifeline for local farmers seeking access to lucrative local and international markets.
Makueni’s farmers stand to reap significant rewards, with export mangoes valued at Ksh. 12 per piece and those sold in local markets fetching between Ksh. 15 and Ksh. 19 per kilogram. To streamline the process, farmers are urged to liaise with ward agriculture officers or administrators to ensure timely harvesting and seamless buyer linkages.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology for sorting, grading, and packaging, the facility is poised to attract exporters directly to the county. This eliminates the logistical hurdles that once plagued buyers and ensures farmers benefit from premium market prices.
Governor Mutula described the center as a “milestone in our quest to empower farmers and revolutionize agriculture in Makueni County.” The initiative not only guarantees fair prices but also cements the county’s position as a leader in horticultural innovation.
With this groundbreaking project, Makueni’s mango farmers are set to transition from subsistence to commercial farming, boosting household incomes and fostering sustainable development. The ripple effect of this visionary move is bound to be felt across the region, as Makueni sets the benchmark for agricultural excellence in Kenya.
