Due to its mono and polyunsaturated fat content, avocado proves a great substitution for foods rich in fat. It also has vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that contribute to the nutrient quality of human diet. However, avocado harvesting, processing and creating awareness about it, among other gaps, need the concerted effort of all stakeholders to export quality avocado.
Based on an agreement reached between Bahir Dar and Butajira surrounding areas avocado smallholder producing farmers, Ethiopia will commence exporting avocado. Ethio-Veg-Fruit and GreenPath Food Pilot Project, local and foreign NGOs respectively, will facilitate conditions.
Speaking at a training on how to harvest, collect and handle avocado for producer farmers at Bicolo Fruit Trees Nursery in Macha Woreda last Monday, Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Belaynesh Zevadia said: “This project has been implemented through a Joint Technical Programme involving Israeli Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), USAID and the government of Ethiopia. I was very eager to see the success of this project. Now, I can see the relentless efforts are bringing handsome returns. I think exporting Ethiopian products is a big achievement. But it needs much awareness creation activities and motivation for farmers who are engaged in avocado and mango production so as to export standard quality avocado.”
Belaynesh added: “I do not think farmers will face a problem of market access as far as they produce standard quality. Avocado and mango have global demand. However, protecting them from bacteria and other things affecting its quality, will have a paramount importance in sustaining the export. Ones the products are promoted and well known, it is possible to export them maintaining their brand which requires the concerted effort of all stakeholders.
The ambassador stressed that to expand avocado and mango harvesting in Ethiopia, horticulture experts and farmers have to work together. They must replicate best practices and teach others about proper handling and avocado production.
“We are focusing on the production of avocado, mango and tomato, among others,” she said.
MASHAV Small Horticulture Holder Project (SHHP) Coordinator Ofer Kahani on his part said: “We are producing high quality avocado and mango seedlings. Today, we are developing farmers skill much needed for harvesting avocado fruit. We hope that the experimental export will encourage other farmers to harvest avocado for export purpose.”
“The country has ideal climate, appropriate trees and fruits. We have exportable produce. As there is shortage of avocado in the market this year a price hike is expected,” he said.
He said the project receives strong support from the Amhara State.
The project expects to begin export to Belgium and France next week — the most avocado consuming countries. Currently, in the global market, the consumption of avocado is increasing by four per cent annually. Realizing the importance of avocado, its nutritional value and its nutrient mix, its worldwide demand is increasing.
Getnet Terefe local avocado and mango producer trainee from ‘Tagel Wedefit’ Kebele, Macha Woreda, said the training has deepened awareness on ways of growing, nurturing and collecting avocado fruit. “Currently, I have 15 mango and 35 avocado fruit trees in my garden. I am very much pleased to learn that meeting the desired quality would enable me to export my produce.” He is also pleased with the creation of market link.
[www.ethpress.gov.et]
