Mr. Clement Tulezi stated that the flower industry in Kenya survived the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, earning the country Sh.104Billion.
These earnings increased slightly in 2021 to earn Sh.110Billion. This is after the volume of flowers exported increased by 33 per cent from 287.8 million kilos in 2020 to 373.78 million kilos in 2021.
Mr. Tulezi spoke in Naivasha Thursday, during the launch a new product known under the brand name as Dagonis to be used to control powdery mildew disease in flowers. After 11 years of research, BASF East Africa Company has developed the product that meets international standards for export flowers.
He stated that the new product, which even exceeds international market requirements, is timely and a relief for the flower sector, where powdery mildew has been a major challenge throughout the year, thereby limiting production.
Tulezi advised all flower and other horticultural producers to follow the highest international standards so that Kenyan products can remain competitive on the market. This is important as Kenya seeks to diversify its exports in this sector. He cited an example of a case in which avocadoes from Kenya were taken off shelves in Norway because they did not meet international standards.
He also asked the Government to reconsider the 16% tax on pesticides that was introduced last year. He said it was hurting an industry still recovering from the global economic crisis caused by Covid-19.
Tulezi also lamented that the high cost of energy in the country, which is the highest in the region, was also affecting the horticultural industry and asked the government for help.
“Compared to our neighbours like Uganda and Ethiopia who is our biggest competitor in the industry, the cost of energy in Kenya is so high affecting the competitiveness of our industry,” he said.
The horticulture sector, which includes flowers, fruits, and medicinal aromatic plants, is one of the most important sectors of Kenyan agriculture. It contributes to foreign exchange, household incomes, food and nutrition security, and foreign exchange. It employs about 6.5 million Kenyans directly and indirectly.
Over two million Kenyans live in direct contact with the floriculture sector. It has employed more than 200,000 people. The Great Rift Valley is the main area of production, with areas such as Lake Naivasha and Mount Kenya, as well as Nairobi and other parts of the country.
The total area under horticulture is estimated at 496,062 Ha with production of 7.9 million Metric Tons. Roses accounted the largest share in flowers export earnings, with Shs.70.8 billion worth of exports. 71.8 billion, compared to 70.8 billion in 2020. Then came mixed flowers with 17.8billion and cuttings of Shs. 15.8 billion, as compared to Shs. 94 billion and. 13 billion in 2020, respectively.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku
Source: kenyanews
