The National Government has partnered with the Migori County Government to distribute 42,000 grafted Hass avocado seedlings to farmers across the county. The move aims to boost household incomes, expand export-oriented agriculture, and support the government’s 15 billion trees growing initiative.

Grafted Hass Avocado Seedlings in Migori Distributed to 42,000 Farmers to Boost Export Earnings

Speaking during the distribution held at the Migori County Commissioner’s residence, County Commissioner Kisilu Mutua said the county had received 42,000 grafted hass avocado seedlings and 100,000 grafted coffee seedlings from the Ministry of Agriculture. Additional grafted macadamia seedlings are expected in the near future.

Mutua noted that each farmer would receive ten grafted avocado seedlings. Farmers have already undergone training by crop officers on proper planting, management and access to extension services.

“Every farmer has been taught how to plant these seedlings and how to reach extension officers who can assist them in managing the crop,” said Mutua.

He added that each seedling costs approximately Sh444. This translates to nearly Sh20 million invested by the government in the project. The administrator assured farmers that if properly managed, each avocado tree could generate up to Sh10,000 annually after five years, significantly improving household livelihoods.

The County Commissioner further revealed that two farmer groups had also received milk coolers worth Sh4.5 million to support dairy farming and value addition.

Migori County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Lucas Mosenda, said avocado farming had become one of Kenya’s major export opportunities. The county is keen on ensuring local farmers benefit from the growing international demand.

“We are looking at crop diversification so that farmers from Migori can tap into export opportunities and improve their incomes,” said Mosenda.

He observed that Migori currently has about 300 acres under avocado farming. An estimated 600 to 700 farmers are actively practicing the crop across the county. The official regretted that most farmers still grow traditional avocado varieties which fetch lower returns and have limited export value.

“Unfortunately, most farmers have been growing the local varieties which are important but have low market value internationally. Hass avocado targets the export market and offers better returns to farmers,” he explained.

He noted that the county government plans to substantially increase acreage under avocado farming and later focus on value addition to further enhance farmers’ earnings. Mosenda added that the farmers had already undergone elaborate training for two to three weeks in preparation for the project. He confirmed that the seedlings were only the first batch, with plans underway to secure close to 100,000 seedlings this year.

The grafted Hass avocado seedlings in Migori are expected to transform the local agricultural landscape. Farmers who have relied on traditional varieties with limited market value will now have access to a crop that is in high demand internationally.

Samson Ochieng Migeni, a farmer from God Jope Ward in Suna East Sub County, welcomed the initiative. He said avocado farming had transformed livelihoods in the area. Migeni stated that Suna East currently produces over 213 tonnes of avocados weekly. Most of these are transported to Nairobi for oil processing, while grafted varieties are destined for export markets.

“Because we do not have a stable organizational structure or bargaining power in the market, farmers are still forced to sell avocados at throw-away prices,” said Migeni.

He appealed to the government to strengthen extension services and provide mobility support to agricultural officers. This will ensure farmers receive continuous technical assistance. Migeni further urged the government to recognize avocado farming as a key value chain in Migori County and allocate more resources toward market organization and farmer empowerment.

He observed that the international avocado market continues to expand. Countries such as China and India have reduced import levies on Kenyan avocados, creating huge opportunities for local farmers.

Peter Chacha, Chairman of Migori County Farmers, lauded both the national and county governments for supporting farmers through the seedling distribution program. Chacha noted that avocado farming had helped many farmers educate their children, improve household incomes and reduce poverty levels in the county.

He however called on the Ministry of Agriculture to intensify farmer education on crop management, proper use of herbicides and modern farming practices to maximize production and quality.

“We request the government to continue empowering farmers with knowledge and extension services so that they can fully benefit from avocado farming and compete in international markets,” said Chacha.

The grafted Hass avocado seedlings in Migori represent a significant investment in the county’s agricultural future. With proper care, these seedlings will mature in three to four years and produce fruit for decades. Farmers who have struggled with low incomes from traditional crops will have a new source of revenue.

The government’s investment of Sh20 million in this project is just the beginning. Farmers will need ongoing support, including extension services, market linkages, and access to irrigation. The county government has indicated that it plans to increase acreage under avocado farming and later focus on value addition. This could include processing avocados into oil, puree, or other products that fetch higher prices than fresh fruit.

For the grafted Hass avocado seedlings in Migori to reach their full potential, farmers must work together. Individual farmers selling small quantities will always be at the mercy of brokers. Farmers who organize into cooperatives can aggregate their produce, negotiate better prices, and access larger markets.

The grafted Hass avocado seedlings in Migori are a step in the right direction. But they are only the first step. Farmers, the government, and the private sector must work together to build a value chain that benefits everyone. The demand for Kenyan avocados is growing. The opportunity is here. Migori farmers are ready to seize it.

By Wendy Merryl and Faith Opar

Note: Farmers Trend Limited supplies certified grafted Hass avocado, coffee, macadamia and other seedlings on a large scale to counties, NGOs, and individual farmers. You can reach out via info@farmerstrend.co.ke or call 0790509684.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hass-Avocado-Seedlings-in-Migori.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Hass-Avocado-Seedlings-in-Migori-150x150.jpgFarmersTrend# TrendingThe National Government has partnered with the Migori County Government to distribute 42,000 grafted Hass avocado seedlings to farmers across the county. The move aims to boost household incomes, expand export-oriented agriculture, and support the government's 15 billion trees growing initiative.Speaking during the distribution held at the Migori County...New Generation Culture in Agriculture