DODOMA: THE disruption in avocado export logistics, which has extended shipping durations to 50 days, is threatening the quality standards required by international markets.
Previously, avocado shipments from Tanzania took between 25 and 27 days to reach their overseas destinations.
This challenge was highlighted on Friday in Dodoma during the first national stakeholders’ meeting on avocado farming.
Speaking at the forum, Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Jacqueline Mkindi said the ongoing Red Sea crisis has delayed avocado shipments, reducing their quality and limiting market reliability.
“Instead of the usual 25 to 27 days for shipments to reach destinations such as the Netherlands, Sweden, or Belgium, exporters now face extended durations of 45 to 50 days through the South African route. As a country, we must strategize on how to address this challenge,” she stated.
Dr Mkindi noted that prior to the crisis, transporting avocados from Njombe to Europe cost approximately 10,000 to 11,000 USD per container, whereas the current route takes 45 to 60 days and costs about 13,000 US dollars per container.
Tanzania exports 40 percent of its avocados to Europe and the UK, 30 percent to India, and 19 percent to the Middle East, with the remaining share going to Kenya and China.
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Meanwhile, National Cereals and Mixed Crops Regulatory Authority (COPRA) Director General Irene Mlola revealed that avocado production in Tanzania has increased by 31 per cent over the past year, while export volumes have surged by 257 percent.
“Four years ago, Tanzania exported 9,978 tonnes of avocados. By 2024, this figure has risen to 35,627 tonnes.
“While production stands at 195,000 tonnes, only 35,000 tonnes are exported. Despite the presence of local processing industries for oil and other avocado products, we need to enhance exports and add value to the local market,” she explained.
On the regulatory front, Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) Director General Prof Joseph Ndunguru said the government has allocated 2bn/- to control pesticide use and manage crop diseases affecting avocado farming.
“We are also opening new markets by preparing regulatory documents that outline where the fruit is grown, enabling buyers to conduct traceability,” he added.
Additionally, Prof Ndunguru announced the installation of advanced laboratory equipment capable of analyzing 2,000 samples per week, reducing delays for farmers and exporters.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, who inaugurated the forum, said the government aims to achieve a 10 percent annual growth rate in the crop sub-sector by 2030.
“For the avocado industry, the government has allocated approximately 2bn/- in subsidies for pesticides, alongside farmer training to ensure proper application for maximum effectiveness,” he noted.
He further emphasized that avocado is not only a commercial crop but also plays a significant role in boosting individual incomes.
Production has grown from 149,000 tonnes in 2021 to 98,000 tonnes in 2024, while exports have risen from 26,000 tonnes to 36,000 tonnes, marking a 33 per cent increase.
“However, this growth could have been much higher had we resolved the current challenges in the sector,” he added.
