Kisii Governor James Ongwae has said that the county government of Kisii will supply one million free avocado seedlings to farmers come next year. Ongwae said the seedlings will boost avocado production in the county and earn farmers a better income. "Our avocado factory has started producing various products from avocado and that is why the county government has decided to give farmers one million free avocado seedlings to boost the production," he said. The governor was speaking in Kisii town when he flagging off 30 tonnes of avocado cosmetic oil predestined for Mexico. Ongwae said the consignment is the first to be produced at the avocado plant in Uhuru Building, Kisii town. “The plant has been in operation for the last two months and has managed produce 30 tonnes of cosmetic oil. I foresee good things,” he said. Investor Majid Akhaouni said the factory will also produce pharmaceutical and edible oil after he installs a drier. Ongwae said middle men who have been exploiting avocado farmers will not get the chance to do so because farmers will be paid per kilo. “The middle men have been paying farmers peanuts, but this time round farmers will be paid based on the number of kilogrammes they produce. We want to reduce our poverty index from 51 to 20 per cent,” he said. Ongwae urged residents to take up avocado farming to reap maximum benefits from the processing plant through value addition. The governor said the factory currently produces 15-20 tonnes of oil per day, but the tonnage will be increased to 80 when the drier is installed.

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