The Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), has issued a strong call to action against the longstanding practice of discarding avocados deemed unfit for export without exploring alternative uses. Speaking at the First National Avocado Stakeholders Meeting held on April 4, 2025, in Dodoma, Minister Bashe emphasized the need to harness the full potential of every avocado harvested.
“Avocado is not just a fruit; it is a key pillar in our horticulture sub-sector,” he noted. “Rejecting produce without considering other value chains undermines the industry’s growth and the livelihoods it supports.”
The high-level stakeholders’ meeting, hosted by the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), was conducted in collaboration with the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA). It brought together producers, exporters, regulators, and development partners to chart a sustainable path for the avocado industry in Tanzania.
Minister Bashe reiterated the government’s continued commitment under the Sixth Phase Administration to support the avocado sector alongside other competitive crops. “Through strategic interventions, we are transforming avocado farming from subsistence to commercial viability,” he said.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the formation of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), established to safeguard crop health and ensure compliance with international phytosanitary standards. Additionally, the Ministry has rolled out an irrigation subsidy program specifically for the avocado sector, which includes the deployment of 18 drilling machines to provide water for irrigation across the country.
“This infrastructure will ensure the sustainability and productivity of avocado trees for generations,” he added.
Addressing concerns about export-related costs, Minister Bashe revealed that the radiation fee on avocados is currently under review, with the government actively considering its removal to reduce barriers for exporters.
Tanzania is now ranked as the second-largest producer of avocados in Africa, trailing only behind Kenya, and competing with other key players like Ethiopia and South Africa. The country exports roughly 40% of its avocados to Europe, 30% to India, and 19% to Middle Eastern markets.
“As we continue to grow in production, we must also grow in innovation. Let us find new ways to use every avocado—be it in oils, cosmetics, or processed food products. There is no place for waste in a sector so full of opportunity,” Minister Bashe concluded.
