TANA RIVER, Kenya — Tana River County has installed a Hot Water Treatment (HWT) Plant to improve the quality of mangoes destined for export markets, in a move expected to reduce post-harvest losses and increase earnings for local farmers.
The new facility, procured by the Tana River County Government, has been installed at the Galole Integrated Fruit Processing Plant, which is operated by the Coast Development Authority (CDA).
County officials say the equipment will help local mangoes meet stringent phytosanitary requirements required by international markets, particularly in Europe.
Improving Export Standards
The Hot Water Treatment Plant is an industrial post-harvest system that disinfects mangoes by immersing them in temperature-controlled hot water.
The chemical-free process is designed to eliminate pests such as fruit flies, reduce fungal infections and extend the shelf life of fresh produce while maintaining fruit quality.
The county government says the investment is expected to improve access to export markets while increasing incomes for smallholder farmers.
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
Governor Maj. (Rtd.) Dhadho Godhana said the project forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen agricultural value chains by reducing post-harvest losses and limiting reliance on middlemen.
“The facility will provide local farmers with a reliable market by effectively eliminating exploitative middlemen and ensuring greater returns,” the governor said.
He described the hot water treatment technology as a major boost for mango exports, noting that fruit fly infestations have previously led to the cancellation of shipments destined for European markets.
According to the governor, value addition through improved processing will enable farmers to earn better prices while expanding market opportunities.
Targeting European Markets
Speaking during a tour of the Galole fruit processing factory alongside Galole MP Said Hiribae and county officials, Godhana said the facility will strengthen the county’s ability to export mangoes and other fruit products to local and international markets.
He noted that investment in Hot Water Treatment technology will help farmers comply with the strict phytosanitary standards required by global buyers.
Phytosanitary measures are designed to protect plant health by preventing the spread of pests and diseases in agricultural produce.
The treatment process destroys fruit fly larvae, helps prevent fungal infections, and prolongs the shelf life of harvested mangoes.
New Market and Italian Partnership
Governor Godhana disclosed that the county government has already secured a market for processed mango products, with certification processes expected to be completed by October.
He also revealed that during a recent visit to Italy, the county secured a Sh1 billion grant to support agriculture and energy development.
According to the governor, Tana River entered into a partnership with the Centro Agro Alimentare Riminese (CAAR) Group, which is expected to facilitate the export of mangoes and other fresh produce to the European Union once regulatory requirements are met.
The Galole Integrated Fruit Processing Plant, established by the Coast Development Authority in 2013, processes fresh mangoes into juice and has the capacity to process other fruits, including pineapples, watermelons and tomatoes, for both domestic and export markets.