Parliamentary Committee Backs Expansion of Mango Processing Facility in Tana River

TANA RIVER, KENYA — The Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Regional Development has announced its support for the expansion of the Coast Development Authority (CDA) Integrated Fruit Processing Plant in Tana River County, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and boosting local mango production.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Kabuchai legislator and committee leader, the plant, currently capable of processing over 1,200 tons of mangoes annually, has substantially improved the economic prospects for local farmers. The expansion is intended to further enhance the plant’s capacity and, by extension, the earnings of mango farmers in the region, a major mango-producing area in Kenya.

During a committee visit to the plant in Hola, Galole constituency, Kalasinga highlighted the need for increased production capabilities, from 1,000 liters per hour to 3,000 liters per hour, to better meet market demand. He also called on the CDA to ensure competitive pricing for the farmers, steering them away from less favorable deals with brokers.

The plant’s progress was also noted by Magarini MP Mwalimu Kombe, who encouraged farmers to continue supplying mangoes for ongoing pulp production, emphasizing the broader economic benefits for the Coast region. CDA Managing Director Mohamed Keinan stated that the facility was specifically established to support mango farmers in Tana River, Garissa, Lamu, and Kilifi counties, by mitigating post-harvest losses. The plant has a crushing machine with a capacity of one ton per hour, producing mango pulp for juice manufacturers.

Deye Salim, Vice Chairman of the Galole Mango Farmers’ Cooperative Society, confirmed the plant’s positive impact, although he noted some operational challenges still need addressing. He applauded the CDA’s educational efforts, which have helped farmers improve their practices and avoid premature harvesting, a common issue driven by market pressures from brokers.

Jamey Ayu, a local mango farmer, expressed personal benefits from the plant, including being able to finance university education for her children. She voiced hopes for further plant expansion to increase mango crushing capacity and thus create more employment opportunities, enhancing livelihoods in the community.