Somalia denies reports of Banana imports from Kenya

Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has denied reports circulating on social media claiming that large quantities of bananas are being imported into the country from Kenya.

In a brief statement issued on Thursday, the ministry dismissed the reports as false and urged members of the public to rely on official government sources for accurate information regarding agricultural imports and other related matters.

“The Federal Government Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation denies the reports being circulated by some people claiming that Kenya imports large quantities of bananas to Somalia,” the ministry said.

The ministry also appealed to the public to obtain information from its official communication channels and to avoid spreading unverified claims.

The clarification follows increased discussion on social media over reports alleging that bananas from Kenya were being brought into Somalia for commercial sale.

Somalia is itself a major banana-producing country, with bananas grown in several parts of the country and regularly supplied to markets in Mogadishu and other regions. The country’s banana sector, however, continues to face challenges, including rising production and market costs.

The ministry’s statement is expected to ease concerns among farmers and traders involved in Somalia’s domestic banana industry while underscoring the government’s call for the public to verify information through official sources.

Mustaqbal