Kenya's fruit and vegetables sales dropped in the first quarter following a voluntary ban on pesticide dimethoate, website Businessdailyafrica.com reported.

Fresh Producers and Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK) CEO Stephen Mbithi told the website there were other factors that contributed to the decline as well, including weather and deteriorating economic conditions in Europe - Kenya's main export market.

"There was a 26% reduction in the volumes of vegetables produced because of the standards. A dry spell preceding the current rains also affected volumes," Mbithi was quoted as saying.

"Fresh produce grew 17% in value but there was a 6% drop in tonnage because of the drought and rejection at the key markets because of falling standards due to continued use of the banned chemical substance."

www.freshfruitportal.com