His sentiments were echoed by Acting Deputy Director Horticultural Crops Directorate Dr Jacqueline Chesaro who said the shippers should enter into negotiations that will reduce the shipping prices.
"The government is well aware of the situation in the Red Sea and the concerns about the cost of freight both in the air and sea. However, for us the prices are what makes business sense and thus why we encourage freighters to negotiate for lower shipping prices," said Chesaro.
She said as opposed to the Egypt and Europe route, produce now has to go through South Africa resulting in longer sea duration.
Former Agriculture Principle Secretary and AGRA Vice President Hamdi Boga said the government should move swiftly and address concerns about multiple levies.
"Meanwhile, all we need to do is be responsive to global changes driven by climate or food safety changes. We must as a country learn not just to produce but produce for a market which can be made possible if we understand market dynamics," he said.