Tips that can help you succeed in fruit farming in Kenya

The fruit industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in Kenya. The markets are expanding as the government puts in place measures to promote industry growth. If you are looking into venturing into fruit farming in Kenya, you are in for some good news. There is a lot of potential in the sector, and with the right tips, you can be on your way to success.

Successful Fruit Growing With Our Expert Advice

If fruit farming is your profession, you need expert advice on adopting practices, what you need, the ecological requirements, and what to avoid. Fruit farming requires detailed knowledge of fruit varieties, soil, climatic conditions, and how to maintain an orchard. With advice from professional agronomists, you can efficiently produce healthy fruits and a bountiful harvest.

We have compiled a few tips to help you succeed in fruit farming. Check them out!

Choose the Right Fruit Variety

Fruit farms can be found anywhere in Kenya, but different types of fruits are suitable for specific areas. Before choosing a variety, you need to consider various factors such as the climate, soils, and whether the region favors the fruit.

You need to consider several factors when choosing the right fruit variety for your farm. These include:

• Size: You need to consider how much space you have available on your farm. The size of the fruit will determine how many trees you need and how much room they require.

• Seasonality: You will also need to consider if your fruit tree requires a long period of dormancy or if it can be maintained through mild cold conditions, for example.

• Soil: Your soil should be fertile with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It should also be well-drained and rich in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as these nutrients are essential for the incredible growth of fruits like apples, pears, peaches, and strawberries.

• Weather: You will also want to check if there is adequate rainfall for your particular fruit tree and whether it needs extra protection from extreme weather conditions such as frost.

For example, if you have a dry climate and rocky soil, you can grow grapes and other wine grapes. If you live in a cold area, you might choose apples or pears.

There are also other factors to consider, such as:

• The market for fruits.

• The production volume to begin with.

• Which are the most productive and profitable varieties

• How is the demand for the fruits

• Are there any potential risks to the fruits

• How resistant or tolerant are the fruit to pests, diseases, and drought?

With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision on the fruit to grow.

Selecting the Best Area for Your Orchard

After deciding on the type of fruit you want to grow, the next step is to select the area to set up your orchard. Plan on the size of the farm that you require and what will be required to begin with. Find out the spacing you will use for the plants and the exact number to grow.

Choosing the best area for your orchard is critical in starting an orchard. It’s essential to choose a place with suitable climate and soil conditions and accessibility to water and power.

In addition to the climate criteria, other factors for choosing an orchard site include:

• Altitude: If you want to grow apples, pears, and citrus fruits, look for an area between 1,000 and 2,000 feet above sea level.

• Accessibility to water. Fruit trees need ample water throughout the year. You can drill deep wells or install cisterns in a well-watered area.

• Soil type. Fruit trees prefer soils high in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — but not acidity. Look for areas with loam soil with good drainage characteristics (i.e., no standing water) and a pH level of 6.5 or less.

• Location relative to other farm activities. Orchards can interfere with other crops when planted close together or within sight of one another.

Study The Fruit You Have Chosen

The fruit you choose to grow will determine your success. If you want to be successful in fruit farming, you must study the fruit you choose. You should know the fruit well and have a good understanding of its cultivation and marketability.

Buy Quality Seedlings

The quality of seedlings greatly influences the overall yields and the gain in return. Purchase high-quality certified seedlings from Oxfarm. With the right seedlings and proper plant care, be sure that you will have healthy, flourishing plants.

Invest in Good Farming Equipment

You need to ensure that you invest in the right farming equipment. Your choices may vary depending on the size of your farm and what you are growing. Remember to:

• Keep an eye on your costs

• Use better irrigation systems

• Ensure adequate water supply

Tree Training and Management

As a farmer, you need to embrace proper management practices. A well-trained tree is easy to maintain, spray, and harvest fruits. Besides, there is adequate light penetration and aeration. Also, you should consider additional practices such as thinning, pruning, weed management, mulching, and pollination requirements.

Timely Pest and Disease Control

Fruit trees are susceptible to pests like thrips, mites, scale insects, aphids, and fruit flies, and diseases like blights, anthracnose, and rust. The best method to keep pests and diseases at bay is through prevention. Ensure that you plant disease-free seedlings and embrace integrated pest management practices. If you are using pesticides, apply them at the recommended levels.

Value Addition

You should consider investing in value addition to earn more from your produce. Fruits can be used extensively in a wide range of products. For instance, strawberry fruits can be used in fruit salads, dressings, and sauces to add value to products like jams, juices, yogurt, chutneys, and beverages. Grapes can be used in wine, salads, and in making raisins. Apples can be used in products such as juices. All fruits can be used to add value to particular products.

Develop a Good Marketing Plan

You need to know what your target market is. Is it wholesale or retail? If you choose wholesale, you will need to ensure that you get the right equipment to transport your goods to the market. If you want to sell to retail, you will need to ensure that you have the proper marketing techniques and methods to attract consumers. Ensure that your produce is of high quality and buyers will come looking for you.

Kenyan fruits have a high demand locally and in export markets. On most occasions, they retail at competitive prices. For instance, Hass avocados have a large market base in Europe, China, and Mauritius. Kenyan pears have a high demand in Somalia, Belarus, Rwanda, Europe, and Asian countries like China. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands provide the largest market in Europe.

Whether you are farming on a small scale or large scale, you should be assured that fruit production will generate for you a competent income. If you are thinking of starting a fruit farm, there are many things you can do to help yourself succeed at it.