Neofresh Pawpaw Farm Is a Mind-blowing Inspiration

At Rich Farm Kenya, our pawpaw farming endeavours are still at the crawling stages but the future shines bright, especially gauging from companies with a similar vision that started their steps earlier in time. Our largest inspiration coming from a South African company,  Neofresh, our dreams and aspirations are renewed every single moment we look at their conquest and success.

Neofresh was established 20 years ago by Tim and Brian Chennels. From the outset the core business of the company was the production, value-adding and marketing of Papaya.

In 2011 Neofresh merged with one of its competitors, Low’s Creek, adding 40% to its production area and consolidating retail market share in South Africa. Before the merger Neofresh hired all its farms but owned the packing facility in Hectorspruit. Its assets were mainly intangible in nature, consisting of Intellectual Property with regards to varieties and trademarks, as well as substantial market share amongst South African retailers. The merger strengthened the balance sheet to enable Neofresh to acquire its flagship farm, Kenworthy Estates.

Today Neofresh produces papaya on four farms and litchi on three farms in South Africa. Production of papaya in Mozambique commenced in 2016. Today it is the biggest supplier of Papaya to the Retail market in South Africa.

The journey of success of this South African pawpaw giant is founded on specific principals, which have become our strong pillars at Rich Farm Kenya. Neofresh understands that a properly funded Research and Development Department gives them the competitive edge regarding new exclusive varieties, post-harvest treatment methods and unique growing methods.

They also understand that producing fruit in different areas gives them the advantage of stabilizing production and finding niche marketing windows. This is the very reason we moved to Naivasha after establishing our first orchard in Embu.

The company also invests and participates in the complete value chain.

Through conventional breeding Neofresh has developed exclusive papaya cultivars which are perfectly suited to South African conditions and taste. A great deal of emphasis has gone into the development of taste as opposed to only yield and external appearance.

By spreading their production units around different areas, the company is now able to supply papaya to South African consumers on a twelve month basis.

This is the reflection of our dream in Kenya. We applaud all the successful pawpaw farmers in Kenya and hope that we join hands in developing our very own pawpaw industry in Kenya and have our children and citizens enjoy not just enough but sweet pawpaws.

If you would like to join us be sure to call us on 0724698357. 

We have compiled this pawpaw farming guide for kenya to help you with information on the go. 

It is now available in PDF so you can even carry it in your phone and refer any time. 

You can now request for it from our Resources Page. 

Grape Farming in Kenya: How Meru Farmers Are Making Crazy Money

Grapes Farming in Kenya is Possible and Profitable

Grapes farming in Kenya sounds like an impossible dream to many. But you would be pleasantly surprised if you visited Meru and witnessed how farmers there have cultivated this rare crop in Kenya. Rows and rows of over 5,000 grape plants line up an expansive piece of land at Liliaba in Igembe Central with vines well supported by wires tied across the pilot farm established over 20 years ago.

To most people, vineyards are only synonymous with bible stories but the Liliaba Vineyard has been in Meru for two decades after grapes were introduced by Father Adol Celestino from Italy in the 1980s. 

Grapes farming in Kenya

Located about 20 kilometers from Kangeta town, the Liliaba Vineyard is now run by Catholic Fathers the Diocese of Meru where over 80 farmers have now adopted grape farming.

According to Father Mbiko, Grape farming has also been introduced at Murera near Meru National park, Rwarera in Buuri and Ngarendare.

“We already have a wine press and processing plant at Mukululu in Igembe Central. We produce over 1,000 bottles of table wine, church wine among other brands. The demand for the wine is higher than supply hence we are encouraging more farmers to start grape farming,” Fr Mbiko says.

Is Grapes farming in Kenya profitable?

When we spoke to Fr. Mbiko, the father in charge at the time, he said that he buys grapes from out growers at Sh80 per kilo on self delivery and Sh70 gate price while those who sell fresh fruits to supermarkets and streets can make up to Sh300 a kilo.

He notes that grapes farming require very little water and are often referred as ‘camel fruit’ hence can be grown even in the hot and dry parts of Kenya.

We have actually highlighted the conditions suitable for grapes farming in Kenya in the article "How to Make Money With Grapes Farming in Kenya". 

“We train farmers on how to grow grapes, supply them with seedlings and buy fruits for processing. Many farmers are losing crops to drought but if they venture into grape farming, they are assured of harvest,” he explains.

Grapes start yielding very early; within a year after transplanting but reach the highest yield in take four years. They are harvested twice a year and with one grape plant capable producing over 15kgs of grapes per year which translates to Sh1, 200 per plant.

Fr Adol notes that farmers who have embraced the production of grapes in Kenya have benefited greatly from the farming as Liliaba is mostly prone to rain failure.

What is the main challenge with grapes farming in Kenya?

The main challenge in grape farming, Fr Mbiko says, is keeping off birds hence a watch tower has to be built in the middle of the farm for a good view of the farm

“Birds like feeding the grape fruits when they are ripe. The farmer has to keep watch throughout the day to secure a good harvest.

However, the returns are too good to be barred by the challenges. We cannot meet the demand for wine in Meru only,” he advises.

He notes that other seasonal crops can be planted in between the grapes making the land more productive.

About four varieties of grapes are grown at Liliaba vineyard and the fruit has been attracting interest from many people including former Provincial Commissioner Peter Kiilu who has a vineyard in Kitui.

Grapes farming guide for Kenya

Fr Mbiko is calling on more farmers to venture into grape farming so as to increase production of Mukululu wine production plant. 

However, for you to be successful in grapes farming, you need proper information. That is why we compiled this grapes  farming guide for kenya to help you with information on the go. 

It is now available in pdf so you can even carry it in your phone and refer any time. You can now request for it from our Resources Page. 

You Too Can Grow Grapes In Kenya and Make a Good Profit

As you approach Naivasha town from Nakuru, a canopy of yellow back acacia trees line both sides of the busy highway, forming a cool shade that has defied the scorching sun that welcomes you to this otherwise dusty town.

It is hard to believe that in this seemingly dry environment, a venture such as grapes farming could be thriving. After all, the only form of farming we are used to in Kenya is maize and beans and that also only thrives in rather wet areas. Now let us surprise ourselves and visit a farm doing something people have thought is impossible in this country. 

“Welcome to Morendat Farm vineyard situated in the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley overlooking the scenic Mt Longonot,” says Venter as he stretches his left hand past a wire mesh that rings the fruits and picks a bunch of ripe grapes to taste. You can already feel your mouth wet with anticipation, as you can't wait to taste the purple berries looking so juicy.

Grapes farming in Kenya

Venter, the general manager of the 2,500-hectare farm, is actually a South African national and a horticulturist. He leads one of the few companies that brew wine on Kenyan soil.

According to Venter, Kenya produces a high quality of berries that are ideal for wine making. The sugar levels in ripe grapes must be between 23 and 25% for the grapes to produce sweet commercial wine, like the one they produce at their Rift Valley winery.

“What helps us produce quality wine is that we grow our fruits near the equator,” he adds.

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Yes, Grapes Can Grow In Kenya And Fetch You Over Ksh.400 Per Kg

Does grape farming in Kenya need a lot of water?

To get the required sugar levels, Venter, who has been the farm manager for the last two years, says that the water consumption must be controlled.

“We are situated near the equator and since Kenya has no winter season which is used as dormancy stage for the grapes to rest and grow, then water must strictly be controlled to avoid an overgrowth of grapes,” explains Venter.

“Why should Kenya be proud of stocking wine brands from other countries while it enjoys volcanic soils, cool nights and warm days which combine to ensure slow maturation of grapes that allow us to produce fulsome wines of a unique character?” poses the 41-year-old.

Morendat Farm, which is part of the Kenya Nut Company, is the producer of the Leleshwa brand wines.

The farm produces 150,000 bottles of wine annually but has plans to do a million by the end of next year, according to Venter.

On the farm, they use machines to remove all the weeds and when planting the seedlings, “we always make sure the rows run from North to South to avoid the plants having direct contact with the sun.”

He says the seedling holes must be half a metre deep and the roots must sharply point to the centre of the hole to make sure they grow upright. The distance from one seedling to another must be 1.5m while the rows should be 2.7m apart.

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Grapes Farming: How to Produce the Best Grapes in Kenya

They are then watered using a computerised drip irrigation system that makes sure each plant consumes at least two litres of water per hour twice a week.

Why Grapes farming in Kenya is best done on drips

Urea, a soluble fertiliser is also applied using the drip irrigation system. This is supplemented with compost manure from the more than 3,000 beef bulls for which Morendat Farm is also famed for. After watering, the ground around the grafted seedlings is covered with a polythene paper to ensure there is little evaporation and to suppress weeds.

Besides South Africa, the farm also imports seedlings from Israel.

After the third month, the plants are ringed with a wire mesh to keep off birds which can decimate acres if not checked.

“We normally plant between June and July and they are ready for harvest after three years. We like harvesting at the end of January or early February because that is the warmest season of the year which is crucial for better sugar levels.”

The vines, once planted, can stay in the farm for up to 30 years before they are uprooted and fresh seedlings are planted.

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Grape Farming in Kenya: How Meru Farmers Are Making Crazy Money

“These current vines we’re harvesting were planted in 1995 and in the next 10 years, we shall replace them with fresh vines as they will have reached their optimum.”

One hectare under grapes has between 2,000 and 3,000 vines and a good harvest yields between 10 to 15 tonnes of grapes.

YOUNG VINES

Currently, the farm has 12 hectares of mature grapes and another 12 has young vines which are supposed to produce fruits in the next two years.

“Our target is to plant another 36 hectares to cope with the increasing demand of our wines in the shops and hotels,” says Venter, who trained as a horticulturist at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

“We have invested in irrigation with equipment imported from South Africa because water is the heart of any grape farming,” adds Venter, whose day starts at 5am until 8 or 9pm.

The farm also has a reservoir which is used as a backup whenever there is a sign of water levels going down. “I have a soft spot for horticulture as I come from a farming family. My parents, brothers, uncles are all farmers,” says the father of two boys and two girls, who has been farming for the last 25 years.

Although he is reluctant to disclose how much the farm is making, he was quick to point out that there is good money in grape farming.

However, one of the major challenges is the downy mildew disease and weevils which can be devastating if not managed.

Keep Your Grapes Farm Clean

Dr Lusike Wasilwa, the Assistant Director in-charge of Horticulture and Industrial crops at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), says a number of diseases which attack the grapes can be contained by keeping the field clean.

“Don’t let the leaves and uprooted weeds lie idle on the farm as they are alternative hosts for pests.”

Grapes seedlings are available at Kalro Horticulture Research Centre in Thika, Kiambu County.

According to Dr Wasilwa, the best soils for grapes are loam  and volcanic but clay soil is also be appropriate so long as it has enough manure. “The crops should be grown in areas with soils that do not retain a lot of water. One should also ensure they grow the correct variety.”

She added that the berries flourish in  temperatures ranging from 0 degrees  Celsius up to 40 degrees but are best harvested during hot season.

Grapes farming guide for Kenya

Grapes farming in Kenya is possible and relatively easy. However, for you to be a successful grapes farmer, you need proper information. 

Here is a booklet we wrote to give you detailed information on what you need to do to bring up great vines and sweet fruits.  

You can now get this copy from our Resources Page. You can also call or WhatsApp us on 0724698357 if you have any question. 

We also have grapes seedlings ready  for transplanting. You simply need to call us on the same number 0724698357 to make your order and we shall deliver to where you are as we guide you through on how to do the establishment of your own vineyard. 

Yes, Grapes Can Grow In Kenya And Fetch You Over Ksh.400 Per Kg

Grape is a is a climbing plant that produces fruits in a bunch of edible berries and grows well in various parts of Kenya such as Naivasha, Meru and Bungoma. They can be eaten raw or can be used to process wine and other products such as jam and grape juice.

There are plenty of health benefits in consuming grapes for they are a rich source of Vitamins- A, C, K and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese.

Grapes farming in Kenya

Grapes are widely cultivated all over the world due to the fact that they are non-climatic and can thrive in different climatic conditions but they prefer warm to hot temperatures.

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You Too Can Grow Grapes In Kenya and Make a Good Profit

Grapes are suitable for home gardeners and for small scale or large scale commercial production.

In Kenya, grape farming can be used to create thousands of jobs and millions of shillings in income because there is a good market within the country. There is ready market throughout the year and new wine companies that use grapes as their main raw material are setting shop in Kenya. Established companies such as East African breweries ltd are thinking of entering the wine market as they seek to diversify. The future of this crop is promising.

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How Meru Farmers Are Making Crazy Money

A good percentage of the grapes consumed in Kenya is imported and mostly sold to the high end market that pays a good price for them- a kilo goes at around 400-500 Ksh. Wine producing companies such as Kenyan wine agencies do import the grapes they use because of the good quality of imported grapes and lack of local supply.

Any company prefers getting their core raw materials from within and are only forced to import if they have no other choice. This greatly increases the cost of production and denies such companies a competitive advantage. Some of the companies are aware of this and have developed their own grapevine orchards but the grape produced is still insufficient.

Grapes’ growing in Kenya is still in its formative stage despite the fact that there are grapevine orchards in different parts of Kenya that are more than 20 years old. This means that there is a great opportunity for more farmers and home gardeners to take up this crop. Farmers can go an extra mile and establish wine making cottage industries that will improve the economic outlook of their locality.

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Grapes Farming: How to Produce the Best Grapes in Kenya

There is a lot to be done in Kenya to ensure farmers are well trained on grape cultivation and value addition to guarantee high quality produce that will rival imported grapes and wine. Richfarm Kenya does train farmers at their Embu, Kiritiri nursery on grapes farming and also provides ready to plant seedlings right there. You can book a day to visit by simply calling 0724698357.

Grape prefers deep and well drained soil and can grow in any soil type. They can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively by using cuttings. However, it is advisable to get ready seedlings from established nurseries. 

There are different types of grapes each having its own characteristic, advantages and disadvantages. You can learn the difference between these various types by visiting any Richfarm Kenya outlet.  

Home growers should sample the different varieties; they can be planted along the fence in the homestead and trained well to conceal the fruits when it matures.

So indeed you too can start your grapes farm wherever you are in Kenya. Those in warm and hot areas have an advantage as their grapes become sweeter than those cultivating them in cool or cold areas. 

Grapes farming is not difficult at all especially if you follow the simple steps given in this comprehensive grapes farming guide. It is actually written for the Kenyan farmers. You get a copy from our Resources Page. 

We are always ready to answer your questions. So if you need any help or you want to order seedlings, simply call or WhatsApp us on 0724698357. We deliver countrywide.