Jackfruit Farming in Kenya: How to Earn Millions From Jackfruit Farming

Something you probably didn’t know is that jackfruit tree produces one of the largest fruits in the world. You just can’t imagine a single jackfruit can weigh up to 40 kilograms.

A mature jackfruit tree in its productive years.

Jackfruit commonly known as ‘fenesi’ in Swahili is a tropical fruit with its origin in the region between Southern India, the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka’s Island and Malaysia’s rain forests.

A Jackfruit slice.

It is a fruit that has a spiky exterior and sweet, fibrous flesh inside with a distinctive flavour that is often described as a combination of apple, banana, and mango. It has been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture for centuries.

Jackfruit farming has continuously gained popularity in Kenya with coastal and western counties like Busia rooting for more than 67% of Kenya’s produce.

The economic potential of Jackfruit farming in Kenya.

The economic potential of jackfruit farming is very promising for reasons like;

·      High demand in local and international markets.

Jackfruit has gained popularity globally in the recent years as a versatile and nutritious fruit. The rising demand for plant based and exotic fruits presents an opportunity for Kenyan farmers to tap in to the local and international markets.

·      Diversification of income sources.

Farming jackfruit allows for diversification of income sources for farmers. With proper cultivation and marketing, farmers can generate revenue from selling fresh jackfruit, processed products and by-products like seeds and seedlings.

·      Adaptability to Kenyan Climate.                                                                                     

The diverse climatic conditions in Kenya are very suitable for the farming of Jackfruit. Their adaptability to different regions provides farmers with the flexibility to cultivate across various agro-ecological zones.

·      Low maintenance and resource requirements.

Jackfruit trees require low maintenance once established. They require less water compared to some other fruit trees.

·      Economic benefits

Jackfruit trees contribute to environmental sustainability by providing shade, reducing soil erosion, and acting as carbon sinks. This aligns with the consumer preferences for environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practises.

Ideal climate for Jackfruit farming.

Jackfruit thrive best in warm and tropical climates, making it suitable for Kenyan coast and other lowland areas in Kenya.

The fruit tree requires temperatures between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.  It is very sensitive to frost, and this means areas with frequent frost occurrences are not suitable for its growth.                                                                                                                      

While jackfruit can withstand short periods of drought, regular and well distributed rain is essential during flowering, fruiting stages, and other important plant processes. High humid and low altitude areas are also favourable for optimal growth of jackfruit.

On the soil requirements, jackfruit trees prefer deep, sandy loam to clay well drained fertile soils with a Ph level that is slightly acidic to neutral.

How do you plant a jackfruit?                                                                    

You who is particularly interested in knowing how this mighty fruit tree is planted, this piece is for you. Just like a good house requires a strong foundation, a good foundation for any plant ensures successful cultivation and a bounty harvest.

1.    Dig planting holes.

Dig planting holes at the site you wish to plant your jackfruit seedlings, while ensuring they are large and spacious enough to accommodate the root system and tap enough water for the plant. The ideal hole should have a depth similar to the height of the root and should be spacious enough.

2.    Spacing.

While digging the holes, just ensure you figure out the mature size of a jackfruit tree, this will help one plan on the best spacing that can ensure the trees do not crowd as they grow. Mature jackfruit trees grow to extremely big sizes. They are a perfect definition of out of a tiny seedling, a mighty tree grows.

3.    Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost.

Integrating manure or compost into the holes ensures soil fertility. It also provides the essential nutrients for the growth of the jack plant.                                                                                                          

4.    Planting depth.

You should ensure the roots are fully covered with soil and then gently firm the soil around the base of the plant and leave an allowance that can hold water for the plant.

5.    Watering.

At this point when you have already planted your seedling, ensure you water it generously. This helps settle soil around the roots and provides initial hydration.

6.    Mulching.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperatures. When mulching avoid materials like sawdust and hay as they buffer soil temperatures and may make the area soggy due to lack of evaporation.

How profitable is Jackfruit farming?

Jackfruit is a hardy plant that requires low maintenance which saves an agribusiness investor huge amount of expenses. Jackfruit farming is in a short way an investment that allows you to minimise your expenditures while maximising on the profits. With a single jackfruit tree being capable of producing up to 300 fruits and a mature jackfruit being sold at an average price of ksh400 to ksh650, this means the least a farmer can make from one tree is ksh120,000 and as much as 195,000. Now try to imagine of a farmer who has invested in farming an acre of jackfruit trees. Call or Whatsapp Richfarm Kenya at 0724698357/0723213602 and get your jackfruit seedlings as early as now.

Nutritional value of Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a nutrient-rich tropical fruit that offers numerous health benefits like

o   Calories: Jackfruit is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. About 95 calories per 100grams of raw jackfruit make it a low-calorie food.

o   Vitamin C: This fruit is a good source of vitamin C which makes it essential for immune function and healthy skin.

o   Potassium: Contains Potassium which is an important mineral for health and proper fluid balance in the body.

o   Antioxidants: Rich in dietary antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and promote overall health.

o   Dietary Fibre: Jackfruit is high in dietary fibre that aids digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system.

o   Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians: Jackfruit is a versatile meat substitute, providing a plant-based option for people who are following vegan or vegetarian diets.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are a must concern for every farmer who looks forward to a healthy plant/crop which translates to a bounty harvest. Pests and diseases impair plant productivity and interfere with plant processes such as water absorbance, photosynthesis, flower and fruit development, plant growth etc.

Some of the most common pests and diseases associated with jackfruit plant are:

Pests

·      Shoot and fruit borer

·      Spittle bugs

·      Aphids

·      Leaf Webber

Diseases

·      Fruit rot

·      Die back

·      Leaf Spot

·      Pink disease

Culturally, during growth jackfruit diseases can be controlled through pruning the trees. This enables air to travel freely throughout the branches to ensure all the fruits dry up after the rains. Another way of controlling is carrying out hygiene measures like removing infected fruit from the trees.

Botanical pesticides such as Neem oil can also be used against the pests.