Pomelo Fruit Farming in Kenya

Did you know that pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family?

Pomelo known as mbalungi/balungi in Swahili is characterized by its large size, often reaching up to 30cm in diameter and weighing between 1 to 2kg. It has a thick, spongy rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow when ripe. Pomelo originated from Southeast Asia before spreading to other parts of the world.

Pomelo Farming

Pomelo farming requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. It thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Pomelo plants require long hours of sunlight for crucial fruit development.

Propagation of Pomelo

Pomelo is primarily propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is most preferred as it ensures the propagation of desirable traits such as fruit quality and diseases resistance.

Step by step process for planting pomelo.

1.    Land preparation

Select a site that has a good sunlight exposure and clear the land off weeds and debris. Prepare planting holes measuring 60cm in diameter and 60cm in depth with a spacing of 8-10metres apart.

2.    Actual planting

Get your ready to plant grafted pomelo seedlings from certified nurseries. Place the grafted seedlings in holes, ensuring the graft union is above the soil level. Backfill with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure.

3.    Watering

Water the plants immediately after planting and continue to provide regular irrigation, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation systems are efficient and as they help conserve water.

Pest and Disease

Common pests and diseases that are known to affect pomelos include citrus psyllids, aphids, fruit flies, citrus greening, anthracnose and root rot.

Maturity/Yield

Pomelo plant takes about 3 years from planting to start fruiting. A mature pomelo tree can produce up to 100-150 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1 to 2kg. With proper management, farmers can achieve high yields, translating to significant income.

Market demand/ Marketing strategies

The market demand for pomelo in Kenya is on the rise, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and the growing middle class with a taste for exotic fruits. Additionally, the fruit has potential export markets in the Middle East and Europe. You can market your pomelos through local markets, supermarket chains, and export to international markets. Establishing and joining cooperative societies can enhance bargaining power and access to better markets.

How profitable is pomelo farming?

The initial investment in pomelo farming includes the cost of seedlings, land preparation, and irrigation systems. However, the returns are substantial due to the high market prices for pomelo, ranging between ksh100 to ksh200 per kg. With an average yield of 10-15 tonnes per hectare, farmers can realize a gross income of ksh1,000,000 to ksh3,000,000 per hectare per year.

Value Addition

Apart from being eaten directly, pomelo fruit can be processed into juices, jams and marmalades. Doing this value addition will definitely increase its market value. The thick rind of pomelos can be used to make candied peels, and this further enhances its profitability.

Nutritional benefits of Pomelo fruit

Pomelo is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids digestion. The fruit is also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Lettuce Farming in Kenya: Step by Step Process for Farming Lettuces

 I first encountered a lettuce leaf in a burger, and I must say i loved it. The crisp, fresh crunch was unforgettable. This simple experience sparked my interest in lettuces, and I just realized lettuce isn’t just a tasty ingredient, but also a highly profitable crop for farmers. Lettuce farming in Kenya has gained a considerable growth in the recent years due to the increasing demand for fresh vegetables and the rise of healthy eating habits among the population.

Lettuce Farm

Best climate and soil requirements for lettuce farming

Lettuces thrives best in cool, mild temperatures, making highland areas of Kenya such as those in central and Rift valley regions particularly suitable for cultivation. The optimal temperature range for lettuce growth is between 15-20 degree Celsius. Extreme heat can cause lettuces to prematurely produce flowers and seeds, leading to bitter-tasting leaves and reduced yield. Lettuces prefer full sunlight and consistent moisture, however in very hot areas, shade nets or greenhouses may be required to maintain optimal growing conditions. On the soil requirements, sandy loam soils enriched with organic matter are ideal for healthy growth as they ensure good drainage and root development.

Step by step process for planting lettuce.

It all begins with selecting an ideal site, that is a site that has well-drained, fertile loam soils and that which is able to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for planting your lettuces and then you begin preparing the area. During preparation, remove the weeds, stone and debris from your planting site. Loosen the soil to a depth of 20-30cm through ploughing to improve on the aeration and damage. Incorporate well-decomposed compost or animal manure to enhance fertility. The rate at which you add your manure or compost will be determined by the soil test that you will have first carried out once you have identified the site.

By now I guess you have lettuce seedlings which you had prepared on a nursery bed or seed trays or bought them ready for transplanting from certified propagating companies/ nurseries. Transplant the seedlings 30cm apart in rows that are spaced 45cm apart. Water the seedlings immediately after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil. You can choose to do drip irrigation as it is ideal for efficient water use. While doing all this, be careful to ensure there is no waterlogging so as to prevent root diseases.

Pests and diseases affecting Lettuces

Lettuce is susceptible to various pests and diseases, thus requiring vigilant management. Some of the pests and diseases that affect lettuces include,

Aphids- These are sap sucking insects. They suck sap from leaves causing stunted growth in the lettuces. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soaps or pesticides.

Downy mildew- A fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves. This disease can be prevented by properly spacing your lettuce for air circulation ad using ideal pesticides that are recommended by your agronomist.

Cutworms- These pests cut the young lettuces at the base. Handpicking and using protective collars can help mitigate the damage.

Leaf spot- Leaf spot is characterized by small, dark lesions on leaves, often controlled by copper-based fungicides and crop rotation.

Maturity period/ Harvesting of lettuces.

Lettuce can be harvested 45-60 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvesting lettuces involves cutting the entire head at the base or picking lettuces for loose-leaf varieties. They need to be handled gently to avoid bruising and damage. Once they are harvested, they are then prepared for marketing by cleaning, sorting and packaging while regulating the storage temperatures to maintain their quality.

Market opportunities for lettuces.

The market for lettuces in Kenya is diverse, encompassing local markets, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. We also have export opportunities to other African countries and European markets where the demand for high quality produce is high. As a farmer, you can increase your market reach through ways such as.

·      Joining cooperatives or farmers’ groups to consolidate produce and negotiate better prices.

·      Exploring direct sales to supermarkets and restaurants for better margins

·      Leveraging digital platforms for marketing and sales.

Apple Farming in Kenya: What You Must Know About Apple Farming in 2024.

Apple farming in Kenya is slowly gaining popularity. This may be due to the high and increasing demand of the fruit while there is limited local supply. Most of the fruits found in the local market are imported from South Africa. South Africa is the main supplier of apples to Kenya. Initially, the farming of the fruit was confined to the highland regions of Kiambu, Kitale, and Nandi but as of 2024 we have the practice going on in most parts of Kenya including the drier coastal areas.

Apple farming in Kenya: Kirinyaga

In apple farming, there are three factors to consider in order to achieve a high yield with big juicy fruits. These are:

1. Ecological requirements for apple farming in Kenya
2. The orchard establishment practices
3. The apple market in Kenya

Ecological requirements for growing apples in Kenya

The orchard should be selected on a site having deep, fertile, well drained and well aerated loamy-sandy soil, with a slightly acidic to alkaline P.H of 5.5-6.5.

The crop does well in the high-altitude regions of 1800m-2800m above sea level, with rainfall requirement of 1000mm-1800mm per annum. However, very high amount of rainfall is associated with incidences of fungal disease. Regions with low rainfall amounts, irrigation is recommended as the apple tree requires high water amounts for the high yields.

Establishment

Propagation

Apples can be produced sexually through the seed or vegetatively through grafting and budding. For juicy and a high yield, grafting is highly recommended as the fruit retains their parental properties compared to seed production whose characteristics may vary from those of the parent plant. Propagation by seed is only used in the preparation of a rootstock. However, this is a stage you do not have to worry about because Richfarm Kenya has already grafted apple seedlings for sale. You only need to Call or Whatsapp us on 0724698357 and place your order.

Land preparation

During land preparation, the land should be cleared of all the trees, bushes or shrubs. Any obstruction including stones that might prevent root penetration should also be removed. All the annual and perennial weeds should be cleared from the site as well.

The spacing is selected depending on the rootstock, variety and the altitude of the site. The holes are dug in a square or rectangular layout at a spacing of 3m X 2m or 3m X 3m for smaller varieties and 4m X 4m or 4m X 5m for the medium and large varieties. The planting hole for apples should be 60cm deep and 60cm wide.

Planting

The top soil from the established hole is separated from the subsoil and mixed with 250g of TSP and 20kg of manure. On placing the tree inside the hole, the topsoil is first replaced and firmed around the root region to avoid air pockets. The subsoil is used to cover the hole and care should be taken as to level the planting hole with the surrounding area.

The apple tree is a self-sterile crop and thus needs a pollinator to be established in the orchard to encourage cross pollination thus fertilization of the crop.

Best Apple Farming Cultural Practices in Kenya

1. Mulching

A thick organic mulch is recommended to maintain moisture around the root zone during the early stages of crop development and also suppresses the growth of weeds.

2. Irrigation

Apples require a lot of moisture during the flowering and fruiting stage. Therefore, if you are growing apples in the hotter regions of Kenya, you will need to irrigate your trees. However, keep in mind that excess water around the root zone will encourage disease outbreak and thus low crop yield.

Apples growing under irrigation in Kajiado, Kenya

3. Pruning

Pruning will provide a strong framework for the apples and encourage high yields and the development of juicy and tasty fruits. During the first year the central shoot is pruned back to 1m from the ground to allow branching, and then 3-4 strong shoots are selected. During the second year the scaffold branches are pruned to encourage lateral branching. From the laterals 3-4 branches are selected and then pruned to encourage development of the lateral branches. The development of many lateral branches will increase the number of fruits each tree carries.

4. Nutritional needs for apple trees

Application of fertilizer is done according to the soil requirements and the leaf tissue analysis of the plant. So make sure you have done a soil test for your farm before planting the apple seedlings. But to generally guide you, a month after planting urea/CAN is added to provide Nitrogen to the plant and encourage growth. The subsequent years Farm yard manure, CAN at 125g per tree, DAP at 150g is applied in 2-3 splits per tree per year.

Also read: How To Grow Sweet Fruits And Keep Your Customers Coming Back For More

5. Pests and Disease control

Prevention measures are the best and most economical way for controlling pest and diseases and ensuring a high yielding crop. The measures include pruning, timely weed control, proper fertilizer application and selection of the suitable variety. Organic products such as neem extracts and synthetic pesticides and fungicides may be used to control pests and diseases respectively. We shall cover the common pests and diseases that affect apple farmers in Kenya in detail in another article.

The Market and Profitability of Apple Farming in Kenya

The best way to start apple farming in Kenya is by planting grafted seedlings. These seedlings will take 1 year to start producing fruits good enough to get you ready for the market. On the other hand, it will take 7 to 8 years for apple trees to mature if you plant them from seeds.  

Apple farming is one of the most profitable businesses with the potential of earning a farmer over 1 Million shillings in a year from 1 acre. An acre can accommodate 450 apple trees with a spacing of 3x3m and yield between 10 and 15 tons of fruit. A kilo of apples sells for not less than Ksh100, hence, a farmer with 1 acre can make Ksh1,000,000 to Ksh1,500,000. The average cost of setting up an acre of apples in Kenya is about Ksh300,000.

The best avenues to market your apples include:

1. Local supermarkets: This method is ideal for farmers with large production capacities. Supermarkets provide one of the most reliable marketing channels due to their formalized nature of operation. 
2. Local vendors: Almost every town in Kenya now has open-air fruit vendors and apples are some of the most traded commodities by them. They provide the most accessible marketing channel for small-scale farmers. Since most of these traders get their apples all the way from Nairobi City Market, they would be very happy to buy from you if you can deliver to their selling points. 
3. The Nairobi City Market wholesalers: These wholesalers provide another great way to offload your produce in bulk. However, you should be aware of market brokers who can take advantage of you if you try selling to the wholesalers at the market without prior arrangements.  

If you need any help with apple farming in Kenya, high-quality grafted apple seedlings, and setting up your orchard, call Richfarm Kenya on 0724698357. 

Pruning: The Importance of Pruning in Fruit Trees Management

Pruning is a practice of selectively removing certain parts of a plant, such as branches or bud so as to enhance the plants health and also improve the quality and quantity of fruits or flowers. In layman's language, pruning is like giving your plants a well-deserved trim to keep them healthy and looking good.

Why is it essential to prune your plants?

1.    It improves on the health of your plants.

Pruning helps remove dead or diseased branches, preventing the spread of diseases and promoting overall plant health.

2.    It improves air circulation and sunlight penetration on your plants

Pruning enhances airflow and light penetration, reducing the risk of fungal infections such as powdery mildew and botrytis and it also promotes better fruit development.

3.    It increases fruit production

By removing unwanted branches, pruning redirects the plant's energy towards healthy growth and fruit production. This stimulates new growth and enhances fruit yield and quality.

4.    It shapes and controls the size of your plants

Pruning allows you to shape your plants according to the desired aesthetic or functional purposes. By selectively removing the branches, you can maintain a compact size or train the plant to grow in a specific direction, such as along a trellis or fence.

Techniques of Pruning

·      Thinning-This technique involves selectively removing entire branches from the plant's canopy. It's useful for reducing crowding and allowing more light and air to penetrate through the plant.

·      Heading- Heading involves cutting back the tips of branches to encourage bushier growth. It's often used to control the height or width of the plant. It stimulates new shoots and can help shape the plant while encouraging denser foliage.

·      Pinching- A practise of using fingers to remove the tips of young shoots to control growth and shape.

·      Shearing-Trimming the outer edges of the plant for shaping. It is more common in ornamental pruning but sometimes applicable to fruit plants. It should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant's structure.

·      Deadheading- A process of pruning by which old growth and seed heads are removed from the plant to promote new growth and re-flowering.

Frequency of pruning

How often you prune your trees depends on the type of fruit and its growth pattern.

Benefits of Pruning

v Enhanced fruit quality and yield.

Better quality fruit and increased yield due to improved light and air circulation

v Disease and Pest control

Reduces the risk of diseases and pests by removing infected parts and improving plant hygiene.

v Stronger plant structure

Pruning encourages a strong framework capable of supporting a heavy fruit load.

v Aesthetic appeal

Pruning enhances the visual appeal of plants by shaping them in to attractive forms and removing unsightly growth. Well-pruned plants have a tidy appearance.

Tips for successful pruning

ü  Use sharp and clean tools to make precise cuts and to avoid spreading diseases.

ü  Know the specific needs of your fruit plants, as different species may require different pruning techniques and timings.

ü  Prune at the right time- Timing is crucial when it comes to pruning. Most plants are pruned during their dormant season

ü  When pruning, prioritize the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve plant health. Additionally, thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration within the plant canopy.

ü  Avoid over-pruning, which can stress the plant and reduce fruit production.

Sweet Melon Farming in Kenya

 Sweet melons, also known as muskmelons or cantaloupes, are a popular fruit crop that are prized for their sweet and refreshing flavour. Successfully growing sweet melons requires understanding their specific needs and implementing best practice to ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the requirements, processes, and tips for successful sweet melon farming in Kenya.

Sweet melons

Best Climate and Soil Requirements for Sweet Melon Cultivation in Kenya.

Sweet melons thrive in warm, dry climates with temperatures ranging between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. They require a long growing season with plenty of sunshine. Sweet melons do best in well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to be able to support the plant’s nutritional needs.

Step by Step process for planting sweet melons

Sweet melons do well in areas with a good sunlight exposure, so it is advisable to select an open field to plant your sweet melons. Conduct the soil tests in that area to determine the nutrient levels and amend the soil as necessary to achieve the optimal requirements. Once sure the site is ideal for sweet melon farming, plough the land to a depth of about 30cm to break up compacted soil and remove the weeds as well. You can harrow the soil to create a fine tilth and incorporate well-decomposed compost or manure into the soil to improve on its fertility and structure. For sweet melons, you can start seeds in a nursery or directly sow them in the field, but it is advisable to start the seeds in a nursery and then later on transplant the seedlings. In this case of transplanting the seedlings from the nursery, the seedlings should have 2-3 true leaves. Space your sweet melons 60-90cm apart in rows of about 1.5 to metre apart to allow adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Sweet melons require consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use and to minimize leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal disease. If you haven’t installed a drip irrigation yet, avoid overhead irrigation, particularly late in the day when the sun is gone to prevent fungal infections.

Common Pests and Diseases that attack sweet melons

Sweet melons, like many crops, are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality. Common pests that attack sweet melons include.

Aphids: They feed on the plant sap causing yellowing and curling of leaves. The cause stunted growth in the plant and can transmit viral diseases.

Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They cause stippling and bronzing of leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced plant vigor.

Melon fly: A type of a fruit fly whose larvae feed on melon fruits causing it rot.

White flies: These are small, white insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They cause yellowing of leaves and can transmit viral diseases.

Powdery mildew: A fungal infection that causes white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems leading to yellowing and premature leaf drop.

Downy mildew: Major symptoms are yellow spots on the upper leaf surface and greyish-purple growth on the underside, causing leaf blight.

Fusarium Wilt: It causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant, starting from the base and moving upward.

Anthracnose: A fungal infection that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit, leading to rot and decay.

Maturity Period/Harvesting

Sweet melons are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. 3 common indicators that can help you know your sweet melons are mature and ready for harvest are;

A ripe sweet melon

Colour change:The skin colour changes from green to yellowish.

Slippage: The fruit easily detaches from the vine when lifted

Aroma: A strong smell can sometimes be felt when the fruit is ripe.

Where to sell your sweet melons

The demand for sweet melons in Kenya is high in urban areas and among health-conscious consumers. You can sell your produce through local markets you engage with local vendors and consumers; you can supply to large retail chains like supermarkets and also export opportunities to neighbouring countries and beyond.

For farmers investing and willing to invest in proper agronomic practices, sweet melon farming is a highly profitable venture.

Nectarine Farming in Kenya: Tips To Grow, Harvest and Sell

Nectarine is a type of stone fruit that is closely related to peaches. It is known for its smooth skin, sweet and tangy flavour. While peaches have been cultivated in Kenya for decades, nectarines are a relatively new addition to the fruit farming sector. Nectarine farming is not as widespread as other fruit crops like mangoes or bananas, but it is gradually gaining popularity among farmers seeking to capitalize on emerging market trends.

Nectarine Plant

Best climate and soil requirements for nectarine farming in Kenya

Nectarines thrive in temperate climates, making the Kenyan highland areas such as Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nakuru and Kericho ideal areas for their cultivation. Nectarines prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with the ideal soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. When planting nectarines avoid waterlogged areas as nectarines are sensitive to root rot. Regular soil testing is essential to ensure optimal nutrient levels and pH balance.

Propagation, planting and spacing of nectarines

Nectarines can be propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is the preferred method because they are grafted on to peach root stocks which provides more consistent results and early fruiting. Nectarine plants require a spacing of 5metres by 4 metres. This spacing allows adequate sunlight penetration and air circulation. The best time to plant nectarines is usually during the dormant season, typically between June and August.

Also Read:Peaches Farming in Kenya: Farming For Wealth and Health

Management of nectarine plants

Young nectarines require regular watering to establish strong roots. Drip irrigation is recommended to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. The mature nectarines also need deep watering, especially during dry periods to support fruit development. Another management practice is pruning. Pruning nectarines is essential for maintaining tree shape, removing dead or diseased wood, and encouraging new growth. Pruning enhances sunlight penetration and air circulation.

Common Pests and diseases affecting nectarines

Peach leaf curl- This is a fungus causing leaf distortion and colour changes. It can be controlled with copper-based fungicides.

Aphids-These are sap sucking insects that cause leaf curling and stunted growth. Organically they can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.

Brown rot- These are fungus affecting fruits and blossoms. It can best be controlled through fungicide applications and also pruning to improve on air circulation.

Maturity period of nectarines/harvesting

Freshly harvested nectarines 

Nectarines take about 3 years from planting to begin flowering. Nectarine fruits are harvested when they develop their characteristic colour, flavour, and firmness. Harvesting is done manually to ensure safe handling of the fruits.

Marketing of nectarines

Kenya’s local market for nectarines is growing, especially in urban areas where there is demand for fresh high-quality fruits. You can supply your fruits to consumers directly in the farmers market, you can supply to supermarkets and retail chains that prioritize fresh produce. We also have the export market in countries like middle east and Europe where there is a high demand for off-season fruit.

Also Read:Peaches Farming in Kenya: Farming For Wealth and Health