Macadamia
farming has become a prominent agricultural venture in Kenya, offering farmers
a lucrative opportunity due to increasing global demand. Kenya currently ranks
third in global macadamia production, commanding 13% of the global market,
behind Australia and South Africa. In 2022, Kenya’s total macadamia output was
70,000 metric tons, with projections suggesting it will exceed 100,000 metric
tons by 2025. Kenyan macadamia is also recognized for its superior quality,
ranking second globally after Australia, further enhancing its market appeal
and competitiveness.
Professional Macadamia Farming in Kenya: Full Guide
Macadamia Market Outlook
The
macadamia nut market has experienced steady growth, driven by the increasing
awareness of health benefits associated with nuts. In recent years, Kenya has
emerged as one of the leading producers of macadamia nuts in Africa, exporting
primarily to markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia. The price for farm gate nuts
ranges between KES 80 and KES 200 per kilogram, depending on the quality and
market demand. This fluctuating price indicates a robust market potential,
encouraging more farmers to invest in macadamia production and hence it being a
very profitable agribusiness to invest in.
 |
| Macadamia Nut |
Macadamia Varieties
There
are several improved varieties of macadamia trees suitable for cultivation in
Kenya, with the most popular being the ‘Kona,’ ‘A4,’ and ‘A16’ varieties. These
varieties are favored for their high yield potential and adaptability to local
climatic conditions. Improved varieties can produce an average yield of 70 to
80 kilograms of nuts per tree, significantly enhancing the profitability of
macadamia farming.
Grafted Macadamia Seedlings for Sale in Kenya
Where to Grow Macadamia
Macadamia nuts are mainly grown in the central part of Kenya such as Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru. These are the places that the tree was first introduced when it came into Kenya. With time, the tree has spread to other areas of the country such as Bungoma, Kakamega, Kitale, Machakos and Taita Taveta.
Macadamia trees, especially the Muranga 20 variety, are highly adaptive to different climatic conditions. As such, they can be grown in most parts of the country. However, the cooler and rainy areas seem to be more favorable. The key ingredient in successful macadamia farming in the lower parts of Kenya is irrigation. The trees will need a significant amount of water especially when they are young in order to grow well.
 |
| Macadamia Farming Field in Kenya |
Macadamia Farming Practices
To
achieve the best results in macadamia farming, farmers should adopt the
following best practices:
1. Spacing
Proper
spacing is crucial for maximizing tree growth and nut production. A spacing of
8m x 8m is recommended to ensure adequate sunlight penetration and air
circulation. With this spacing an acre accommodates about 70 trees. However,
due to the fast maturing nature of grafted Muranga 20 seedlings, some farmers
plant them with a spacing of 4m by 4 m, getting about 260 trees in an acre.
These
farmers enjoy four times the yield compared to those who start off with the
recommended 8m by 8m spacing, for about 10 years.
2. Soil
Macadamia are tropical trees hence do well in areas
where they get full sunlight but sheltered from wind for healthy fruit
production. The soil required should be deep and well drained, acidic to slightly
acidic with a Ph level of 5-6.5. Rainfall should be between 800-1200mm per
year. The ideal range of temperature is between 16-250C. Conducting
soil tests can help determine nutrient requirements, enabling farmers to make
necessary amendments.
Why Farmers Make More Money With the New Muranga 20 MacadamiaVariety
3. Pests and Diseases
I. PESTS
a. Termites
Termites are commonly found on the stems of young
trees especially during the dry months. Special attention is given to eliminate
the queen ants and a drench of RANGER can be applied inside the basin
of young trees.
b. Stink bug
Macadamia farmers are losing almost half of their
projected production due to damages by the stink bug if left unchecked early
enough. The southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula, is the
dominant species found in the nut trees. It has piercing sucking mouthparts
consisting of a long beak like structure called rostrum. Its life cycle is 65-
70 days and the females can lay up to 260 eggs which are deposited on the
underside of the leaves,
Stink bugs prefer feeding on mature nuts with green
husks. Damage caused by stink bug is usually observed after harvesting and
processing is being done. The stink bug places its stylet like mouthparts on
the nut husk and secretes saliva containing digestive enzymes to soften the
husk allowing it to insert it in to the husk and kernel leaving a discolored
pit on the kernel surface and also leading to immature drops. Molds and fungi
can enter the nut through the infected kernel leading to more loss and undesired
quality from harvested nuts.
c. Macadamia nut borer
The larvae of the cryptophlebia ombrodelta are
the most destructive stage. The eggs are laid on the surface of the green husk.
After hatching, the larvae burrow into the husk while the shell is still soft
where they tunnel through and feed on the kernel. The damage usually leaves
hallow dimple like marks on the shell, which may cause molds to enter through
the holes further reducing the quality. Infestation caused premature nut drop
reducing production.
d. Mealy bugs
Mealy bugs congregate on the nut stalk where they
excrete honeydew while feeding then sooty mould grows on this secretion
reducing the photosynthetic surface area on leaves, eventually the leaves turn
yellow and wilt. The female mealy bug is oval shaped and lays up to 600 eggs
that look like cotton balls. In addition, adult mealy bugs are covered with a
white or gray mealy wax over their bodies and like to hide in shaded areas like
crevices of stems or under leaves making it almost impossible for insecticides
to penetrate hence more difficult to control.
e. Scale Infestation
The white scale (pseudaulacaspis brimblecombei) and
latania scale (heniberlesia lataniae) are the two common types. They form small
white to greyish raised spots on the nuts build-up of the pest can affect
leaves and branches. Scales are up to 2mm across.
f. Thrips
Thrips damage results in a brown or bronze coloration since they feed on the outer husk. Yields and quality are rarely affected. Adult thrips are small bodied 1.5mm long insects. High infestation may affect the leaves and flowers.
g. Caterpillars
The moths lay eggs on the flower panicle. The larvae
feed on the florets for about three weeks before pupating. An infestation
during flowering stage can lead to reduced production if not earlier detected
and controlled.
 |
| Grafted Macadamia Seedlings at our Farm |
II. Diseases
a. Husk spot disease
This is caused by the fungus pseudocercospora
macadamiae. The symptoms include pale yellow flecks on the husks which
expand to become darker yellow to dark brown circular spots. This condition is
favored by moist conditions. The spots produce grey velvety fungal spores.
Infected nuts drop up to six weeks prematurely.
b. Root rot
Root rot is caused by the fungus phtophthora
cinnamomi and occurs in moist, poorly drained areas. The fungal
disease results in sudden deaths of plants.
c. Macadamia Canker
This is a serious infection that affects the stem,
leaves, fruits, branches, twigs, barks and any part of the tree causing wilt
and deaths of the plants. It is
management by ensuring proper hygiene is maintained while handling affected
plants to stop spread.
d. Premature nut drop
This is usually caused by natural thinning, fruit
spotting bug damage, nut borer damage, husk spot disease, heat stress, and
storm damage or tree decline. This is mostly identified by large numbers of
green nuts drop. Natural nut drop occurs 3-8 weeks and 10-30 weeks after
flowering. Fallen green nuts are monitored and sectioned to identify the cause.
Management
Integrated management of pests and diseases and
ensure proper crop nutrition and irrigation. Regular monitoring
and the use of organic pesticides including natural predators can minimize
damage.
4. Branching
Pruning
young trees encourages a strong branching structure, which enhances nut
production as the trees mature. When the trees grow very big forming canopies
that prevent proper orchard aeration, the farmer should thin off the trees by
removing the weak, diseased or unproductive ones.
5. Harvesting
Proper
harvesting techniques are essential to avoid damaging the nuts. Nuts are harvested when the skin begins to
crack. The husk of unripe macadamia is white and usually changes to
chocolate brown when ripe. The nuts are very easy to harvest as mostly drop off
the trees when they are mature. It should be clear underneath the trees to
facilitate easier collection of all the nuts.
Muranga 20 Variety Harvest
Maturity of Macadamia Tree
Grafted macadamia trees start fruiting after 2 years and reach an economic production in the third year. At this time, a tree would give you 20 to 30 kilos of nuts per harvest. The production increases steadily over time and by the 7th year, each tree should give an average of 100 kilos per harvest.
Buy grafted macadamia seedlings from Richfarm Kenya.
Challenges Faced in Macadamia Farming in Kenya
Despite the promising opportunities, macadamia
farmers face several challenges:
- Climate Change: Fluctuating weather patterns and drought can adversely affect yields and nut quality.
- Pest and Disease Pressure: Increased incidences of pests and diseases can lead to significant losses if not managed effectively.
- Market: The price of macadamia nuts can be unpredictable, affecting farmers’ profit margins.
- Limited Access to Quality Seedlings: Many farmers struggle to obtain high-quality seedlings, which can impact their initial yields.
Macadamia farming is rather a secure form of investment: it will need your attention less often than most other crops and is definitely a life-long income generator. We have helped a good number of people establish their macadamia farms and you can also reach us on 0724698357/ 0723213602 to have yours started.
Opportunities in the Macadamia Value Chain in Kenya
The growing macadamia sector presents various
opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, including:
- Value Addition: Farmers can explore value-added products such as macadamia oil, flour, and snacks, which can significantly increase profitability.
- Export Opportunities: With the global demand for macadamia nuts on the rise, farmers can tap into international markets.
- Training and Support: Various organizations and government initiatives offer training and support to farmers, enhancing their skills and productivity.
- Sustainable Practices: Adopting sustainable farming practices can improve soil health, increase yields, and attract environmentally conscious consumers.
Macadamia Nuts Farming in Kenya: How to Make it a Highly Profitable Business
- Cost per seedling- ksh. 300 Muranga 20 variety.
- Seedlings per acre – varies depending with the variety planted.
- Spacing- 8m by 8m
- Fruit price- Ksh. 80-200 farm gate depending on quality and market demand.
- Yield- 70-80kgs nuts per tree on improved varieties
- Common pests- Mealy bugs, termites, stink bug, caterpillar, thrips, scales, macadamia nut borer
- Common diseases- Root rot, macadamia canker, husk spot
- Lifespan- deciduous
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a market for macadamia nuts?
- How profitable is macadamia?
- How much is a kilo of macadamia nuts?
- How profitable is macadamia farming in Kenya?
- How long does macadamia take to mature?
No comments:
Post a Comment