Yacon Ground Apple Farming in Kenya: Cultivation, Benefits and Market Outlook

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) does resemble a sweet potato or cassava but it offers a unique, crisp and juicy texture similar to an apple or a pear. These edible tubers are known especially for their mild sweetness, thanks to natural fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are quite low in calories and very beneficial for your gut health. The Yacon Ground Apple tubers and leaves have culinary and medicinal uses which adds to its value.

Yacon Ground Apple Farming

The Yacon, also commonly known as the ground apple is a tuberous root crop that is native or originated from the Andean regions of South America. It does thrive in our Kenyan climate and also does present quite a promising opportunity for small and large-scale agripreneurs alike.

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Yacon Ground Apple Farming: Step-by-Step Process

Soils

The Yacon Gound Apple thrives well in drained and fertile soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, this then makes many regions in Kenya suitable for its cultivation.

Rainfall

Yacon Ground Apple prefers moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 18 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

Altitude

The high-altitude regions of the Central Highlands, some parts of Rift Valley and the Western Kenya are particularly ideal for Yacon Ground Apple Farming.

1. Site Selection

Location

Select a site with fertile, well-drained soils (loamy soils are best) and have an access to adequate sunlight. Avoid particularly waterlogged areas to prevent root rot disease.

Soil Testing

Do conduct a soil test to get to know the pH levels and the nutrient availability that is perfect for Yacon Farming. Ensure to improve the soil accordingly with lime for acidic soils or sulfur for alkaline soils for Yacon farming.

Land Preparation

Clear the land of weeds, stones and debris and do a deep plowing of up to 30 cm to loosen the soil followed by harrowing to achieve a fine tilth.Remember a good soil structure promotes root expansion and healthy tuber development.

Flowering Yacon Plant

Enhancement of the soil

Add some well-composted manure or compost into the soil at a rate of 10 to 20 tons per acre, this is beacuse the Yacon is a heavy feeder and does benefits from nutrient-rich organic matter.

2. Propagation and Planting

Yacon Ground Apple is propagated by the use of rhizomes, that is the underground stem part. The planting is ideally done at the onset of the rainy season, March to May or October to November to utilize natural moisture and reduce the irrigation costs.

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Selecting Rhizomes: Ensure to select the healthy and disease-free rhizomes with visible buds or 'eyes' and make sure to avoid rhizomes with signs of rot or even pest damage.

Treatment: After selecting your rhizomes, then treat your rhizomes with a fungicide to prevent soil-borne diseases and allow them to sprout in a shaded and moist area for 1-2 weeks before planting.

Spacing: Ensure to maintain a spacing of 80 cm between plants and 100 cm between rows, which translates to about 5,000 plants per acre. The proper spacing helps in minimizing competition and maximizes yields and hence good profitability.

Planting: Dig your planting holes at about 10-15 cm deep and place the rhizome horizontally. Cover your planted rhizomes with soil and water it moderately. Do mulch immediately after the planting to help retain the soil moisture content.

3. Crop Management and Maintenance

Yacon Ground Apple is relatively a low-maintenance crop but needs consistent care to significantly boost productivity and quality.

Water your plants in the dry season. Drip irrigation works best. It keeps the soil moist and saves water.

Remove weeds by hand or with tools. Do this early. Be careful not to hurt the plant's roots. They grow close to the surface.

Use mulch to help your plants. Straw or dry leaves work well. Mulch keeps soil moist. It controls soil temperature and prevents weeds.

Use a balanced fertilizer when planting. NPK 10-20-20 is a good choice.
Also in top-dressing use the nitrogen-rich fertilizer after 2-3 months to promote healthy leaf and tuber growth.

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Pest and Disease Management

The common pests that affect Yacon Ground Apple include aphids, whiteflies and nematodes.

Management: You can use organic pesticides or integrated pest management (IPM) practices.

Diseases

Yacon Ground Apple is affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew which can be managed through crop rotation and proper spacing.

4. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

• When to Harvest
Yacon Ground Apple is ready for harvest at around 6 to 8 months after planting and when the leaves turn yellow and start wilting. Try to avoid harvesting during the rainy season to reduce the spoilage of the tuber.

Ready Yacon for Harveting

Harvesting

Carefully dig up the tubers with garden forks to avoid mechanical damage and separate the rhizomes and store for future planting.

• Post-Harvest Handling: Ensure to clean the tubers by brushing off excess soil, then do sorting and grading of the tubers based on size and quality for market purposes.

Storage: Store your Yacon Ground Apple tubers in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Yacon apple tubers can be kept in storage for several weeks and therefore becoming sweeter if left to cure for a few days.

The Benefits of Yacon Gound Apple Farming

1. Nutritional Benefits

The Yacon Ground Apple is a nutritional powerhouse that is very rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, especially Vitamin C and minerals such as potassium. The high FOS content assists in digestion and supports the gut health making it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers. Also it has a low glycemic index making it suitable go to for people with diabetes.

2. Economic and Profitability Benefits

The Yacon has low input costs and quite a high yield potential making yacon farming a profitable venture. An acre of yacon can yield up to about 10 to 15 tons of tubers with a market price ranging between Ksh. 50 to Ksh. 100 a kilogram. Beyond fresh sales, Yacon can be processed or value-added into products like yacon syrup, flour or even dietary supplements which then enhances it's profitability.

3. Environmental Benefits

The Yacon Ground Apple is relatively pest-resistant and requires fewer chemical inputs therefore promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It has a deep-rooting system that also helps prevent soil erosion and hence contributing to good soil health and conservation.

Market Outlook and Potential

The demand for Yacon Ground Apple is increasing locally and beyond driven by its health benefits and versatility. Locally, the Yacon is finding its way into fresh produce markets, health food stores and wellness shops. Internationally, there is a demand for yacon-based products such as the syrups and supplements, and particularly in Europe, the US and even parts of Asia.

Farmers can capitalize on this demand and come together in groups like cooperatives to improve their bargaining power and exploring value addition to increase profitability. Partnerships with agribusinesses and participation in agricultural expos can also open new market avenues for the Yacon Ground Apple.

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Yacon ground apple farming in Kenya presents a unique opportunity for farmers to diversify their crops, boost their incomes and contribute to the country's food security. Yacon is not just a crop but a potential game-changer in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. For farmers looking to venture into the profitable and sustainable farming, Yacon might just be the answer.