Which is Best: Commercial Fruit Crop Farming Vs Real Estate Investment

Real estate investment has long been considered a reliable and lucrative option for individuals looking to grow their wealth. However, an alternative investment avenue that now needs to be noticed is commercial fruit farming. 

Commercial fruit farming VS Real estate development

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic the real estate industry experienced a huge downturn in demand for office spaces and in-person meetings. With the advancement in technology in-person meetings are likely to go down. 

While real estate certainly has advantages, this article highlights the numerous reasons why commercial fruit farming can be a superior investment option in the current age of. By examining the initial investment needed, Return on Investment(ROI), economic viability, potential for long-term returns, environmental benefits, and risks and comparing it to real estate investment, we will uncover the compelling case for commercial fruit farming as a profitable and sustainable investment strategy.

1) Return on Investment (ROI)

The Return on Investment in real estate in Kenya can vary widely based on factors such as location, property type, market condition, property management, and economic trends. ROI calculations can be complex and may need to consider various costs and potential revenue streams. Be it as it may, we can take a simple example: all factors are constant. 

 

Assuming a rental property that a middle-class Kenyan could afford, maybe a pensionable government employee like a teacher would manage to do. They buy a plot located a few kilometers out of town for about Ksh. 1.5M. The cost of building simple 8 or 9 one-bedroom houses on the 50 by 100 land ranges from 3.5M-5M for a single floor without a concrete slab for future development. The cost may go high depending on the availability of raw materials nearby and the choice of house finishes the owner may decide to have. That would bring the estimated total cost to about 6M.  

 

Assuming 70% tenancy (some months the tenancy could be 100% and others below 50%) for houses whose rent would be 7,500-10,000 depending on how far the house is from the town, eight houses at Ksh 8,000 per month would generate about Ksh 44,800 monthly, which translates to Ksh 537,200 annually. Routine maintenance and improvement plus caretaker remuneration would take away an estimated figure of Ksh 80,000. A percentage of the annual income goes to a real estate agent who will manage the property on the owner's behalf; as many would understand, dealing directly with tenants can be hectic if you deal with a bad lot. 

 

Include rental tax and the estimated annual income would be around Ksh—400,000 for that property. If you divide this figure by the 6M cost figure, you will look at a 15-year ROI period, assuming that all the money generated would go to repaying a loan they took. Most loans by government employees take about 96 months or eight years to repay. This forces the owner to take top-ups and mostly end up losing the property or selling at a throwaway price to ease the burden on the pay slip. This explains why hundreds of rental properties are up for sale on jiji.com and Facebook Market Place, some generating as much as half a million in monthly rent.

As for commercial fruit farming, we can pick common practices like Hass avocado, Pixie oranges, passion fruit ,Macadamia or dragon fruit farming for export: see the details we have given about these crops at the end of this article. For our case, we will pick what Kenya is now best known for in the export market: Hass avocado farming. 

2) Initial Investment

 

The average price of a 50x100 property in a prime area with enough potential for real estate investment could be anywhere from Ksh 3 million in smaller towns running into hundreds of millions in big towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa. Conversely, arable land suitable for Hass avocado farming would go from a few hundred thousand in areas like Laikipia, other parts of the Rift Valley, Eastern region, Coast Region, Nyanza, and Western. There's cheap farming land in every corner of this country, going for as low as Ksh300,000 per acre in places with road, power and water accessibility. 

 

With real estate development, it is advisable to do a one-off complete structure instead of incremental development where you build several floors depending on cash flow issues. Developing land with some occupants poses a health hazard as the potential for injuring people is high, and dust and noise pollution for occupants may chase them away. On the other hand, expanding the area under cultivation on your farm does not inconvenience anyone; as such, the initial amount for investment does not have to be as huge as is the case for real estate.

3) Nature of Land

 

For real estate investment, the nature and location of land is one of the most important factors. Commercial land should be located in a prime area with a high potential for tenancy. Acquiring land in prime areas is a very expensive affair. 

Compared to fruit farming, land for cultivation can be located in remote locations where land is cheaper. The only issues to consider are the nature of the soil and avoiding extreme weather conditions. Water availability for irrigation can be checked off by drilling a borehole or harvesting rainwater using dams. Most fruits do quite well within the tropics as the climatic conditions are very stable. 

4) Economic Viability of Commercial Fruit Farming

When it comes to commercial fruit farming, the potential for high financial returns is high. Fruit, a staple in our diets, has a constant demand both locally and internationally, ensuring a steady market. The profitability analysis of fruit farming reveals attractive margins, thanks to the increasing health-conscious trend among consumers.

See the projected profit margins for 5 select fruits in this article: 5 Fruit Crops That Start Earning You Money In The Second Year. 

 

Unlike real estate investment, which can be subject to market fluctuations and economic downturns, the fruit farming industry remains fairly resilient. People will always need and crave delicious, juicy fruits – no matter the state of the economy. 

5) Potential for Long-Term Returns in Commercial Fruit Farming

 

Commercial fruit farming offers excellent growth prospects if you're in it for the long haul. As the world's population expands, the demand for fresh and nutritious food will only increase. This presents a golden opportunity for fruit farmers to corner their market and reap long-term rewards.

 

Furthermore, factors like advancements in agricultural technology, improved farming techniques, and access to global markets contribute to the fruitful returns of commercial fruit farming. As an investor, you can tap into these developments and enjoy watching your orchards flourish over time.

Several options are available for the long-term commercial fruit farmer; here, we would look at fruit crops that would be giving you returns for more than 20 years.

1. Dragon fruit farming

·            Cost per seedling Ksh. 500

·            Seedlings per acre -2,000 

·            Spacing - 2m by 2m

·            Fruit price- Ksh. 400-500 per kg (farmgate)

·            Yield- 20-30 fruits per plant per year

·            Lifespan - 40 yrs plus

Read Dragon fruit farming step by step guide

2. Hass avocado farming

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 150
• Seedlings per acre - 150
• Spacing - 5m by 5m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 15-22 per fruit
• Yield- 600-800 fruits per tree per season
• Lifespan 30 yrs plus

More information on How To Grow Avocados In Kenya For Export

 

3. Citrus fruit farming

In this category we have pixie oranges, Washington oranges, blood oranges, tangerine, lemon among others.

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
• Seedlings per acre - 270
• Spacing - 3m by 5m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 5-10 per fruit
• Yield- 300-500 fruits per tree per season
• Lifespan 40 yrs plus

Read ;Why Pixie Orange Farming In Kenya Is Booming Now 

And also Tangerine Farming: How To Grow The Best Tangerine For The Market In Kenya

4. Apple fruit farming

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
• Seedlings per acre - 450
• Spacing - 3m by 3m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 20-30 per fruit depending on variety
• Yield- 500 fruits per plant per season
• Lifespan 30 yrs plus

Read; Apple farming in Kenya: How to produce Big Juicy Apples

We would also love to give you some interesting facts here about commercial apple farming: 

The highest number of fruits recorded to have been produced by an apple tree in one season is 2,820. This record was set by a Granny Smith apple tree in New Zealand in 2009. The tree was 25 years old and was planted in a commercial orchard. It was well-cared for and received regular fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. The tree also benefited from a mild climate and long growing season.

The average number of apples produced by an apple tree in one season is 400 to 800. However, the number of apples produced can vary depending on the variety of apple tree, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and the care that the tree receives.

5. Mango farming

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 150
• Seedlings per acre - 180
• Spacing - 4m by 5m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 6-10 per fruit (farm gate)
• Yield - 600 - 1,000 fruits per tree
• Lifespan 30 yrs plus

More information; Mango Farming In Kenya: How To Grow The Best Mangoes For Export

6. Macadamia farming

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 300
• Seedlings per acre - 80
• Spacing - 7m by 7m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 100 per kg
• Yield- 100 kgs per tree
• Lifespan 30 yrs plus

Here's how to do it; Professional Macadamia Farming in Kenya: Full Guide

Conclusion

Real estate development is quite a good form of long-term investment. It gives the investor an opportunity to earn the residual monthly income from rent while enjoying the rising value of land over time. While commercial fruit farming offers the same benefits but with a lower initial investment, quicker and higher returns in investment and diverse investment options, it hasn't been taken up by many, mostly because of lack of knowledge.

The commercial fruit farming field in Kenya had also not been given much attention in the past, hence few innovations and support services were developed. However, with the success of companies such as Kakuzi, the recognition of Kenyan fruits in the international markets and the growing interest in agribusiness among youths, the field is becoming better investment alternative to real estate. 

Innovative companies such as Richfarm Kenya have also entered the space with invaluable solutions. Investors in commercial fruit farming can now enjoy hands free investments just like their counterparts in real estate: our agribusiness consultancy services provide what real estate agents provide for the investors across the divide. The saying that Future Billionaires Will Be Farmers has never been more valid than it now is. 

Understanding Water Erosion And Its Global Impact

The world is losing a football pitch of soil to erosion every five seconds, according to FAO. Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process, in which the topsoil (the most fertile layer) is carried away by water, wind, or ice. It is, however, fast-tracked 100 to 1,000 times by such human activities as intensive farming, overgrazing, and deforestation, which decreases soil fertility and cropland productivity, endangering global food security in the long run. 

Water Erosion

A chisel in the hands of Mother Nature, water has been sculpting its way through lands and rocks for eons to create intricately beautiful landforms. Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Mexican cenotes are all stunning examples of water erosion. At the same time, this natural phenomenon is accountable for about 72% of the world’s eroded soils. And, given the effects of climate change in some regions, this figure is likely to increase as the amount of precipitation grows. As a result, farmers are losing the most significant resource for growing crops – topsoil – which directly affects soil’s fertility and its potential to produce abundant yield.

What causes erosion by water

Water erosion involves several processes: detachment, transportation, and deposition of soil material. It is primarily triggered by several forces: rainfall and flowing water. Depending on the intensity of rainfall, raindrops can splash soil particles away at various, yet small distances, while runoff water further moves them downslope. Finally, the resulting sediments are deposited in streams, ponds, and reservoirs, where they build up over time.

Another point to consider while looking for the roots of erosion by water is human activities that directly and indirectly contribute to this phenomenon. Improper irrigation of cultivated lands results in degradation of soil, which erodes away and becomes vulnerable to flooding or waterlogging. Farmlands left bare after intensive tillage are especially prone to erosion; such soils lose structure and ability to properly hold plants. These are direct causes of water erosion. Whereas glacier melt exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions that are massively produced by industry, transport, fossil fuel burning, and human-induced deforestation are indirect causes.

Improper Irrigation Methods: A leading cause of soil erosion

There are a multitude of factors that determine how badly water affects soil, causing it to erode away. These are typically related to soil type (structure, porosity, water infiltration capacity, etc.), land topography (grade of slope), and climate (rainfall intensity and duration). It is considered that most often water erosion occurs in regions with steep slopes, soils having low water infiltration rates, and poor (or no) vegetation cover. 

Water-induced erosion: types and scale

Erosion by water manifests itself in various forms depending on the magnitude and damage extent. The most widespread types are interlinked with each other and can be best described as several stages of a single process.

1. Splash erosion

Rain provides crops with water, which is essential for proper plant development. Raindrops, however, have an adverse effect on soil, slowly ruining its top layer. Raindrops hitting bare ground create “mini-explosions” that move soil particles away and leave tiny craters behind them. The detached soil dissolves in water and continues its way down the slope as a mud. Finally, soil gets covered with a crust and its ability to infiltrate water reduces. That’s how splash erosion occurs. 

Bare farmlands typically become an easy prey to this least impactful, yet dangerous type of water damage since it paves way for other, more detrimental eroding processes. 

2. Sheet erosion

This water erosion type occurs whenever rainfall is so intense that soil can’t fully absorb the incoming water. The finest light particles of soil’s top layer are carried away by the sheet of excess water overflowing above the ground and further down the hill. With it, the most nutrient-rich part of soil is lost. 

Water erosion

In most cases, sheet erosion hits badly crusted soils.

3. Rill erosion

If left unattended, sheet erosion can progress to form finger-shaped channels or rills that are usually up to 30 cm deep. More soil particles are carried away with the water flow, intensifying damage done to soil, and eventually gullies are formed. 

4. Gully erosion

Gullies are wide and deep trenches that develop as a result of the increased water runoff, both in volume and speed. They typically originate from cattle burrows and bullock cart tracks. At times, gullies can grow up to a scale where they impede farm machinery passes or even make cropland unusable for farming. Being one of the most advanced types of water erosion, gullies require serious interventions in terms of restoration. Aside from soil degradation, gully erosion also affects water quality due to high concentration of sediments that end up in streams and larger water bodies.

5. Tunnel erosion

Also called “hidden”, this type of water-induced soil damage erodes the subsurface, creating underground cavities that may remain unnoticed for a long time. It happens when water moves down through a structurally unsound soil into a hollow space below where it keeps washing away the soil to form water-flowing tunnels. Dispersive soils like sodosols and sodic soils that have unstable subsoil are especially prone to tunnel erosion and eventual collapse.

Impacts of water erosion on ecosystems 

Accelerated water erosion that by far exceeds the land’s natural erosion rate leaves its mark on both nature and human well-being. 

Loss of topsoil layer, which is most rich in organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms, directly affects flora. Plants growing in eroded soils with diminished water infiltration can’t get the required amount of water and nutrients for proper development. As a result, soil grows infertile and croplands underproductive, affecting the income and livelihoods of farmers that live off crops.

Another major problem resulting from erosion by water is flooding. Compared to healthy soils, eroded soils have reduced ability to absorb water, which increases the risks of flooding after storms and intense rainfalls. Flood-prone regions, such as low-lying landscapes or areas with poor soil drainage, are hit the worst. In extreme cases, floods can sweep away roads and other infrastructure objects disrupting transportation, supply chains, and even causing fatalities.

Water supply itself is badly affected by water erosion. The nutrient-rich topsoil is washed away to rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, increasing the presence of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water (a process known as eutrophication) and reducing its oxygen levels. Moreover, harmful pesticides from farmlands get washed away from agricultural fields and reach neighboring bodies. This causes pollution and further decreases water quality. Modified chemical composition of water and presence of agrochemicals also have adverse effects on aquatic wildlife, leading to over-the-top algae bloom and fish kill.  

Keeping water erosion at bay with EOSDA Crop Monitoring

Knowing how to prevent water erosion – for example, by maintaining proper vegetation cover and leaving a protective layer of crop residue on top of the ground – can help preserve soil fertility and cropland productivity. Today, the implementation of beneficial soil conservation practices is simplified through the use of digital precision agriculture tools. EOSDA Crop Monitoring, an online satellite data-based tool developed by EOS Data Analytics, delivers actionable information about fields and vegetation that helps spot and address various types of water erosion in croplands, large and small. 

An array of vegetation indices has proven instrumental in distinguishing between vegetated areas and bare soil, which is vulnerable to splash erosion. The combination of Productivity maps and Scouting feature allow for precise detection of field areas that consistently underperform over seasons and dispatching professional scouts to check for any signs of sheet erosion, which might be causing it. 

Additionally, EOSDA Crop Monitoring can provide a strong basis for rehabilitating farmlands damaged by tunnel erosion. The repair requires a combined set of techniques, including chemical amelioration and subsequent fertilizer application to restore productivity in affected areas. The platform’s Zoning feature may add precision and simplify the respective soil testing for chemical analysis and variable-rate application of nutritive agents.

Water is a powerful force that may be both beneficial and harmful to one of the planet’s most precious and finite resources – soil. Water erosion destroys arable lands at alarming rate and is projected to increase by 30 to 66% by 2070, exacerbated by human activities. To keep it at bay, it is necessary to implement soil conservation practices preventing the water-induced damage. Modern data-rich precision agriculture tools are designed to improve soil-preserving strategies and make the implementation as simple and effective as possible. 

5 Fruit Crops That Start Earning You Money In The Second Year

Agribusiness, what we call Kilimo Biashara, is about investing for profit and if this profit can come fast, the better. Studying Return on Investment (ROI) before investing is crucial in making informed financial decisions. One of the key factors to consider in ROI calculation is when an investment will start to generate cash-flows to cover expenses. 

Here at Richfarm Kenya, we help you make informed decisions by comparing different farming methods, their requirements, and when you should expect a return on your investment. In this article, we will walk you through 5 fruit crops that start producing fruit between the first and the third year of planting. 

Earlier last week, we had given you information about crops that will give you returns in less than a year: you can read that here 6 Fast-Maturing Fruit Crops That Will Earn You Money in Less Than a Year. 

So let us now delve into the 5 crops that will yield the first return within the second or third year of investing and keep generating an income for a long time.   

1. Pixie Oranges

I am sure you have seen these small oranges with an attractive bright orange colour and very strong sweet smell. They have become so popular that people are almost forgetting the big seedless Ukambani oranges we used to love. Of course, this growing popularity has opened a lucrative opportunity for people who would like to invest in Pixie orange farming in Kenya.

Pixie Orange farming in Kenya

Pixie orange farming is much easier than many other forms of farming because it does not require close attention. They grow well in warm or hot areas like Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, North Eastern Kenya and the entire coastal region. 

While the pixie orange trees are tolerant to drought, you should ensure that you irrigate them during the dry periods in order to get continuous harvest. Irrigation also helps them to grow and yield fruits faster. 

Pixie orange farming in Kenya has a potential of earning up to Ksh1.6 million in a year from one acre. Let me give you some statistics about this kind of farming:

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
• Seedlings per acre - 270
• Spacing - 3m by 4m
• Fruit price- 120/- per kg (retail price)
• Yield- 60-80 kgs per tree
• Common pests- Aphids, mites, and thrips
• Common diseases - bacterial canker and powdery mildew
• Lifespan 35 yrs

We have written a comprehensive guide for this business here: Pixie Orange Farming: A Worthy Investment For The Year 2023

2. Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit farming is a profitable venture that requires careful planning and attention to detail. They are known for their distinctive appearance and unique taste. Despite the rising popularity among consumers, their production in Kenya is still very low hence giving investors in Kiwi fruit farming a ready and large market. 

To start farming Kiwi fruits, select a suitable location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Kiwi plants thrive in areas with a mild climate, ideally with temperatures between 10-25 degrees Celsius. When planting, space the vines 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Provide sturdy trellises or support structures to ensure the vines have ample support. 

Kiwi plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season, and benefit from a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and productive kiwi orchard. Fertilize the plants annually with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and fruit production. Harvest the fruits when they are firm but yield to gentle pressure.

Kiwifruits are propagated through seeds and vegetative methods, such as cuttings and grafting. However, vegetative propagation is preferred as it ensures that you get the desired characteristics of the parent plant. You can get healthy fruit seedlings from our nurseries in Embu and Naivasha. 

Kiwifruit varieties, male and female plants, are needed for pollination and fruit set. One male plant can typically pollinate several female plants; a 1:5 ratio of males to females is ideal. Some smooth-skinned varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a separate male plant.

Kiwifruits are typically harvested when they reach their desired size, color, and sugar content. 

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 300
• Seedlings per acre - 650
• Spacing - 2m by 3m
• Fruit price- 100/- per fruit (retail price)
• Yield- 20 fruits per vine
• Common pests- Aphids, mites, and thrips
• Common diseases - bacterial canker and powdery mildew
• Lifespan 35 yrs

We have written a lot of information on our comprehensive Kiwi fruit farming guide for Kenya. It has step by step information from planting through to harvesting and marketing.   and also the budget estimates that will help you plan appropriately. Be sure to check it out.

3. Apple

Apple farming is a fruitful endeavor that can yield delicious results. Choose a suitable location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight to get started. Prepare the ground by removing weeds and adding organic matter.  

Apples are one of the most widely grown and consumed fruits in the world, and apple farms have the potential to earn a handsome profit. Apple farming requires a great deal of knowledge and skill to ensure a successful harvest and profitable returns. But you do not have to worry about that since Richfarm Kenya will walk you through the journey from planting to harvesting, offering agronomic expertise and support. 

With their crunchy texture and diverse, sweet flavours, apples have been loved throughout history. They can be used in many different ways and have high nutritional value; this is the reason they say an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Even today, apples are among the fruits you will not walk out of the market without buying. As the demand and market for apples expand into the rural areas and roadside kiosks, the opportunity for a handsome profit for apple farmers increases. 

Apple trees are deciduous and thrive in temperate climates, where the changing seasons play an important role in their growth and fruit production. 

The cultivation process begins with selecting appropriate rootstocks and planting young trees, taking into account factors such as soil quality, drainage, and sunlight. Proper pruning helps boost the tree's growth, control diseases, and improve fruit quality. 

As young apple fruits start growing, the practice of thinning becomes crucial. Thinning involves removing excess fruit to help the remaining ones achieve high quality. It helps the remaining fruits to grow bigger and with high flavour concentration. This practice also  prevents branches from breaking due to the weight of too many fruits.

In addition, it is important to develop an irrigation system to ensure that the apple trees have regular access to water. Finally, it is important to employ skilled labour to ensure that the apple trees are properly maintained and harvested. With the right knowledge and hard work, an apple farm can be a rewarding venture for anyone interested in the agricultural industry.

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
• Seedlings per acre - 250
• Spacing - 3m by 4m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 20-30 per fruit depending on variety
• Yield- 500 fruits per plant per season
• Common pests- mites, thrips, aphids, fruit flies
• Common diseases - nematode, root rot
• Lifespan 20 yrs plus

4. Mango

Mango fruit farming in Kenya is a lucrative agricultural practice contributing significantly to the country's economy and livelihoods of many farmers. With its diverse climate and fertile soil, Kenya provides an ideal environment for cultivating the mangoes. It is important to choose the right variety of mango tree for the specific climate and soil conditions. Mangoes grow well in the hot lowlands of the coastal strip and the upper midlands such as lower Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru and the entire Ukambani region.

Kenya's main mango varieties/cultivars are Apple, Kent, Ngowe, Kent, and Tommy. Each variety exhibits unique characteristics, and each array is prevalent in specific climatic conditions. Well-drained soils with ample sunlight are essential for mango cultivation. Before planting:

• Dig a 2 ft wide, by 2ft deep hole.
• Mix the soil with farmyard manure.
• Fill it back.

You can then make a smaller hole, just big enough to fit the roots of the healthy seedlings propagated from Richfarm Kenya. When grown under the rain-fed system, mango trees will generally have 2 seasons that follow the rain patterns. However, it is possible to achieve continuous mango fruiting under irrigation.

• Cost per seedling Ksh. 150
• Seedlings per acre - 180
• Spacing - 4m by 5m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 6-10 per fruit
• Yield- 400-600 fruits per tree
• Common pests- scales, thrips, fruit flies
• Common diseases - powdery mildew, root rot, anthracnose 
• Lifespan 30 yrs plus

You can find more information on mango fruit farming in Kenya on this link, Mango Farming in Kenya: How To Grow Best Mangoes For Export 

 

5. Tangerine

Tangerines are sweet, juicy and easy to peel orange-like fruits we call Sandara.  They are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. 

Tangerine farming is becoming very popular among farmers because of the increasing demand and widening market.  Tangerines are now being sold not only in supermarkets but also by the road-side vendors and Mama Mbogas. 

Not only can you enjoy the sweet and tangy fruits, but you can also turn it into a profitable business. It is relatively low-maintenance compared to other crops, making it an ideal option for those with limited time or resources.

There are a few factors to consider before diving headfirst into tangerine farming; it's crucial to assess a few key elements. First and foremost, consider your region's climate, as tangerines thrive in warm or hot areas such us the middle coffee zones and the lower Ukambani regions. Additionally, evaluate the availability of resources such as water to complement rainfall, ensuring continuous harvest year-round. The appropriate tangerine variety is crucial to ensure a bountiful harvest and delicious fruits.

Tangerine trees thrive in well-draining sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to assess pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. Adjust the soil pH if necessary and amend with organic matter, such as compost, to enhance fertility and drainage. Consider installing drainage systems if your land tends to retain excess water. Proper land preparation provides a clean slate for planting and ensures optimal growing conditions for your tangerine trees.

Pruning tangerine trees helps maintain shape, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased branches. Remove any suckers or branches growing below the graft union. Training young trees by shaping their growth helps ensure a strong and well-structured canopy. Weeds can compete with tangerine trees for water and nutrients, so managing them effectively is essential. Regularly remove weeds around the trees and consider using mulch to suppress weed growth.

Tangerines with a vibrant orange color, a slightly soft and firm texture, and a fragrant aroma are usually ready for picking. 

•  Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
• Seedlings per acre - 250
• Spacing - 3m by 5m
• Fruit price- Ksh. 5-10 per fruit
•  Yield- 300 fruits per season
• Common pests- aphids, mites, and citrus fruit flies. 
•  Common diseases - citrus greening, citrus canker, and powdery mildew.
• Lifespan 40 yrs plus

Find more information on Tangerine Farming: How To Grow Best Tangerine For The Market In Kenya

You can find this and much more from our Farmer's Resource  page. Feel free to contact us on +254724698357 / +254723213602 for any questions, comments or clarification.