Lychee Farming in Kenya: Earn Big with Lychee Farming. Essential Tips and Market Insights on Lychee Farming

"The next time you see lychee on our Kenyan stores, it probably will be a homegrown gem". This statement caught my attention for sure.

Lychee Fruits

Lychee is an exotic fruit that originated from China before spreading to other parts of the world . Kenya has imported lychee for years but thanks to our Kenyan climate, we can now grow our own lychee in Coast, Central and some parts of Rift valley region. The fruit is prized for its sweet and slightly tart flavor, as well as its nutritional benefits, which include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Lychee in Kenya

Lychees thrive best in warm, humid climates with well-distributed rainfall and temperatures ranging between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Kenya’s coastal regions and some highland areas provide these ideal conditions.

Lychee trees prefer well-drained and deep loamy soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Areas prone to waterlogging or with heavy clay soils are unsuitable for lychee cultivation as these conditions can lead to root rot and poor tree health.

Step by Step process for planting Lychee

The very first step as always is usually identifying a site where you will do your lychee farming. When selecting the site, consider the sunlight exposure of the area since lychees thrive best under full sunlight. Secondly, choose a site that does not experience a lot of wind since lychees are susceptible to wind damage. You can plant windbreaks or select sheltered sites. Once you have a good site to do your lychee farming, the next step is to prepare the land for planting. Clear the site by removing all the weeds and debris. Plough the land to enhance soil aeration and incorporate well decomposed organic manure to enrich the soil. Dig planting holes of 60 by 60 cm with a depth of 60 cm as well. The recommended spacing is about 8 by 8 to 10 by 10m to allow sufficient sunlight penetration and airflow, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Next, purchase high quality, disease-free seedlings from reputable nurseries like Richfarm Kenya and plant. Once you have planted ensure deep and frequent watering. You can also mulch to ensure soil moisture and temperature conservation.

Common pests and diseases that affect lychee

While lychee farming is profitable, it also faces challenges from various pests and diseases. Some of the common pests that affect lychee plants include the lychee mite, fruit borer, fruit bats and birds, lychee stink bug, anthracnose, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildew. Managing these pests and diseases requires a combination of cultural, biological and chemical control methods. These pests can cause significant damage if not managed properly.

Maturity Period, harvesting and post-harvest handling of lychee

Lychee tree typically starts bearing fruit in the 3^rd year after planting. The fruit is ready for harvest when it turns bright red or pink, depending on the variety. Harvesting is done manually to avoid damaging the delicate skin. It is important to handle the fruit gently and cool it quickly after harvest to preserve its quality and extend shelf life.

Market Potential of lychee fruits

Lychee, with its unique taste and nutritional benefits, is gaining popularity both locally and globally. Lychees fetch high prices in both local and international markets due to their exotic nature and limited supply. In the Kenyan supermarkets chains in Nairobi and Mombasa, lychees are going for about ksh200-ksh329 per kilogram

Lucrative markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have high demand for exotic fruits like lychees, dragons etc and this will put our Kenyan lychees at a better market position.

Why Tissue Culture Bananas Produce More Than Those Planted From Suckers?

Tissue culture banana farming in Kenya could easily be the greatest gift that the Gods of Agricultural advancements gave our blessed country in the recent past. However, the burning question that you will oftenly hear from those considering adopting this modern approach of banana cultivation is, "Do tissue culture bananas produce more than those planted from ordinary suckers?" Many are not so familiar with the benefits of tissue cultured banana propagation including its yields, resistance to diseases and overall productivity compared to traditional methods of banana propagation.

Tissue culture banana seedlings for sale in Kenya

What is Tissue Culture Banana?

Someone is probably wondering, "what are tissue culture bananas or how does the process of tissue culturing go about?" Tissue culturing is a prosses of raising high quality seedlings with specific desired characteristics.

Tissue culture bananas are propagated through a process known as micro propagation, a technique that involves growing plant cells or tissues in a controlled environment, usually in a nutrient-rich-agar medium. Disease-free tissues from the parent plant are carefully selected and a large number of genetically identical banana plantlets are produced. They are gradually exposed to external conditions to ensure survival and vigor of the plants upon transplantation.

Did I lose you somewhere? Let me make it simple: Tissue culturing is taking a small part of a banana plant that has specific high value characteristics and using that part to raise many more seedlings of bananas that are identical to the mother plant.

Tissue culture banana propagation in Kenya

While individual experiences from farmers may vary, studies suggest that tissue cultured bananas often surpass the productivity of sucker-planted bananas. This is made possible by a number of factors that include:

1. Tissue culture banana seedling are disease-free

Tissue culture involves using disease-free plant material, which minimizes the risk of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This leads to healthier plants and higher productivity. In other words, as a farmer, you are getting a kickstart by using seedlings that you are absolutely sure that they are disease-free.

2. Enhanced Vigour

Tissue culture plants often exhibit enhanced vigor, that is, they grow much faster and stronger than the ones planted from ordinary suckers. This is due to the optimized growing conditions in the production room. They are typically more robust and resilient when transplanted into the field.

3. Improved stress tolerance

Tissue culture bananas are selected and propagated to bring forth specific traits, including stress tolerance. This improves the plants’ ability to thrive in less-than ideal growing conditions, thus maintaining high productivity.

Tissue Culture bananas Vs Sucker propagated bananas

Bunch Size

Tissue culture banana bunch

Tissue culture bananas typically produce larger and more uniform bunches due to their consistent genetic makeup and optimal growing conditions while sucker propagated bananas can have more variability in bunch size due to genetic differences and potential disease presence.

Weight per bunch

Bunches from tissue culture bananas can weigh between 20 to 50kg, depending on the variety and growing conditions while sucker propagated bananas may have their bunches weighing between 15 to 40kgs though this likely to vary.

Number of hands per bunch

On average, a bunch may have 8 to 12 hands, with each hand containing 10 to 20 bananas. Sucker propagated bananas often have their bunches have 6 to 10 hands, with variability in the number of bananas per hand.

Another concern on tissue culture bananas is their thin stems. Tissue culture bananas are renowned for their delicate and thin stems as compared to the sucker-grown bananas. However, this characteristic is not indicative of weakness. The thin stems of tissue culture bananas are a result of their rapid growth in controlled environments. Once transplanted into the field, these bananas adapt to natural conditions and develop robust stems capable of supporting fruit clusters.

How to Increase Your Passion Fruit Production Through Proper Trellising

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a popular tropical fruit that is a natural climber. It is equipped with tendrils that help it latch on to the support. The tendrils are specialized structures that grow from the vine. They are thiny, wiry and coil around anything that they come in to contact with, allowing the vine to climb and spread. As a climbing plant, passion fruit needs vertical space to grow efficiently and that means it should be supported to avoid it sprawling along the ground. That process of supporting vines as they grow is what we call trellising.

Properly Trellising Passion Fruit For Maximum Production

Proper trellising can significantly increase the productivity of passion fruit vines by providing optimal growing conditions and supporting the plant’s natural growth patterns.

How proper trellising increases productivity.

Trellises enable the passion vines to have maximum sunlight exposure

Passion fruit vines require abundant sunlight for optimal photosynthesis, which is crucial for energy production and growth. A well-designed trellis system allows the vines to spread out and access more sunlight. This uniform exposure ensures that all parts of the plant can perform photosynthesis efficiently, leading to vigorous growth and higher fruit production.

Trellising lifts the vines off the ground improving air circulation

Good air circulation is vital for preventing fungal diseases, which are common in humid environments. Trellising lifts the vines off the ground, reducing humidity around the plant and allowing air to circulate freely. This helps to prevent diseases like anthracnose and fusarium wilt, which can severely impact fruit yield and quality. Healthier plants mean more productive vines.

Trellising makes the flowers more accessible therefore enhancing pollination

Passion fruit flowers need effective pollination to set fruits. Trellises make flowers more accessible to pollinators like bees. By elevating the flowers and spreading them out, pollinators can easily move from flower to flower, resulting in better pollination. Better pollination leads to more fruit set and increased yields.

Easier maintenance

Managing passion fruit vines on a trellis system simplifies several farming tasks. With vines organized on a trellis, it becomes easier to prune, inspect for pests and diseases, and harvest the fruit. This ensures vines are in optimal condition for fruit production.

Trellising raises the vines off the ground contact

Keeping the vines and fruit off the ground reduces the risk of rot and pest infestations, which can damage or destroy the crop.

Supports healthy growth

Trellises provide the necessary support for heavy fruit-laden branches, preventing breakage and ensuring the plant can carry a larger yield without damage. The support allows the plant to allocate more energy towards fruit development.

Steps for implementing a proper trellising system for your passion

1.Select a strong structure(s) to build a trellis
A Passion Fruit Trellis System

Use durable materials like treated wooden posts, metal stakes, and strong wires to build the trellis. The structure needs to withstand the weight of mature vines and heavy fruit loads. The poles should be at least 2.5m tall, with 1.5m above the ground.

2.Position your trellis in a location that has a full sunlight exposure.

Install the trellis in a location with full sun exposure and good air circulation. The rows should be oriented to maximize on the sunlight.

3.Training the vines

Start training the vines when they are young. Tie the main stem to the trellis with soft ties, guiding it to grow upwards. Once the vine reaches the top wire, encourage lateral growth by training side shoots along the wires.

4.Maintenance of the trellis system

Regularly inspect the trellis for any signs of wear and tear. Tighten wires and replace damaged posts as needed to ensure the structure remains firm. Continuous maintenance is crucial to support the heavy loads of mature vines and fruits.

5.Pruning and Thinning

Pruning is essential to manage the growth of passion fruit vines. Remove dead or diseased branches, and thin out dense vines to improve air circulation and light penetration. This practice helps in maintaining plant health and increasing fruit size quality.

Implementing a proper trellis system is a key strategy for enhancing passion fruit productivity. A well-designed trellis not only supports the plant structurally but also boost overall yield and fruit quality.

In need of certified ready to plant passion fruit seedlings (Purple and Yellow), Call or Whatsapp Richfarm Kenya nurseries on 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 or visit any of their branches in Embu and Naivasha to pick your desired seedlings.

Also Read:Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya : Expected Costs and Returns

Is Dragon Fruit Worth The Price? Unwrapping the Health/ Nutritional Benefits of The Most Expensive Fruit

Why is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?

Humans are of a curious nature and that’s acceptable. Several people I interact with concerning dragon fruits, tend to want to know more about the health benefits of this fruit, especially when they hear of the price it commands in the market.

In case you didn’t know, dragon fruit also known as Pitahaya or Pitaya is a tropical fruit that traces its origin from Central America. It is one of the newest fruits in the Kenyan market, giving most of the other high-nutrition fruits we initially knew a run for their money.

Dragon fruits have been cultivated in Kenya for just about 5 years now but its awareness has spread to all the corners of our country. A kilogram of the fruit sells for between ksh1,000 and ksh1,500 in the Kenyan supermarket chains. They come in a variety of Red/Pink, White and Yellow, all these with a vibrant appearance that makes it a feast for the eyes.

Red dragon fruits for sale in Kenya

Beyond its prices, its appealing look and taste, dragon fruits pack a nutritional punch that offers an array of health benefits, making it a worthy addition to any diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruits

Eating dragon fruits reduces the risk of catching chronic diseases: One of the most notable benefits of dragon fruit is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Well, that's not so special because Blueberries also have these attributes: but remember they are equally expensive.
Improves your digestion and prevents constipation: Dragon fruit has a lot of fiber, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly. It makes it easier to have regular bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation or stopping it altogether. The fiber also supports the growth of good bacteria in your stomach, which is important for healthy digestion and can help your body absorb nutrients better.
Heart health benefits: Consuming dragon fruit may help lower the risk of heart disease due to its fiber and antioxidant content. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and removing it from the body. Additionally, antioxidants in dragon fruit may help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, further supporting heart health.
Potential Anti-Cancer effects: Studies suggests that dragon fruit may have anti-cancer properties, attributed to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to the development of cancer.
Promotes skin health: The vitamin C and antioxidant content of dragon fruit contribute to its skin-protective properties. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage.

Dragon is a wonderful fruit that deserves its place on the menu whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes. It can be enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, blended into smoothies, added to fruit salads, or used as topping for yoghurt or oatmeal.

You are ready to get into dragon fruit farming, either for home consumption or commercial purposes and are wondering where you can get ready to plant seedlings from? Worry not, Richfarm Kenya is just a call away. Call or whatsapp us on 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 or visit any of our nurseries in Naivasha and Embu to pick your desired seedlings.

Also Read: Dragon Fruit Farming In Kenya: Step by Step Guide.

EggPlant Farming in Kenya: Step by Step Guide

Eggplant, known as biringani in Swahili is a member of the nightshade family. Eggplant is a glossy, purple skinned fruit though there are those that come in green, white or stripped colours depending on the variety. It is a warm season fruit that is suitable for cultivation in many regions of Kenya and the world in general.

Egg Plant Fruit.

Variety Selection

Choosing the right eggplant variety is crucial for successful farming. Varieties differ in fruit size, shape, colour, and maturity time, allowing farmers to select those best suited for their growing conditions and market preferences. Some of the popular eggplant varieties include;

Black beauty

This variety produces large, dark purple fruits with a smooth glossy skin. It has an excellent flavour and is also very productive. It takes 100 days from transplanting to harvesting. It has a longer shelf life.

Long Purple

As the name suggests, this variety produces elongated, slender fruits with a deep purple colour. It takes about 70-80 days from transplanting to harvesting. It is well suited for grilling and roasting.

White egg

This variety produces small to medium-sized eggplants with a creamy white colour. It has a mild flavour and tender texture.

Soil Preparation

Eggplants thrive in well-drained, fertile soils that have a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged animal manure to improve soil structure and fertility. It is important to take a soil test before getting into the farming as it helps you determine nutrient and pH levels, allowing you to make any necessary amendments before planting.

Planting and Ideal Spacing for Eggplants

Eggplants can be propagated from seeds or transplants. When propagating from seeds, start the seeds for about 6-8 weeks before transplanting them. When planting the eggplants, space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows with 24-36 inches between rows to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to increased pest and disease pressure and reduced yields.

Watering and Fertilization

Eggplants require consistent moisture throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and fruit development. You can water deeply at least twice or thrice a week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.

Fertilize eggplants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production. Side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support vigorous growth.

Common Pests and Disease in Egg plant farming and their management

Like many crops, eggplants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect yield and quality if not properly managed. Some of the common eggplant pests include flea beetles, aphids, spider mites and tomato horn worms. Diseases such as bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew can also pose challenges.

Regular scouting and early intervention are key to preventing pest and disease outbreaks and minimizing damage to the crop.

Harvesting and Post-harvest egg plant handling techniques

Eggplants are typically ready for harvest 60-80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest the fruits when they are firm, glossy, and fully mature before the seeds become hard and bitter. Cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle your harvested eggplants with care to avoid damage. Store them in a cool place to extend their shelf life.

Eggplants are best consumed fresh but can also be stored up in refrigerators for longer-term storage.

“Where do I sell my eggplants?”

The market for eggplants can vary depending on factors such as location, consumer preferences, and market demand. Here are some potential markets where you can sell your eggplants, however.

· Grocery stores and Supermarkets

Many grocery stores and supermarkets source their produce locally or regionally to meet consumer demand for fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. You can contact local grocery stores or supermarket chains to inquire about selling your eggplants through their produce department.

· Restaurants and Food service providers.

Restaurants, catering companies, and other food service providers often purchase large quantities of fresh produce to use in their dishes. Establish relationships with local chefs and food service businesses to supply them with fresh eggplants for their menus.

· Online Marketplaces

E- commerce platforms are a good market space to sell your produce directly to consumers. Make use of them accordingly.

· Food Processing companies

In addition to selling your fresh egg plants, you can also consider selling processed eggplants products such as pickled eggplant, eggplant spreads, or frozen eggplant slices. Establish connection with food processing companies to supply them with quantities of eggplants for processing into value-added products.

Popcorn Maize Farming in Kenya: Making Higher Returns From Popcorn Than Regular Maize

Popcorn as the name suggests is a type of maize that pops when heated. Its unique popping ability has made it a cherished snack enjoyed by people all around the world.

Traditionally, maize farming has been a staple in Kenya and in the quest for diversification and higher returns, we have farmers who are turning their attention to popcorn, a variant of maize specifically cultivated for its popping quality. The rise of popcorn farming in Kenya can be attributed to factors such as its growing demand both domestically and internationally, its low-calorie and high fiber content and its adaptability to Kenya’s conducive climate and fertile soils.

Popcorn Snack

In Kenya, several varieties of popcorn are cultivated, each with its own unique characteristics suited to different agro-ecological zones. Some of the popular varieties of popcorn cultivated in Kenya include butterfly, mushroom, and rice popcorn. These varieties vary in kernel size, shape, and popping characteristics, allowing farmers to choose the most suitable option based on factors such as soil type, climate, and market demand.

Popcorn farming in Kenya typically follows similar cultivation practices to traditional maize farming. Its planting entails ploughing the land followed by planting the seeds either manually or using mechanized equipment such as planters. Adequate spacing between rows and proper control are essential to optimize crop growth and yield. In regions with irregular rainfall partners, supplementary irrigation may be necessary to manage the issue of moisture stress.

Harvesting

Harvesting of popcorn usually occurs when the kernels have reached physiological maturity. Unlike field corn, which is harvested for grain, popcorn is harvested for its dried kernels. The ears of popcorn are typically handpicked from the stalks and allowed to air dry in the field or in well-ventilated storage facilities.

Benefits that come with popcorn farming.

Popcorn farming offers numerous benefits to the farmers like,

· Higher Returns

Popcorn generally commands a higher price in the market compared to regular maize, providing farmers with increased income potential.

· Employment opportunities

The expansion of popcorn farming has created opportunities along the value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and distribution.

Market opportunities.

The demand for popcorn in Kenya is driven by both domestic consumption and export markets. Locally, popcorn is a popular snack enjoyed in households, cinemas, and entertainment venues. Supermarkets and malls are offering the greatest local markets in Kenya by supplying the popcorn seeds and snack as well. At the moment, one kilogram of popcorn seeds is going for about ksh400-ksh500 in local supermarkets in Kenya.

Internationally, Kenyan popcorn has gained recognition for its quality and flavour, opening export opportunities to markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Chili Farming in Kenya:Making Huge Amounts of Cash From Chili Farming.

Did you know that chilli is a fruit and not a vegetable as you may think?

Someone might wonder why people choose to farm chilli, a fruit with such a fiery flavour. One of the reasons are due to its high demand. Chilli peppers are a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world, making them high in demand in both local and international markets. This consistent demand offers farmers a reliable source of income. Another reason is it profitability. Chilli farming is highly profitable, especially when grown in optimal conditions and marketed effectively. With proper cultivation practices, farmers can achieve high yields and command competitive prices for their produce. Another compelling reason why someone would choose to farm chilli is due to its adaptability to various climatic conditions. Its adaptability makes them suitable for cultivation in a wide range of agro-ecological zones, providing farmers with flexibility in crop selection.

Beyond fresh chilli peppers, farmers can also explore value-added products such as chilli powder, sauce and flakes among other products. This means more profitability and market opportunities. One last thing among many other that I will not mention in this article is its health benefits. Chilli peppers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants among other health benefits including boosting metabolism, improving digestion, and enhancing immunity.

Chilli Farming

For farmers seeking to maximize their potential in the agricultural sector, chilli farming is a good choice.

Once you have decided to get into chilli farming, you probably will be wondering on the best varieties you can farm. There are four most common chilli varieties in Kenya that are considered to be the best. They include, Bird’s Eye, African Bird’s Eye, Cayenne chillies and Habanero. You can choose to specialise on one or all by considering factors such as the maturity period, growing conditions and the target market as well.

Ideal growing conditions for Chilli

Chilli thrives in various climatic regions, but it thrives best in warm, sunny climates that have well-drained soil. This means Eastern, Coastal Kenya and some parts of Rift Valley can provide ideal climatic conditions for chilli farming.

Planting Chilli

Chilli plants need to be planted in a clean and fertile ground where ploughing has been done and organic matter has been incorporated into the soil. Chilli seeds or seedlings are planted in rows with adequate spacing of about 40-45 cm apart to allow for proper growth and airflow. You can consider using a drip irrigation system to optimize water efficiency and minimize water wastage.

Pests and Diseases

Like any other crop, chillies are susceptible to pests and diseases like anthracnose, phytophthora leaf blight, fruit rot, aphids, mites, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt and cucumber beetle. You can manage pests and diseases on your chillies by use of the right pesticides and insecticides like Score 250 EC, Pearl 500 SC for anthracnose, Colonizer 440 WP and Greencop 500 WP for fusarium wilt. You can use Loyalty 700 WDG, Pentagon 50 EC to control aphids and Fortress Gold 720 WP for blight.

Maturity and Harvesting

Chillies typically mature within 60 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. When it comes to harvesting, ripe chillies should be carefully harvested to avoid damaging the plants and ensuring maximum yield. Already harvested chillies should also be handled with care to minimize bruising and extend their shelf life. Once they are harvested, they can now be sorted cleaned and packaged ready for marketing.

Market for Chilli

Kenya’s chilli industry opens up a wide range of market opportunities, both locally and internationally. You can explore fresh chilli markets, food processing industries and export markets to capitalize on the demand for quality chilli products. You can also establish partnerships with local cooperatives, retailers, and exporters to access wider markets and secure competitive prices for your produce.

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