Apple Farming in Kenya; Reasons you should try | Xaxa Farms

Apple Farming in Kenya; Reasons you should try 

 Apple Farming In Kenya - Guide

Apple farming in Kenya is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing demand for this highly prized fruit. The reason for the high demand is due to its rich nutritional content and health benefits. The profits of growing apples in Kenya are also high. Most apples on the Kenyan market come from South Africa, but local production is gaining ground.

How to Grow Apples In Kenya - Apple Farming In Kenya

All three types of Wambugu apples take about 12 months to start producing healthy fruit and can be marketed. However, "Wambugu-apples" are very hardy and sometimes begin to produce flowers and fruit in the nursery. It is recommended to remove all flowers and fruits until the plant is one year old on the farm after transplanting. This ensures that the tree is fully grown and can support the growth of many fruits on its branches without competition.

Is It Profitable To Grow Apples? And How Profitable Is Growing Apples In Kenya?

Yes, Growing Apples in Kenya is very profitable, so let's say you start with 200 plants at a cost of 1000 Ksh. With 3m by 3m spacing, it can comfortably fill a one-hectare farm. It will cost you around Ksh 200,000 plus another Ksh 50,000 for transport and farm management. The total is therefore 250,000 Ksh.

The harvest season occurs every 9 to 13 months. As each mature tree bears at least 300 fruits, a conservative estimate of 60,000 (300X200) fruits per harvest would certainly be a fair bet.

Considering this, each fruit is sold for a minimum of 50 Ksh; making 3,000,000 Ksh. That is (60,000 × 50 = 3,000,000) would certainly not be an overestimate.

How Many Apple Trees Can Be Plant Per Acre - Apple Farming In Kenya

By spacing one hectare of land, about 200 to 1,250 apple trees can be planted. Depending on the variety and region, you can try one of these spacing methods:

• Low density planting: You can plant about 250 apple trees per hectare.

• Planting at moderate density: About 250 to 500 apple trees per hectare can be planted.

• High density planting: From 500 to 1,250 apple trees can be planted per hectare.

• Ultra High Density Planting: You can plant more than 1,250 apple trees per hectare.

Apple Farming in Kenya-Reasons you should try

How Many Apples Does An Apple Tree Produce - Apple Farming In Kenya

Depending on the crop, region and agricultural practices, the average yield of apples can vary from 10 to 20 kilograms per tree per year. You can harvest 11-20 tons of apples per hectare.

Can Apples Do Well In Kenya - Apple Farming In Kenya

Yes, apples grow well In Kenya, apple trees can be grown under suitable climatic conditions. These plants can be grown at an altitude of 1500 to 2700 meters above sea level.

They prefer sandy loam soils that are deep and easily drained with a recommended pH of 5.5 to 6.5. spaced 3m by 3m apart and planted in a 2ft by 2ft hole. It requires rainfall of 800 to 1100 mm per year.

Are Apples Easy To Grow - Apple Farming In Kenya

Yes, Apples that are easy to grow Apple trees are very strong and hardy and generally require less care, and caring for plants is very easy and simple. You can practically inquire with an experienced farmer in your area before launching this business commercially.

How to Start An Apple Farm - Apple Farming In Kenya

Site Selection - Apple Farming In Kenya

You need to select a very good location to start your apple growing business. Apple trees grow well in loamy soil, rich in organic matter.

A good drainage system is necessary, as apple trees do not tolerate waterlogging. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.5% and 6.5%.

However, you can use your existing land if the land meets all of the requirements listed above.

Land Preparations - Apple Farming In Kenya

The perfect preparation of the soil before planting is very important for the cultivation of apple trees. Plowing, plowing the land then leveling the land.

Next, prepare the land so that there is no stagnation of water in the field. Because apple trees cannot tolerate waterlogging.

You should add as much organic content as possible when preparing the soil. Adding organic content will help plants grow well and produce more.

Climatic Conditions - Apple Farming In Kenya

Apple trees can be grown in suitable climatic conditions. These plants can be grown at an altitude of 1500 to 2700 meters above sea level.

Temperatures during the apple growing season should be around 21°C to 24°C. These trees need 100 to 125 cm of annual precipitation (evenly distributed throughout the year).

Too much rain and fog near the fruit ripening period will result in poor fruit quality with inadequate fruit color development and fungal spots on the fruit surface. Apple growing is not suitable where high-speed winds are expected.

Varieties of Apples - Apple Farming In Kenya

Currently, there are many varieties/cultivars to choose from. You can choose any variety that grows well in your area. Check with some existing farmers for a better recommendation.

The most widely grown apple varieties in Kenya are Winter Banana, Anna, Top Red, Brae Burn, Fiji, Golden Dorset and Cripps Lady.

Multiplication - Apple Farming In Kenya

Commercial propagation of apple trees is done by the methods of sprouting and tongue grafting. Purchase the necessary planting material for growing apples from registered nurseries.

Purchase of Plants - Apple Farming In Kenya

Apple seedlings are readily available in areas where the plants grow. You can easily buy from any of your nearest nurseries.

Planting - Apple Farming In Kenya

Apple trees can be planted at any time. However, it is recommended to plant the plants during the months of January and February.

The average number of plants in an area of one hectare can vary between 200 and 1250. Although the population density depends on many factors.

Population density may vary depending on the planting system. 4 different types of planting density are implemented. Such as low, moderate, high and ultra-high density.

Generally less than 300 plants per hectare in low density type, 300-500 plants in moderate density type, 500-1300 plants in high density type and more than 1300 plants per hectare in high density type.

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Caring - Apple Farming In Kenya

Apple trees are very strong and hardy. They usually grow well with less care and other handling. However, taking extra care will help plants grow well and produce more. Here we try to further describe the care process in commercial apple growing.

Fertilization - Apple Farming In Kenya

Providing plants with the right fertilizers is very important for good plant growth. Provide appropriate organic fertilizers (such as barnyard manure) as well as other chemical fertilizers.

The ratio of K, P and N that is applied in an orchard with optimum fertility is 70:35:70 grams per year of tree age. Use an appropriate fertilizer application for boron, zinc, manganese and calcium deficiencies.

Irrigation - Apple Farming In Kenya

The irrigation requirement in the commercial cultivation of apple trees is about 115 cm per year, which should be programmed in 14 to 20 irrigations per irrigation.

Irrigation should be provided with an interval of 6-10 days during summer and with an interval of 3-4 weeks during winter. At least eight irrigations are necessary during the critical period (April to August), after fruiting.

Weeding - Apple Farming In Kenya

Weeds eat up soil nutrients and plants suffer. Therefore, timely and regular weeding is very important.

Mulching - Apple Farming In Kenya

Mulching is a great way to earn extras. It also helps to minimize the weed problem. Green manures such as beans and sunflowers can be grown in the early years of planting apple trees to increase soil texture and nutrients.

Mulch helps retain soil moisture. It will also help reduce weed growth. You can use organic materials as mulch.

Training and Pruning - Apple Farming In Kenya

Timely training and pruning is essential for good plant growth and yield. Apple tree seedlings are formed on the growth pattern and the strength of the patterns.

Standard apple trees are guided with a modified central guiding system to obtain adequate light. This improves fruit color and minimizes the effects of heavy snow and hail.

Pests and Diseases - Apple Farming In Kenya

As we mentioned earlier, apple trees are very strong and resilient. In addition, they are less susceptible to pests, diseases or other problems.

• The main pests of apple cultivation are Eriosoma lanigerum, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Thrips rhopalantennalis, Pseudoulacaspis sp. etc

• The main diseases encountered in apple trees are venturia, inaequilis, phytophthora cactorus, agrobacterium tumefaciens, sclerotium rolfsii, cankers, dieback, etc. Carbendazim, copper oxychloride, mancozeb and other fungicides can be applied for disease control.

Harvesting - Apple Farming In Kenya

Depending on the variety, apple trees begin to bear fruit from the 8th year. Apple's productivity continues to increase from year 8 to year 17, and then production remains constant until age 30.

The lifespan of apple trees can be extended up to 40 years, depending on weather conditions. Generally, the fruits are picked before they are fully ripe.

Post-Harvest - Apple Farming In Kenya

There are many tasks/activities to follow apple picking. Post-harvest tasks include pre-cooling, sorting by size and weight, storage, packaging and transportation. Do all of these activities with great care.

Yield - Apple Farming In Kenya

It’s not possible to tell the exact amount. Because exact number depends on numerous factors. On average, you can expect around 10-12 tonnes per hectare.

Marketing - Apple Farming In Kenya

Marketing apples is very easy and simple. Apples have very good demand and value throughout the world. You will be able to easily sell your products in the local market.

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