Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya [2022] Reviewed | Xaxa Farms

 Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya.

“Dragon-fruits-farming-in-kenya”

Most of Kenya is made up of tropical semi-arid regions that are perfect for Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya. 

Pitahaya, sometimes known as the dragon fruit, is a relatively recent agricultural development in Kenya. Since so few farmers have engaged in its cultivation, there is still a dearth of knowledge about how to grow it. There is a growing demand for dragon fruit in the global market. 

Dragon fruit is a type of fruit that grows on a tree in the tropics. The fruit is oval in shape and has a green skin and a red, purple, or black flesh. The dragon fruit is a seasonal fruit, and is usually available from December to February.

Thank goodness we are always available to inform you about such high-value crops. We always encourage you to begin your assignment with knowledge. So, kindly follow our step-by-step instructions.

Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya [2022] Reviewed

How to Start Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya.

I couldn't help but think back to the cactus fruits we had been eating while playing in the semi-arid fields of Kajiado, Kenya, when I first encountered dragon fruits there.

At the time, I had no idea that Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya was a significant industry in the Asian nations thousands of kilometers away.

Cactus fruits weren't valued as food back home in Kenya, where most people were unaware of its health advantages. Perhaps this explains why I don't visit the doctor very often.

As a result of the hawk-eyed Kenyan Agri-preneurs who never pass up an opportunity, the production of dragon fruit has now accelerated in that country.

Dragon Fruit Cost In Kenya - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Currently, dragon fruit is the most expensive fruit in Kenya, costing Ksh. 1500 per kilogram at Zucchini store. Can you even compare that to the cost of a hass avocado, which costs less than Ksh 100 per kg?

This raises the question of why Kenyan dragon fruit is so pricey.

Of course, the law of supply and demand has the most impact on price. The majority of the dragon fruit consumed in Kenya is imported from Vietnam, which is currently the world's largest producer.

So you can see why the fruit sells for close to Ksh. 2,000 when you take into account the transit expense, the rarity of the fruit, and the fact that demand is greater than supply.

Health Advantages of Dragon Fruits

Dragon fruits are also incredibly nutrient-dense; in fact, they are regarded as a superfood, which is a food that is particularly nutrient-dense.

Types of dragon fruit trees: Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya.

Although there are many different kinds of dragon fruit, farmers have a special affection for the following top three varieties:

• Hylocereus costaricensis. This kind of dragon fruit yields fruits with bright red exterior and crimson or purple flesh.

• Hylocereus undatus. The most popular kind of dragon fruit found in the tropics, this fruit has a bright red or pink exterior and white flesh.

• Hylocereus megalanthus. If you're seeking for a tree that produces yellow-skinned and white dragon fruits, True happiness comes from growing your own dragon fruit cactus in backyard gardens. Your yard needs to be in a warm, sunny place with plenty of room if you want to plant these trees.

Where is Dragon Fruit Farming in Kenya Done?

Many folks have called me to ask, "Can dragon fruits grow in Kenya?"

Well, yes, In Kenya, dragon fruits can grow. However, relatively few Kenyans are now producing dragon fruits. Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya grows without much difficulty in semi-arid regions. As a member of the cactus family, this fruit doesn't need much water. 

Due to the fact that new plants are grown from cuttings of older ones, it is also incredibly simple to propagate. The main obstacle for most aspiring farmers, though, is getting access to the parent material.

Getting Started - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya.

Even an eighth of an acre is sufficient for beginning a dragon fruit garden. Due to its extremely high value, only a few plants are required to provide income. Due to the low nutritional requirements of this plant, you do not need normally fertile soils. It is actually possible to plant it even on the farm's outskirts.

Best Conditions for Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Sunlight: Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a sunny windowsill that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day since dragon fruit needs full sun. Choose potting soil that is rich in organic matter, has good drainage, as dragon fruits are sensitive to "wet feet," or persistently damp roots.

Soil: Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

All types of plants live in soil. Regarding soil pH and soil type, dragon fruit plants are not very particular. Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya can do on a variety of soils naturally. But the growth, development, and fruit output of plants will be doubled in soil that is high in organic matter, wet, and well-draining.

Annual rainfall of about 40-60mm.

Despite some water tolerance, it is essential to irrigate the dragon fruit cactus during the growing and reproductive seasons.

Humidity and Temperature - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Dragon fruit plants are very particular about their growing environments. Dragon fruit farming is appropriate for tropical climates. When the plant is producing fruit, the temperature needs to be between 30°C and 35°C, although the plant can also withstand temperatures as low as 7°C and as high as 40°C. They are, of course, adapted to tropical climates. They therefore don't work effectively in environments with cold and freezing temperatures.

Planting - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya.

Cuttings are favored since they begin fruiting in 12 to 18 months, depending on the age of the cutting, whereas seeds require five to six years to begin fruiting. Dragon fruits can reach heights of up to 30 meters.

Spacing: Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Depending on the size of the farm, plants should be spaced 2.5–3 m apart inside a row and 3–4 m apart between rows. They should also be grown on well-drained beds, up to 300 mm high.

Best Fertilizers - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

The growth phases, flowering, and fruiting seasons are when dragon fruit plants need to eat the most. It is essential to add balanced 20-20-20 NPK fertilizers on a regular basis during the first two years of a plant's life. The plant is ready to go with a couple annual fertilizer applications after it has established itself, though.

Flowering Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

At the base of the flower, the dragon fruit develops after pollination. As the dragon fruit develops, the flower ages. From bud to blossom and then to fruit, a dragon fruit takes between 21 and 30 days, respectively.

Pollination - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Use a feather or brush to move pollen from the stigmas (Yellow is the female flower part) within the blossoms to the stamens (Green is the male flower part). After that, the pollinated blooms develop into fruits.

Tipping, which strains the plant by partially slicing the leaf edges or tips to make them bleed, can also cause flowering. In the event that you are successful, you will notice some molds and buds, which show that flowering is about to begin.

Support Structure - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya.

Cactus species that produce dragon fruit are very active. They flourish and expand quite quickly.

It's crucial to provide a supporting framework for the entire plant structure after they reach the 12-inch height mark.

Use a wood post or trellis to support the entire plant because dragon fruit plants are creeping and climbing cactus. 

A dragon fruit plant needs support to flourish since it is a climbing cactus. With good results, you can plant it next to a fence, under a trellis, or with a wood stake or climbing pole.

Dragon fruit needs a vertical, pole-like support structure with a ring at the top since it grows quickly and is semi-epiphytic. The plants of the dragon fruit are loaded with fruit during the full-bearing season, and it has an economic life span of over 20 years. Therefore, it requires supporting structures that are extraordinarily strong and durable.

How Long Do Dragon Fruits Take To Mature?

Although it can take up to two years for plants grown in containers to produce fruit, they can begin to bloom as soon as six to eight months after planting. A mature plant can produce four to six fruiting cycles year and can continue to produce fruit for 20 to 30 years. This is wonderful news.

Harvesting - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Smooth skin and a vivid pink color characterize ripe dragon fruit. It shouldn't be impossible to eat the dragon fruit. Instead, allow it to slightly mature until the flesh yields slightly and resembles a ripe avocado. The dragon fruit is overripe if it feels mushy.

After 35 days, the fruit pops out of the blossom and is fully developed. It is shielded from predatory animals by a ring of razor-sharp thorns.

Pests and Diseases of Dragon Fruits - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Fruit flies, black pentatomid bugs, pacchyrrynchid beetles, aphids, mealy bugs, long-horned grasshoppers, flea beetles, orange dog butterflies, green leafhoppers, coffee bean weevils, tussock moths, and bag worms were among the insect pests associated with dragon fruit, according to an initial investigation. Despite not having been assigned a species, the disease-causing organisms were found to include a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Where is the Market for Pitaya?

The most expensive fruit available in Kenya is dragon fruit. A kilo of pitaya can set you back between Ksh 1800 and Ksh 2,500. Of course, the fruit's high concentration of minerals and antioxidants is one of the factors contributing to these high prices. The fundamental cause of the fruit's high price is, however, the low availability compared to strong demand. These fruits are actually imported into our nation's shops from foreign nations. Farmers who want to engage in Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya now have a fantastic chance.

Conclusion - Dragon Fruits Farming In Kenya

Most of Kenya is made up of tropical semi-arid regions that are perfect for Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya. These fruits have a very large market, especially in Asian nations. Locally, demand is still rising as more people become aware of the fruit's health advantages.

As a result, Dragon Fruits Farming in Kenya is expected to become quite popular.

In recent years, eating dragon fruit has grown in popularity across the globe. As a result, the demand has been rising year after year, but many nations have been and are continuing to increase the amount of land used to cultivate this fruit, especially China.

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