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Agriculture

Hass Avocado Farming In Kenya

Hass avocado farming in Kenya presents an excellent opportunity for profitable agribusiness, especially given the high demand in both local and international markets. Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing Hass avocados in Kenya, highlighting key practices for successful cultivation and market strategies.

Hass Avocado Growing Areas in Kenya

Hass avocados thrive in several Kenyan regions known for their favorable climatic conditions:

  • Central Region
  • Eastern
  • Central Rift Valley
  • Lower Nyanza
  • Western

Specific areas include Nakuru, Eldoret, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Kisii, Kakamega, and Vihiga.

Ecological Requirements

  • Rainfall: 1000-2000mm, well-distributed throughout the year.
  • Temperature: Optimal range of 20-24°C.
  • Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or alluvial loam soils.
  • Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5.

Planting Process

  • Method: Grown from seeds or seedlings, with planting best done at the onset of the rainy season.
  • Planting Holes: Prepare holes measuring 60cm by 70cm.
  • Soil Preparation: Mix topsoil with approximately 20kg of organic farmyard manure and 250g of double superphosphate.
  • Watering: Water immediately after planting to ensure adequate moisture.

Farm Management

  • Pruning: Conduct pruning before flowering or after harvesting to improve yield and tree structure.
  • Thinning: Remove some fruits to reduce competition and enhance the quality of the remaining fruits.
  • Weeding: Regularly control weeds to minimize competition for nutrients and water.

Pests and Diseases

  • Pests: Thrips, scale insects, and false codling moths.
  • Diseases: Cercospora fruit spot, scab, anthracnose, and root rot.
  • Control: Maintain field hygiene and use appropriate chemical sprays like mancozeb and copper-based fungicides.

Harvesting

  • Maturity: Trees begin bearing fruits after 3-4 years.
  • Yield: Each tree can produce approximately 70-100 kgs of fruits annually.

Market Opportunities

  • Local Market: Hass avocados are sold in open-air markets, groceries, and supermarkets. Prices per fruit range from Kshs 10-50, depending on size.
  • Export Market: There is a significant demand internationally, with export companies like Kakuzi, Sunripe, Vegpro, and East Africa Growers serving as potential buyers.

Hass avocado farming in Kenya is not only a viable agricultural investment due to the fruit’s popularity and the high returns on investment, but it also contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural export earnings.

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