Pixie orange farming is a highly profitable agribusiness in Kenya, flourishing particularly in semi-arid regions. Known for their sweetness and long shelf life, pixie oranges are in high demand both locally and internationally.
Key Pixie Orange Growing Areas in Kenya
Pixie oranges thrive in arid and semi-arid regions, such as:
- Kitui
- Makueni
- Machakos
- Coastal Regions (e.g., Voi)
- Parts of Western Kenya
Ecological Conditions for Growing Pixie Oranges
Optimal conditions for pixie orange farming include:
- Altitude: Up to 2,100m above sea level.
- Sunlight: At least 6-8 hours daily.
- Soil: Well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.5-7.3.
- Rainfall: Requires low to moderate rainfall.
- Temperature: Thrives in a range of 10°C to 30°C.
- Sunlight: Crucial during flowering and fruit ripening stages.
Planting Pixie Oranges
- Spacing:
- Use a spacing of 4m by 5m to ensure proper sunlight penetration.
- With this spacing, an acre can accommodate about 200 pixie trees.
- Planting Holes:
- Dig holes 2ft by 2ft wide and 2ft deep.
- Propagation:
- Bud Grafting is the most recommended method for producing quality pixie trees.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests:
- Mites
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Fruit flies
- Leaf miners
- Mealybugs
Common Diseases:
- Twig Blight
- Damping Off
- Collar Rot
- Gummosis
Control Measures:
- Use foliar sprays and recommended insecticides to manage pests and diseases.
- Maintain proper field hygiene and conduct regular monitoring.
Maturity and Harvesting
- Maturity Timeline: Pixie oranges mature within 2-3 years, depending on whether the trees are grafted.
- Flowering and Fruiting: Begins in the second year, with heavier harvesting in the fourth year.
- Yield Factors: Depends on climatic conditions, soil type, and farm management practices.
Pixie Orange Market in Kenya
Pixie oranges are grown for both local consumption and export:
- Local Market:
- Sold in supermarkets and grocery stores.
- A kilo of pixie oranges retails for up to Ksh 200 in some markets.
- Export Market:
- A significant portion of pixie oranges is exported, with several exporters dealing in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pixie orange farming offers a sustainable income for Kenyan farmers due to its strong market demand and profitability. With proper management practices and access to reliable markets, pixie oranges remain a valuable addition to Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
