Apple farming in Kenya is a profitable agribusiness venture,this is because of the high increase in demand of the fruit. The high demand in the country is brought about by enormous health benefits associated by the precious fruit.
Most apple fruits found in the market currently are imported from South Africa, although recently, there has been an increase in apple production from local farmers.
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Apple fruits health benefits
Apple is a very nutritious fruit that is high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.
Which are Apple growing areas in Kenya
There are several areas in Kenya where apple farming is being practised. The highlands of Mount Kenya are well-suited for apple farming, as the climate is cool and the soil is fertile. There are other regions where apples are being produced in high numbers like; Uasin Gishu, Transzoia,Nandi,Kericho etc
Apple farmers in Kenya can make a good profit by using the proper cultivation methods and selling their produce at the right price. By carefully planning their farms and marketing their apples rightly, Kenyan apple farmers can make a good living from this valuable crop.
Apple propagation
You can propagate apples by planting seeds from an apple.
The seeds will take about two weeks to germinate, and once they have, you will need to graft them before transplanting them in the farm. Grafting sometimes it’s tedious and time consuming so my advise is to search and buy apple seedlings from established suppliers.
Which are best apple varieties to plant?
The most common and high yielding varieties to plant in Kenya are, Wambugu apple, top red, brae burn, and winter banana
Best Ecological Conditions for Apple Farming in Kenya
Before embarking on apple farming in Kenya, it is important to understand the ecological requirements for this special crop.
Apples require well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The land should also be free of rocks and other debris, as these can damage the roots of the trees.
The climate for apple farming should be cool and moist, with an annual rainfall of at least 1,000 mm. The temperature should not drop below -5 degrees Celsius or rise above 30 degrees Celsius.
Land preparation
Before you can start planting apple trees, you will need to prepare the land. This includes clearing the land of any debris, leveling the ground, and adding compost manure or fertilizer. If the land is not properly prepared, your apple trees will not thrive.
Planting
Planting apple trees is not very complicated. You will need to choose a sunny spot in your farm, and dig a hole that is twice as deep as the size of the pot your tree came in. Be sure to add plenty of manure or compost to the soil before planting.
Your apple tree will need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so make sure to choose a location where it will have plenty of sun exposure. Once your tree is planted, be sure to water it regularly and provide nutrients. With a little bit of care, your apple tree will soon be bearing fruits.
Mulching
In order to make apple farming in Kenya profitable, mulching your plants is inevitable. Mulching is the process of covering the ground with a layer of organic material, such as leaves, straw, or compost. This protects the soil from erosion and helps to keep it moist.
Mulching also helps to regulate the temperature of the soil, which is important for apple trees. It can help to keep the soil cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulching also helps to improve the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter.
Apple Irrigation
You can significantly increase your apple production by irrigating your plantation. Apple trees need a lot of water, especially during the hot summer months. If you can replenish them with enough water, they will produce a bumper crop of delicious apples.
There are a number of different irrigation systems that you can use, though the best recommended method is drip irrigation. This is because drip irrigation helps to minimize water logging due moderate water supply to the plants.
Pruning
One of the most important things you can do to make apple farming in Kenya profitable is to properly prune your trees. Pruning helps the tree grow in a healthy and productive way, and it also helps to improve the quality of the fruit.
Make sure to prune your trees regularly and be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. You may also want to thin out branches so as to allow for free air circulation.
Apples nutritional requirements
Before planting crops it’s always produce to perform soil testing to discern the nutrients that are available in the soil.
After transplanting during the end of the first month, apples require plenty of nitrogen nutrients to promote faster growth of leaves and branches.
Pests and disease control
There are a number of pests and diseases that can affect apple farming in Kenya. These can be controlled through a combination of cultural practices, chemical treatments, and biological control measures.
To keep your plantations healthy and profitable, it is important to implement a comprehensive pest and disease control program. This will help to minimize the damage caused by pests and diseases and ensure a healthy crop of apples.
Conclusion
There are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to make apple farming in Kenya profitable. First, you ought to select the right place. Second, you need to invest in quality seedlings and care for them appropriately. Third, you need to market your apples well.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and make a profit from apple farming in Kenya.