Apple farming in Kenya has gained popularity due to the profitability of the fruit and suitable ecological conditions in certain highland regions. Here’s a summary based on the information provided:
Varieties of Apples Grown in Kenya
- Anna
- Cripps Lady
- Winter Banana
- Top Red
- Fiji
- Golden Dorset
- Braeburn
Ecological Conditions for Growing Apples
- Altitude: 1800m to 2800m above sea level
- Rainfall: Between 1000-1800mm annually
- Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy soils with pH of 5.5 to 6.5
Farming Practices
- Land Preparation: Ensure the land is prepared to a fine tilth well before planting.
- Propagation: Preferably through grafting for higher yields and quality apples; seeds are used for rootstock production.
- Planting: Recommended spacing of 3m by 2m, with planting holes 60cm deep and wide. Topsoil mixed with TSP and organic manure.
- Fertilization: Apply CAN fertilizer one month after planting for nitrogen, and annually apply farmyard manure, DAP, and CAN thereafter.
- Pests and Diseases: Common pests include aphids, thrips, spider mites, and fruit flies; diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and apple scab. Control through field hygiene and certified seeds.
- Farm Practices:
- Mulching: Suppresses weeds and maintains soil moisture.
- Pruning: Done between the first and third year to remove weak branches and shape the tree.
- Irrigation: Drip irrigation recommended during flowering and fruiting stages.
Harvesting
- Apples mature in about 5 years; a single tree can yield up to 500 fruits, and an acre can hold around 500 trees.
Market for Apples in Kenya
- Apples are in high demand locally and internationally due to their nutritional value.
- Sold in open-air markets, groceries, supermarkets, and supplied to institutions like hotels.
- Average market price ranges from Kshs 20-30 per apple.
Apple farming in Kenya presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers in suitable regions, with careful attention to ecological conditions, farming practices, and pest/disease management ensuring successful yields and profitability.
