This article focuses on apple farming in Kenya. Apples are one of the most profitable fruits to grow in Kenya. They have a high nutritional value and fetch good prices in the local markets.
Apples thrive well in the highlands. They are mainly grown in areas such as Kiambu, Nandi, Kitale, Kericho, Nyeri and Uasin Gishu.
Varieties Of Apples Grown in Kenya
- Anna.
- Cripps lady.
- Winter banana.
- Top red.
- Fiji.
- Golden dorset.
- Brae burn.
Ecological Conditions for Growing Apples
- Altitude of 1800m to 2800m above sea level.
- Rainfall of between 1000- 1800mm.
- Fertile and well drained loamy/ sandy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Land Preparation
Land should be prepared to a fine tilth. It should be prepared early enough before planting.
Propagation
Apples can be propagated through seeds or grafting. The method is through grafting as it produces high yields and quality apples. Seed propagation is mainly done for the production of rootstock.
Planting
The recommended planting space is 3m by 2m. Planting holes should be 60cm deep and 60cm wide.
During planting, top soil which is removed from the planting holes is separated from the subsoil then mixed with TSP and about 20kg of organic manure.
The planting hole is covered with subsoil while the topsoil is firmed around the root region once the apple tree has been placed in the planting hole.
CAN fertiliser should be applied after one month of planting to provide the plant with nitrogen. Later on, after about one year/ yearly, you can apply farm yard manure and fertilisers such as DAP and CAN.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that attack apples are aphids, thrips, spider mites and fruit flies. Common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot and apple scrab.
The pests and diseases can be controlled by practising proper field hygiene and planting certified seeds from seed companies.
Farm Practices
(i). Mulching
Mulching is done to suppress weeds and to maintain moisture during the early stages of development.
(ii). Pruning
Pruning is done between the first and third year. It is done to remove unwanted branches or weak branches and to attain a desired shape for the plant.
(iii). Irrigation
Drip irrigation is highly encouraged during flowering and fruiting stage. The plant requires a lot of moisture during the fruiting stage.
Harvesting
An apple tree produces fully mature apples after about 5 years. A single tree can produce about 500 fruits, while an acre of land can hold 500 trees.
Market for Apples in Kenya
Apples are juicy fruits with a high nutritional value, thus have a high demand in the local and international markets. They can be sold in open-air markets, groceries, supermarkets and food stores or supplied to institutions such as hotels.
The average price of an apple is Kshs 20-30 in the local markets.
Even More:
