What are the Key Factors for Successful Mango Farming in Kenya?

Many Kenyans believe that mangoes are only harvested during the December-January season, and that mango farming is mostly limited to Ukambani and Murang'a regions. It can be tough to convince people that mango farming can be a profitable business. This skepticism comes mainly from a lack of understanding. The truth is, mango farming in Kenya can be very profitable, but it’s usually farmers who have embraced innovative techniques that succeed. Let’s take a closer look at some of these best practices for mango farming.

Mango Farming in Kenya: Dwarf Variety

Mango Farming in Kenya Key Factors: High-Quality Mango Varieties

Instead of growing the common mango varieties which often have a lot more fiber than flesh, the more successful farmers choose high-quality varieties. These superior varieties not only taste better but also produce more fruit. Some of the best options include grafted apple mangoes, grafted Keitt mangoes, and grafted Ngowe mangoes.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Longer Harvests

Another key to making mango farming profitable is selecting varieties that continue to produce fruit long after the regular mango season ends. Kent mangoes, for example, are known for being among the sweetest and smoothest varieties in Kenya. They are also in high demand in Europe. Another variety, Alphonse mangoes, is rare in Kenya but is being cultivated by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO), and will soon be available to farmers once it’s officially approved.

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Mango Farming in Kenya: Flower Induction

To boost mango yields in Kenya, the flower induction technique is carried out. In tropical climates, managing irrigation well can help induce flowering. By limiting water during certain stages of growth, farmers can encourage the tree to shift from vegetative growth to flower production. It’s important to watch for signs that a tree is ready to flower, such as dull green or brownish-green leaves that feel brittle when crushed. For the best results, older trees tend to respond better to flower induction than younger ones. 

It is highly advised to spray a 1% potassium nitrate solution mixed with a sticker agent on the trees. This should be done just before the dry season, as trying to induce flowering during the rainy season can lead to fungal infections and poor pollination. When it is done the right way, flowers should appear within 10-14 days.

Best Regions for Mango Farming in Kenya

Mangoes thrive in warm lowland areas along the coast, like Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu. They also grow well in the upper midlands, including areas like Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Meru. Ukambani—comprising Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni—is also great for mango cultivation. Other areas such as Baringo, Narok, and Kajiado also provide favorable conditions for mango farming.

Land Preparation for Mango Farming

Before planting, the land should be deeply plowed and leveled, with a gentle slope. The spacing does always vary depending on the ecological zone. In dry zones, mango trees should be spaced 5m x 5m apart, while in areas with more rainfall and rich soil, spacing should be 8m x 8m. 

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For dwarf hybrids like Amrapali, trees can be planted closer together. After digging the holes, fill them with a mix of topsoil and 20-25 kg of well-rotted manure. Plant the grafted mango trees with the graft union above the soil line, ensuring the roots are not disturbed. Water the plants immediately after planting. During the first year or two, it’s a good idea to provide some shade and support the trees with stakes to help them grow straight.

Large Scale Mango Farming

Irrigation in Mango Farming

Proper irrigation is required for the young mango tree seedlings in order to establish them. For mature trees, watering every 10 to 15 days from fruit set to maturity can increase yields. However, it’s best to avoid watering 2-3 months before flowering to prevent promoting vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.

Intercropping with Mangoes

Other crops can also be grown alongside the mango trees, depending on the local climate and conditions. Intercrops like vegetables, legumes, or dwarf fruit trees such as papaya, guava, and peach can thrive. Be sure to meet the water and nutrient needs of these intercropped plants separately.

Mango Harvesting and Yield

The production or the yield of mangoes can vary greatly dependent on the variety you planted and the local weather conditions. Grafted mango trees start bearing fruit as early as two years, while seedling trees may take 5-8 years. The tree may produce just 10-20 fruits (2-3 kg) in the first few years, but this increases to 50-75 fruits (10-15 kg) in the following years. By the 10th year, a tree can produce up to 500 fruits (100 kg). In the 20^th to the 40^th year, a tree may bear 1,000-3,000 fruits (200-600 kg) annually. Grafted trees usually remain productive for 40-50 years before the yield starts to decline.

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Post-Harvest Handling

Once harvested, mangoes need to be cooled to a storage temperature of 13°C as soon as possible. There are some mango varieties that can handle even cooler temperatures, of about 10°C. Post-harvest handling involves grading, washing, drying, waxing, packing, pre-cooling, palletizing, and transporting the fruit.

Mango Packaging

Mangoes are typically packed in corrugated fiberboard boxes measuring 40cm x 30cm x 20cm. Each box holds 8-20 mangoes in a single layer, and the boxes should have enough ventilation holes to allow air circulation.

Market Potential

According to the Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA), mangoes in Kenya are typically in season from November to April, and sometimes as late as July. During the early months (November and December), there is less competition in international markets, meaning Kenyan mangoes can fetch higher prices, especially in Europe and the Middle East. However, the varieties grown in Kenya are not always favored by European buyers, which limits market access.

Mango Farming in Kenya

Mango Farming Support and Opportunities

Several banks in Kenya now offer funding schemes to support mango farming, including assistance for irrigation systems, fencing, and farm infrastructure. If you’re interested in getting started, it’s a great idea to book your mango seedlings early, as demand for them is high.

Contact Richfarm Kenya now and be advised on a way to best grow mangoes. In addition, book your mango seedlings now because the demand for mango seedlings is incredibly high now that the rainy is about to begin (the best season for establishing that fruit farm) and we would really like all our customers to have the primary priority.

And for any enquiries or need for more clarifications reach out to us through our socials, Richfarm Kenya on Facebook, X, Linkedln and Instagram. Or call us at 0724698357/0723213602.

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