Blood Orange Farming in Kenya: Demand Beyond Borders

When we talk of blood orange, the outstanding feature we are likely to mention is its reddish to maroon flesh that is due to the presence of anthocyanins compounds. These are compounds that are linked to improving cardiovascular health, enhancing cognitive function, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Apart from these benefits, blood oranges are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that offer numerous benefits just like other citrus fruits. Some of the key nutrients include.

Vitamin C- Vitamin C supports immune function, collagen production, and overall skin health.

Fibre- Blood oranges contain dietary fibre which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Antioxidants- They include the anthocyanins that have earlier talked about them being responsible for the red colour in the oranges.

In addition to these nutrients, blood oranges provide small amounts of Potassium, Calcium, and Vitamin A, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Blood orange farming in Kenya is not as widespread as other citrus fruits like the other oranges or lemons, but it has been gaining popularity and an increasing interest among farmers in the recent years due to the potential for higher profits. However, compared to other fruits, the cultivation of these oranges is still relatively limited.

In Kenya, Rift valley and coastal regions provide the necessary combination of sunlight, well-drained soils, and sufficient water availability that is suitable for blood orange cultivation.

Cultivation practices.

To successfully farm blood oranges, you have to carefully put attention to the cultivation practices. You can typically propagate blood oranges through grafting on to suitable root stocks of your choice thus ensuring optimal tree health and fruit quality. Proper irrigation management is essential, particularly during the dry season, to support consistent fruit production and prevent water stress. Apart from that, regular pruning and pest management are crucial to control diseases and maintain tree vigor.

Market opportunities.

The market for blood oranges presents promising opportunities for Kenyan farmers. The unique flavor and vibrant colour of blood oranges appeal to consumers both domestically and internationally. Export markets such as Europe and North America, have a growing demand for special citrus fruit like blood oranges. Kenyan farmers can take advantage of this opportunity by producing high quality oranges that meet the international standards in terms of taste, appearance and safety from pests and diseases.

Value added products.

Blood oranges can be processed into juices, jams, and extracts, which can extend shelf life, create additional revenue streams, and capitalize on consumer demand for convenience and health-focused products.

Also Read:A Guide To Enjoying All Year Round Fruits: Off Season Fruits.

Exploring The Market For Your Fruits and Vegetables: Where Do i Sell My Fruits and Vegetables?

As a farmer, the ever-present question is ‘where will my produce find its market?’. Understanding the market for your produce is crucial for success and growth. Knowing where to target your efforts can maximize profits and ensure your products reach the right consumers. When we talk of markets, we do not only mean the “where” but also the “who”. Who are your targets markets? In this article, I will be helping you brainstorm and find out the possible markets for your produce.

A photo of a fruits and vegetables local market.

1.    Local markets.

These are the selling opportunities in your local area, they include the farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and community-supported programs (CSA). Local markets are a good opportunity for your products because as a farmer you have a direct access to consumers who value freshness and quality. When searching for a local market, you can engage with local businesses and consumers to establish relationships and gauge the demand.

2.    Online platforms

We are living in a digital era, and this means you can make the most out of the online pages. Embrace the digital age by leveraging online platforms to sell your produce. You can create an e-commerce website or join online market places that are tailored to farm fresh products. Social media itself is also a powerful tool for marketing and connecting with potential customers.

3.    Specialty markets

Specialty markets are stores that sell particular products. You can identify markets that align with your product and create links to do business with them. You can consider targeting health food stores, organic markets, gourmets’ food shops catering to specific dietary preferences or culinary trends and supply them with your farm produce.

4.    Institutional buyers

Explore opportunities to supply institutions such as schools, hospitals, corporate cafeterias etc. Contracting with institutional buyers can provide stable demand for your produce enabling you to have a steady income as well. You can also establish connections with chefs and food service establishments to supply them with fresh, high-quality products. Many restaurants prioritize locally sourced produce, offering an excellent market for your products.

5.    Export opportunities

Investigate export opportunities to international markets. You can research import regulations, market trends, and potential distribution partners to successfully enter foreign markets.

Apart from selling your direct farm produce, another way of making sales can be through diversifying your products by exploring value-added products such as jams, sauces, or dried fruits. These products can open up new markets and provide additional revenue streams for your business.

If you are a farmer with ready to sell fruits and vegetables, kindly register with us, Richfarm Kenya on our email info@richfarmkenya.com . Provide details of the fruits, variety, acreage and location of the farm.

Also Read: A Guide To Enjoying All Year Round Fruits: Off Season Fruits.

  

Basil Farming in Kenya: "Herb of Love".

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the demand for herbs and this can highly be attributed to the growing consumer interest in healthy and natural foods, the popularity of international dishes that use a variety of these herbs and the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with consuming herbs. In Kenya, basil farming presents a promising opportunity due to its high demand in the local and international markets as well as its relatively low input requirements. In this guide, I will give you insights into basil farming practices, keep reading.

Basil Farming in Kenya.

Basil is grown in many parts of Kenya including Nakuru, Naivasha, Meru, Kakamega, Bungoma, Machakos, Mombasa and Malindi. Basil farming in Kenya can be grown throughout the year in regions with temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It thrives in warm, tropical climates that have ample sunlight exposure. The ideal soil for basil cultivation is well-drained loamy soil with good fertility and a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

Best variety of basil to cultivate in Kenya.

Several basil varieties are suitable for cultivation in Kenya. As a farmer, you should choose a variety based on the market demand, local climate conditions and the intended use. Some varieties such as sweet basil are particularly well suited to the Kenyan climate and is also popular among farmers and consumers. Sweet basil is the most widely cultivated variety worldwide. It has a sweet aromatic flavor and is relatively easy to grow and generally adapts well to different growing conditions.

Propagation of basil.

You can propagate basil from seeds or stem cuttings. When propagating from seed, you sow the seeds directly into the trays or prepared seedbeds. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs which is about 7 to 14 days. On the other hand, propagating from cutting involves selecting healthy non-flowering stems and cutting them just below a node. You can dip it in a rooting hormone and then plant it directly or pot it.

Cultivation of basil.

Cultivating basil, whether for your personal use or commercial purposes, involves several key steps like choosing a favourable location that has good sunlight exposure and well drained soil that is rich in organic matter, transplanting basil seedlings with a spacing of 20-30 cm apart to allow for proper airflow and growth. Basil requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. You can also practice mulching around the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature.

Maturity/Harvesting /Post harvesting of basil leaves.

60 to 70 days from when you seeded your basil, you will be harvesting. You can harvest the plants at a height of 15-20cm when they have developed 6 to 8 pairs of leaves. After harvesting, sort them in sizes or quality then wash them gently, dry them in paper towels and store them in perforated plastic bags or airtight containers in the refrigerators to maintain freshness and extend shelf life.

Something you didn’t know about basil.

Beyond its culinary and medicinal uses that am yet to discuss in the next article, basil has a historical and cultural significance. In different cultures basil is a symbol of love and fidelity. In Greek tradition, basil is considered a token of love, and is often exchanged between lovers as a symbol of devotion. In Italy, it is known as ”herb of love” and is often included in wedding bouquets to bring happiness and good luck to the newlyweds.

Why Richfarm is Your Plug to Profitable Farming.

Rich Farm Kenya is an innovative agribusiness concept designed to empower smallholder farmers in Kenya. Let me break it down for you:

1. Rich Farming Concept:

   • Rich Farming Concept is a modernized system of agriculture that aims to help small-scale farmers produce more food through space optimization technologies and practices.
   • It recognizes the crucial role rural farmers play in ensuring the country’s food security.
   • By providing tools, skills, and knowledge, it encourages a shift from traditional subsistence agriculture to high-productivity agribusiness.
   • The ultimate goal is to generate more profits for farmers while contributing directly to food security in Kenya and Africa.

2. Why Adopt the Rich Farming Concept?:

   • Food Security: Over 2 billion people worldwide lack safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. As farmers, it’s our responsibility to increase productivity and ensure people have enough to eat. Kenya still faces food insecurity.
   • Profit Maximization: Farmers can utilize their land for greater profits. The income generated from farms is often too low, and adopting the Rich Farming Concept can lower input costs, increase yields, and access better-paying markets.

3. Benefits of Rich Farm Kenya:

   • Market Information: Rich Farm Kenya, the company behind the concept, connects farmers with traders of various agricultural commodities. This ensures farmers know where to sell their products for the highest possible price in the market.
   • Mass Production: Smallholder farmers can come together to form a larger block capable of consistently supplying markets. This leverages economies of scale for input purchases and agronomic services.
   • Reducing Post-Harvest Losses: Farmers practicing the Rich Farming Concept gain access to advance payment, storage, and value addition facilities, allowing them to sell produce at the right time and in the most profitable form.

If you’re interested in learning more or exploring specific crops, you can visit Rich Farm Kenya’s demonstration farm in Kiritiri, Embu, or contact them at 0724698357 or 0723213602

A Guide To Enjoying All Year-round Fruit Production: Off Season Fruits.

Just imagine stepping in to your backyard or farm and getting yourself some juicy fruits from your own orchard regardless of the season. It’s wonderful, isn’t it? With strategic planning and the right techniques, it is possible to enjoy fruits all year-round while reaping both the health benefits and the commercial potential.

A picture of persimmons. Late season fruits.

One of the key strategies for year-round fruit production is,

Planting diversified fruit varieties-Selecting varieties that bear fruits at different times of the year ensure that you enjoy fruits all year round. You can carefully plan your orchard and choose a mix of early, mid, and late season varieties. You can plant a combination of early ripening fruits like strawberries and cherries, mid-season fruits such as apples and pears, and late season varieties like figs and persimmons. Call or Whatsapp us at 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 to make your order for all season fruit seedlings.

Benefits of year-round fruits.

Food Security-Year-round fruit production enhances food security for individuals and communities by reducing reliance on seasonal harvests and external sources of produce. Continuous availability of fresh fruits helps mitigate the impact of food shortages, price fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions ensuring reliable access to nutritious food year-round.

Nutritional Accessibility- Year- round fruit production ensures consistent access to fresh, nutritious fruits regardless of seasonal variations. This promotes a diverse and balanced diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.

Economic opportunities.

Year-round fruit production creates economic opportunities for growers, farmers, and local economies. By extending the harvest season and diversifying product offerings, growers can increase their income potential, expand market reach, and support livelihoods within rural communities.

Thorn Melon Farming

A couple of times during my childhood days, my late grandfather would ask me to get him some thorn melons from the farm. By then, we didn’t grow any thorn melons instead they would grow up by themselves and that meant I didn’t know where exactly in the farm I would find them. My grandfather was my first love if I may say and that meant I would do anything to make him happy. I would look through the farm the whole day until I could spot a kiwano fruit as they used to call it and then I would happily take it to my grandpa. This was one of his favourite fruits especially due to the fact that he was a cardiovascular patient.

Thorn Melon Fruits.

Thorn melon as the name suggests is a tropical fruit whose outer skin is covered in numerous sharp, spiky protrusions or thorns. It is also known as Kiwano or horned melon. A number of people do not have sufficient information on how Kiwano fruit is grown but you who is reading this is at a better position because in this article we will explore all you need to know about  thorn melon farming .Just keep reading.

Climate and soil requirements of thorn melon farming.

Thorn melons thrive in warm climates with temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The ideal soil for thorn melon cultivation is well-drained sandy loam that has a good organic content and a soil pH range from 6.0 to 7.5.

Land preparations for thorn melon planting

Thorn melons require a location that has a good sunlight exposure and good air circulation. After getting a good location, clear the land off any weeds, debris, or rocks that may obstruct planting operations or compete with the plants for nutrients. Plow the land to break up the soil and improve its structure. In the preparations, incorporate well- rotted manure or compost to improve on the soil fertility.

Propagation

Thorn melons are primarily propagated from seeds. Seeds can be sown directly into the prepared soil or started in nursery trays for later transplantation. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2 cm and spaced 1 to 1.5 metres apart in rows.

Irrigation

Thorn melons require regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Drip irrigation or furrow irrigation systems are recommended to ensure efficient water use and prevent waterlogging.

Maturity period/harvesting.

In 70 to 90 days after planting your thorn melons will be ready for harvesting. You should harvest your kiwano fruits when they turn orange-yellow and the spikes on the skin start to soften. Cut the fruits from the vines using shears, leaving a short stem attached.

Ready to eat Kiwano fruit.

Market for your thorn melon fruits.

One thing that scares off many potential farmers is the market. But why is it so? Most farmers tend to look for markets when their product is ready for harvesting and that’s where they go wrong. Explore local markets, supermarkets, and export opportunities for your thorn melon fruits on time and build relationships with buyers and distributors to establish a steady market for your produce.

Nutritional benefits of Thorn Melon fruit.

It will not be fair enough to end this article without mentioning the nutritional benefits of Kiwano fruit. The fruit offers a range of nutritional benefits that include;

a)    Vitamin A-It is important for vision health, immune function, cell growth and development.

b)    Vitamin C-Thorn melons contains vitamin C that helps boost the immune system, promote collagen production for healthy skin, and protect cells from oxidative damage

c)     Potassium-Thorn melons are a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, maintain proper muscle and nerve function, and support heart health. Adequate potassium intake may help lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

d)    Antioxidants-Thorn melons contain various antioxidants including beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Also Read:White Sapote Farming in Kenya.

White Sapote Farming in Kenya

White sapote fruit is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. It is rich in essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, A, and B as well as minerals like potassium and calcium. White sapote fruit scientifically known as Casimiroa edulis is a delectable fruit whose origin is traced in Mexico. Its creamy texture and a sweet flavor that feels like a blend of banana, peach and pear has made it gain popularity among fruit lovers all over the world.

A Productive White Sapote Plant.

Cultivating white sapote requires attention to several key factors to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.

1.    Climate and Soil

White sapote thrives best in subtropical to tropical climates. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. While it can tolerate various soil types, sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal.

2.    Site Selection

Choose a site that has a full sunlight exposure with an adequate air circulation and protection from strong winds, especially during the early stages of growth for your white sapote.

3.    Propagation

White sapote can be propagated from seeds or through grafting on to suitable root stocks. Propagating from seeds entails collecting seeds from ripe fruits and sowing them in soil that is well-drained. On the other hand, grafting allows for the propagation of desired cultivars and ensures faster fruit production.

4.    Planting

When planting get yourself healthy white sapote seedlings from reputable nurseries like Richfarm Kenya -0724698357/0798919007/0723213602. Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the entire root system. Place the tree in the centre of the planting hole and then backfill the hole with soil while gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

5.    Watering

White sapote trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods and the establishment phase. Provide deep watering to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance while avoiding over watering as it can lead to root rot.

6.    Fertilization

Apply balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

7.    Pruning

Prune your white sapote trees to maintain a balanced shape, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree and stimulate new growth.

Maturity period

Your white sapote trees will start fruiting around 3 years after planting, although the timeline can vary depending on factors such as the tree’s health, growing conditions and cultivation practices. Providing optimal growing conditions such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning, can help promote earlier fruiting, however. After flowering, the fruit takes 6 to 8 months to mature up. Harvesting should be done when the fruit reaches optimal ripeness which is indicated by colour change, fruit firmness and the smell.

What pests and diseases commonly affect white sapote trees?

White sapote trees are easily prone to pests such as aphids, scale insects, and fruit flies. Diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can also affect tree health and fruit production.

Also Read: Pepino Melon Farming in Kenya.