Did you know that pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family?
Pomelo
known as mbalungi/balungi in Swahili is characterized by its large size, often
reaching up to 30cm in diameter and weighing between 1 to 2kg. It has a thick,
spongy rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow when ripe. Pomelo
originated from Southeast Asia before spreading to other parts of the world.Pomelo Farming
Pomelo
farming requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30
degrees Celsius. It thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH
range of 5.5 to 6.5. Pomelo plants require long hours of sunlight for crucial
fruit development.
Propagation
of Pomelo
Pomelo
is primarily propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is most preferred
as it ensures the propagation of desirable traits such as fruit quality and
diseases resistance.
Step
by step process for planting pomelo.
1.
Land preparation
Select
a site that has a good sunlight exposure and clear the land off weeds and
debris. Prepare planting holes measuring 60cm in diameter and 60cm in depth
with a spacing of 8-10metres apart.
2.
Actual planting
Get
your ready to plant grafted pomelo seedlings from certified nurseries. Place the
grafted seedlings in holes, ensuring the graft union is above the soil level.
Backfill with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure.
3.
Watering
Water
the plants immediately after planting and continue to provide regular
irrigation, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation systems are
efficient and as they help conserve water.
Pest
and Disease
Common
pests and diseases that are known to affect pomelos include citrus psyllids,
aphids, fruit flies, citrus greening, anthracnose and root rot.
Maturity/Yield
Pomelo
plant takes about 3 years from planting to start fruiting. A mature pomelo tree
can produce up to 100-150 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1
to 2kg. With proper management, farmers can achieve high yields, translating to
significant income.
Market
demand/ Marketing strategies
The
market demand for pomelo in Kenya is on the rise, driven by increasing
awareness of its health benefits and the growing middle class with a taste for
exotic fruits. Additionally, the fruit has potential export markets in the
Middle East and Europe. You can market your pomelos through local markets,
supermarket chains, and export to international markets. Establishing and
joining cooperative societies can enhance bargaining power and access to better
markets.
How
profitable is pomelo farming?
The
initial investment in pomelo farming includes the cost of seedlings, land
preparation, and irrigation systems. However, the returns are substantial due
to the high market prices for pomelo, ranging between ksh100 to ksh200 per kg.
With an average yield of 10-15 tonnes per hectare, farmers can realize a gross
income of ksh1,000,000 to ksh3,000,000 per hectare per year.
Value Addition
Apart
from being eaten directly, pomelo fruit can be processed into juices, jams and
marmalades. Doing this value addition will definitely increase its market
value. The thick rind of pomelos can be used to make candied peels, and this
further enhances its profitability.
Nutritional
benefits of Pomelo fruit
Pomelo
is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It supports
immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids digestion. The fruit is also
low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any diet.