Investing in Pomegranate farming in Kenya
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People investing in high-value crops are smiling all the way to the bank. Pomegranates is one of the crops that is earning people millions. The crop that requires little space per tree and produces big fruits when well-watered and taken care of. It is considered to be one of the most expensive fruits hence one can earn substantial income even from a small piece of land. Due to its profitability, people are being advised to take up the pomegranate farming as a commercial venture.
Ecological requirements for Pomegranate Farming
Rainfall: Pomegranates require dry and semi-arid weather. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water. The crop performs best when grown under irrigation.
Temperatures: The optimum temperatures for pomegranate farming range from 200C – 300C. Optimum temperatures for flowering, fruit development, and ripening, range from 350C -380C
Altitude: Pomegranates perform well in a wide range of altitudes. However, low altitudes of between 500 – 1000m above sea level are the most suitable for the crop.
Soil: The plant grows in a wide range of soils, both low-fertile and high-fertile soils. However, it performs best in deep, loamy, and well-drained soils. It can tolerate slight salinity and alkalinity. The ideal pH for pomegranate farming range from6.5 – 7.5.
Spacing and Planting
Pomegranates require a spacing of around 3.5m x 4m. Before planting, the topsoil should be mixed with well-decomposed manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Areas grown in Kenya
In Kenya, pomegranates perform well in areas such as Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, parts of North-eastern Kenya like Wajir and Mandera, parts of Central Kenya such as Nyeri, the coastal region, and most parts of Western Kenya. They also thrive in parts such as Kisumu.
Weeding
Pomegranate orchards should be weed-free. Mulching and planting cover crops is recommended to minimize the growth of weeds.
Varieties
Pomegranate varieties that perform well in Kenya include;
- Kandhari
- Ganesh
- Jyothi
- Mradula
- Bhagwa
- Jalore Seedless
- Phule Arakta
Maturity
Pomegranate harvesting depends on the growing region, ecological conditions, and management techniques. Harvesting takes place 5-6 months after flowering. At this time, the fruits are mature and ready for harvesting.
Pests and Diseases
Pomegranates are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases such as;
Pests
Some of the pests affecting pomegranates include;
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Omnivorous leafrollers
- Mites
- Pomegranate fruit borer
Diseases
Diseases affecting pomegranates include;
- Cerspora fruit spot
- Heart rot
- Bacterial leafspot
- Gray mold
Price per seedling
At Oxfarm Ag, we sell certified pomegranate seedlings at Ksh 300 each.
Production and Output
Healthy pomegranate trees can produce high yields ranging from 12-15kgs per tree during the first year. In the subsequent years (second year onwards), the yield per tree ranges from 15-20kgs. Pomegranates are one of the most expensive fruits in the world. In Kenya, the retail prices for one fruit range from Ksh 150 – ksh 300 while the wholesale prices range from Ksh 80 – Ksh 100. The fruit retails at premium prices in the export market with one kilo going for an average price of between Ksh 1500 – Ksh 1700.
This means that a farmer can earn between Ksh 1,080,000 – Ksh 2,160,000 in the first year.
In the export market, a farmer can pocket between Ksh 3,600,000 – Ksh 4,800,000.
From the second year onwards, a farmer should expect a minimum of Ksh 1,350,000 in the Kenyan market and ksh 4,500,000 in the export market. Isn’t that a lucrative venture?
Package cost
Establishing pomegranate orchards has never been easy to most farmers. Through our extensive research, we have realized that most farmers do not have adequate expertise on pomegranate farming. This has caused them huge losses. To help farmers experience the profitability of the agribusiness, we have tried to simplify every step making it easy for you venture into pomegranate farming. Oxfarm Ag Ltd has come up with a package enable famers venture into the lucrative agribusiness without making losses. The package only requires the farmer to plough the land and Oxfarm establishes the orchard for them.
The package costs Ksh ,000.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN POMEGRANATE PACKAGE?
- Free consultancy
- 200 certified and high-quality pomegranate seedlings
- Labor (measurement and digging of planting holes, soil treatment and testing, planting) (50% discount offered)
- Organic manure (earthlee) equivalent to one bucket of normal manure (30% discount offered)
- Lifetime agronomy support
- Market connection
Marketing
Currently, 90% of pomegranates used to add value to products or sold in the markets are imported. Pomegranates are greatly used in making beauty products. In Kenya, the cosmetic industry imports pomegranate products made from pomegranate seed oil and pomegranate fruit shell. In Kenya, the number of people practicing commercial pomegranate farming is still low. If we embrace pomegranate farming as an economic venture, we would reduce the importation. The market for the fruit is quite high in towns and the international market.
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I am interested in fruit farming and have planted at 20 seedlings of the golden colour variety which is common here in nyeri. How much can my few trees fetch for me when mature? I have also planted avocado and macadamia. Advise me where to put more energy
Great! Am interested in this venture to grow pomegranates. I need the seedlings and support to walk this journey. Kindly send me contacts.
Thank you for the information,am interested
Good information but would like to know the package for pomegranate and will they do well in kajiado county (kajiado west)
Can promegrante do well in kabete and where can I get seedlings and at what cost?.
Hello
How can i get the seedlings here in bungoma
Good info. I am interested in this crop and wish to get more insight On the same .
Hello, I wish to venture into pomegranate farming, at Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri. Pls advise how you can assist. Thanks
Does it do well in Mukurweini, Nyeri?
I would like to venture in pomegranate, how can i get your offices. A farmer rom Malindi, in Kilifi county.
The figures you’ve given about sales are they real? Can I plant with other crops or it needs like been or bananas.
Am in kitui and want to venture in pomegranate farming where can I get seed and how long does it take to grow to mature
Hey Paul Nzuki, we have responded directly to your email address. Thank you
I would like to do this farming of parmogranate.
Hello
My email is suwanjeru53@gmail.com
Kindly contact me so we can deliberate on this
Can I farm it in kericho?
I intend to plant pomegranate fruits in Marafa Kilifi County. Do you have any offices in Coast. I also have land at Chepkinoiyo, 20kms from Molo. I don’t know whether it’s ideal for growing pomegranate
I seem to embrace the farming. I can do it between bananas which I can replace once the fruits start production.
How much do you charge per acre to establish the orchard? My land is within Joska area on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Can it do well in clay soil places like bomet
I have planted a number of pomegranate trees which have already produced the first fruits but they are cracking before they are fully ripe .please advise.
good morning we have responded to your email.
Can I intercrop promergnate with my orange trees
Good morning,
Kindly advise if pomegranate can do well in kanwa chuka area in tharaka nithi.
Also advise how long the plant will take before first harvest, if it can grow without irrigation, and the package cost of establishing the 200 plant farm
Also advise the size of land required for 200 seedlings.
How can one get certified seeds?
I am interested.
Interesting indeed.I definitely want to join the business.Is the offer still on?
Am interested in pomegranate farming. Can it do well in Nyandarua (Dundori area)
The part about the package cost has been covered, how much is the package cost?
In need of the ganesh seedlings, how can i get them m. From makueni
I would like to farm pomegranates. Land is in Kiserian/Isinya area. Is this good climate and weather for them
Catherine
Can pomegranate tree grow in black cotton soil
Where can I get the seedlings
It would be nice to read some of the replies from oxform.
Am more curious if i plant pomegranate in isinya.
This is really interesting and would wish to try this pomegranate farming. I am in Tana River county far away from Nairobi. Is possible to benefit from the Oxfarm package without hitches?
Would love to grow pomegranates in Machakos, which type is the best in terms of early maturity n sweetness and how do I get the certified seeds?
This is interesting and would like to try this pomegranate farming. I am in Chonyi(Kilifi county). Do you have ofices in Kilifi? Can this tree do well here? How long does it take to maturity. How many trees can occupy one acre? How much do you charge for one acre?
Hi, i would like to venture in pomegranate farming in Loitokitok; is the area conducive for this plant? Where are your offices in Kajiado county
I have two acres of land in Kilifi county which is readily ploughed ready for planting. Am interested in farming pomegranate for export market. I am interested in your package. Can my two acres be of viable venturing? How can you come to my aids through your well presented package. What would be my roll to play?
Hi
i want to invets in pomegranate and dragon fruit farming.
i really need proper guidance and step by step on the seedlings, planting, maintanace, harvesting and market.
Am really learning a lot . Am interested in pomegranate and arrow root farming in eastern part of kenya .To be specific
Machakos county, Kangundo. I would like also to do pixie farming in Mwala area also in Machakos .
Want to venture in pomegranate farming but still can’t get replies on email sent