How to start hass avocado farming in Kenya and what to expect (yield, viability, profitability)

A farmer’s ultimate goal is to invest in a venture that promises sustainable yields and profitability. Avocado farming, particularly the Hass variety, has emerged as a lucrative opportunity for small-scale and large-scale farmers in Kenya. This crop thrives in diverse agro-climatic zones, offering the potential for high returns with proper planning and management. The big question many aspiring avocado farmers ask is, “What kind of yield, viability, and profitability can one expect from Hass avocado farming in Kenya?”

Many factors influence the success of avocado farming. With the right approach, achieving a high yield from Hass avocado trees is straightforward. Some farmers report a yield of up to 1,000 fruits per tree, while others cite lower figures depending on management practices and environmental conditions. So, what should one expect when venturing into Hass avocado farming in Kenya?

Hass avocado farming in Kenya

In Kenya, avocados are grown for the local market. However, varieties such as the Hass are produced for export. It is known for its high quality, longer shelf life, and rich taste, making it a preferred choice. Understanding the key aspects of Hass avocado farming in Kenya is crucial to ensuring success for those considering venturing into this farming.

Varieties of Hass Avocado in Kenya

As Kenya solidifies its position as a leading exporter of Hass avocados, the country has adopted various varieties suited to its diverse climatic conditions. These varieties include:

• The golden hass
• Giant hass avocado
• The Pure or original hass

How to do Hass avocado farming in Kenya

Hass avocado farming in Kenya can be a profitable venture when done correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how Hass avocado farming in Kenya is done.

1. Choose a suitable location.

Hass avocados thrive in areas with well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal altitude ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 metres above sea level, with a temperature range of 20-24°C. The following are some of the regions in Kenya where Hass avocado thrives.

• Meru
• Kisii
• Kiambu
• Murang’a
• Nakuru
• Nyeri
• Eldoret
• Bomet
• Uasin Gishu
• Kakamega

2. Land preparation

Prepare the land by clearing weeds and debris. You can carry out deep ploughing to improve soil aeration and drainage. Also, ensure proper soil testing to check for essential nutrients and amend the soil if necessary.

3. Select quality seedlings

Purchase grafted Hass avocado seedlings from certified nurseries to ensure high-quality, disease-free plants. It is recommended to use grafted seedlings because they bear fruits faster (within 3-4 years) compared to seedlings grown from seeds.

4. Planting

Dig holes that are about 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide. Hass avocado spacing is 5 by 5 metres to give them enough room for growth and air circulation. Fill the holes with topsoil mixed with compost or well-decomposed manure. Then, plant the seedlings at the same depth they were growing in the nursery.

5. Watering

Young avocado trees require regular watering, especially during dry seasons. Water the plants profoundly but not excessively. Once established, Hass avocados are relatively drought-resistant, but supplemental watering during dry spells can improve fruit production.

6. Mulching and weeding

Apply organic mulch around the base of the trees to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. Regular weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

7. Fertilisation

Regularly apply organic manure such as compost or animal manure to boost soil fertility. You can also use nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertiliser (NPK) to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A soil test will guide you on the right type and amount of fertiliser.

8. Pruning

Prune your trees regularly to shape them, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote good air circulation. It should be done before the flowering stage. Proper pruning helps improve sunlight penetration and ensures healthier fruit development.

9. Pest and disease control

Some common pests you will likely encounter include fruit flies, omnivorous looper, thrips, persea mites and aphids. Additionally, diseases like root rot, avocado black streak and anthracnose can affect Hass avocado yield.

However, you can easily apply integrated pest management practices like:

• Using organic pesticides.
• Regular monitoring.
• Introducing beneficial insects like green lacewing larvae
• Pruning.

How long does Hass avocado take to mature in Kenya?

A Hass avocado tree starts to bear fruits after three to four years. The tree flowers in October and are usually ready for picking between June and September.

Hass avocado yield per tree

In two to three years, each tree produces around 30 fruits, which adds up to an average of 300 to 400 kilograms per acre. With proper care, a mature hass avocado tree can reach even higher levels.

How many avocado trees per acre in Kenya?

Typically, farmers plant around 150 Hass avocado trees per acre. This ensures proper spacing to allow each tree enough room for growth and optimal fruit production.

What is the Hass avocado price in Kenya?

The price of Hass avocados in Kenya fluctuates depending on the season, size, quality and market demand. Locally, the price of a kilo of hass avocado in Kenya ranges between KSh 20 to KSh 30, while export prices are significantly higher, especially during peak demand.

How profitable is Hass avocado farming?

Hass avocado farming in Kenya is highly profitable due to the strong local and export demand. Assuming a farmer plants 150 Hass avocado trees on an acre, and each tree yields around 30 fruits, the total number of fruits harvested will be 4,500 fruits. Since a kilo of hass avocado goes from Ksh 20 to Ksh 30, the farmer will earn Ksh 90000 to Ksh 135 000 per acre.

Wrapping up

Hass avocado farming in Kenya is a lucrative venture with immense potential. The key to success lies in using exemplary farming practices, which include proper land preparation, selecting high-quality seedlings, and giving the trees appropriate care throughout their growth. By ensuring these factors are met, farmers can significantly boost their yield and profitability in this ever-growing industry.