You’ve probably come across the alluring blueberry fruit during your excursions at the supermarket or farmers’ market. On face value, they look sweet, but have you ever wondered about their source? Blueberries are flowering plants from the genus Vaccinium. They are native to North America, Asia, Western Europe and Scandinavia. Would you like to know more about blueberry farming in Kenya? Like other commercial crops, an insight into its profitability is what would make sense to a would-be commercial farmer looking to increase their stake in sustainable agriculture.
Blueberry farming in Kenya is slowly emerging as a lucrative agribusiness. The demand for blueberries, also labelled as a “superfood”, offers Kenyan farmers an additional marketing advantage. This means that farmers who can produce the highest quality of this fruit are at the winning end.
How is blueberry farming in Kenya done?
With the right knowledge and expertise, Kenyan farmers can take advantage of the growing demand for blueberries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow blueberries in Kenya.
1. Choose a suitable location
Blueberries require well-drained soil with a pH level between 4.0 and 5.5. Also, ensure that all other soil components, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, are within adequate levels for healthy plant growth. Your desired location should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the soil
Before planting, the soil should be cleared of weeds and any other debris. Then, dig 18-24 inches deep and mix the soil with organic matter such as peat moss or compost.
3. Plant the bushes
Blueberry bushes should be planted when the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant’s root ball. Then, backfill the bush in the hole with the soil mixture.
4. Water the bushes
Water the bushes thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly to keep the soil moist.
5. Apply mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
6. Prune the bushes
Blueberry bushes should be pruned to remove any dead or damaged wood. This helps to promote new growth and increase yield.
7. Fertilize the bushes
These crops should be fertilised with an acid-based or water-soluble fertiliser to ensure optimal growth and yield.
How much does it cost to produce blueberries in Kenya?
The production cost of blueberries in Kenya involves several factors, such as labour, land preparation, and pest control. Below are some approximate values.
| Factor | Cost of production per acre (Ksh) |
| Land preparation | 30,000 to 80,000 |
| Labour | 100,000 to 500,000 |
| Pest control | 40,000 to 100,000 |
| Fertilizers | 30,000 to 80,000 |
| Planting materials | 400,000 to 5,000,000 |
| Harvesting | 50,000 to 150,000 |
Is blueberry farming profitable in Kenya?
According to FarmersTrend, a blueberry farm in Kenya can produce between 2,722 and 3,628 kilograms of blueberries per acre per year. Other blueberry varieties, such as Duke and Legacy, can produce up to 4,536 kilograms of blueberries per acre per year.
With the current price of Ksh. 1600, per kilo, you will be making an income of about, Ksh.4.3millon to Ksh. 5.8 per acre annually.
Blueberry pests and diseases
Blueberry bushes are prone to several pests and diseases. Some of the common pests infesting blueberries are explored below alongside their remedies.
Anthracnose ripe rot
This disease damages the fruit by infecting the twigs and spurs. It causes a salmon or rust-coloured berry rot, which can ruin the quality of the fruit. An infected blueberry will show bright pink spore masses at the end. To control anthracnose, prune old growth from your blueberry bush annually or use a broad-spectrum fungicide.
Botrytis blight
Botrytis blight is also known as grey mould. The first sign of botrytis is the berries turning brown and appearing to have a grey powder before dying off. Other symptoms include leaf spots, wilting, and discolouration. An effective preventive measure for this disease is to spray a copper-based fungicide when your plants begin to bloom
Iron chlorosis
Iron chlorosis is caused by insufficient iron in blueberry plants. Its early signs include yellow foliage, early leaf drop, and decreased growth. You can correct blueberries’ iron deficiency by acidifying the soil or adding synthetic iron chelators.
Mummy berry
Mummy berry causes leaves, buds, stems, and flower clusters to suddenly wilt and turn brown. Eventually, they become covered with a powdery mass of spores. The easiest way to control this is to remove and dispose of fallen leaves and old berries, either by burying or burning them.
How fast do blueberries take to grow?
Blueberry bushes start bearing fruits after 2 years. In the early stages, the berries are pink or white and later turn green before turning blue. It is advisable to pick them once they turn blue. Note that the picking time should always happen when there are no hints of pink or green.
Which berries grow in Kenya?
There are various types of berries grown in Kenya. During an interview with Kilimo News, farmer Wilson Njuguna from Lavington Herbs clarified that majority of the berries variety in Kenya grow with minimal care:
There are quite a variety of berries. We have blueberries, gorge berries, raspberries, blackberries and others. All these grow with minimal care and few pests and diseases, so management is easy and can be done by anybody.
Wrapping up
Blueberry farming in Kenya is a promising agribusiness that will enable you to achieve ultimate success. Applying the right techniques can enable you to produce the highest quality of berries therefore resulting in a bumper harvest.
