Kenyan Making Ksh 2.2M per Acre Through Organic Farming

A collage of Andrew Kinoti and an image of a dragon fruit cactus.
A collage of Andrew Kinoti and an image of a dragon fruit cactus.
Kenyans.co.ke

Before modern-day technology, agriculture was being done organically, such that whatever was used on the farm - be it fertilizers or pesticides - was natural and not genetically modified.



This way agricultural produce from organic farming had the essential nutrients and consumers did not have to worry about the effects it could cause.



Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system used in the production of both livestock and crops which do not in any way encourage or involve the use of genetically modified organisms, fertilizers, growth hormones, and even antibiotics in order to keep the crop and the soil in a healthy condition always.



Organic agriculture or ecologically-based farming is basically the use of green manure, compost, biological agriculture, and biological fertilizers derived from animal waste.

harvested dragon fruits on display
Harvested dragon fruits on display
Kilimo Kenya

It is through this method of farming that a Kenyan farmer, Andrew Kinoti, rakes in millions through his organic dragon fruit farming.



Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kinoti highlighted the potential that the Dragon Fruit has as a new crop for Kenyan growers since it adapts well to the local climate with high temperatures and consumes little water.



"The fruit of this crop is appreciated worldwide as a super fruit for its positive health benefits, high nutritional value, and other nutraceutical benefits," he revealed.



Moreover, Kinoti argued that the local and global market trends show an ever-increasing demand for new, healthy exotic fruits.

The dragon fruit can be made into a range of industrial products such as juices, jam, sherbets, wines, syrup, flavorings, and medicine.



"It makes a very fragrant and refreshing tea which is made from its flowers and roots. Like many other fruits, the dragon fruit has great medicinal benefits and a lot of people have grown to trust and depend on it," he observed in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke.



"The flower buds and fruit peels are used to make soups too," he added. 

Economics in Dragon Fruit Farming reveals that the fruits are sold in the market at a retail price of between Ksh1000 and Ksh2,500 per kg, and go for as much as Ksh950 per fruit!

The general farm gate price is approximately between Ksh 500 to 800 per kg.



A general calculation of annual income for a 1-acre plot may be calculated as follows: One Acre x 450 poles x 10 kg (least) x Ksh500 (minimum) = Ksh2.25 million per acre per year.



Kinoti encouraged e
ntrepreneurs and especially those taking up farming to start dragon fruit farming as a new cash crop that is very profitable.

Decide on what kind of farming or agriculture you want to engage in, and make sure you have gained enough capital and knowledge so that you can be able to understand the challenges you can encounter.



Consider how to make your own manure, natural pest, insect, and weed control, and how to make animal feeds among other considerations depending on your agricultural practice which will help to reduce the cost.



It is very likely that you cannot produce all the feeds as there are those that have to be done by professionals in the field. It is therefore advisable to purchase their essential needs and do the best you can to complement the ones you buy.

An image of a well sliced and served dragon fruit.
An image of a well-sliced and served dragon fruit.