As Kenyans continue to embrace farming as a source of income, some have delved into fruit farming while others focus on exotic and rare fruits fetching millions in the global market.
One of the most expensive fruits in Kenya, with a single fruit retailing between Ksh150 to Ksh300, is the pomegranates.
The fruit is known for its medicinal value due to its fibre richness and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties.
Pomegranate farmers sell a kilogram of the fruit consisting of about three fruits or more between Ksh1,500 and Ksh1,700 in the market.
Each tree produces approximately 15 kilograms of fruits in the first year and 20 in the second year. Therefore, from one tree, a farmer can make Ksh25,500, which is expected to increase depending on the number of trees planted.
Some of the benefits of the fruit include enhancing blood flow, being rich in flavonoids that counter cancer-causing cells, helping treat or reduce the effects of dental plaque, and being a good source of Vitamin C and K.
The fruit believed to have originated from Persia can be used in salads, making juices, or flavouring foods.
However, the fruit is susceptible to several pests, including mites, aphids, and pomegranate fruit borer.
Unfortunately, most of the pomegranates sold in the Kenyan market are imported. Thus, more farmers are urged to join the venture, with seedlings going for Ksh300.
Favourable Conditions
Pomegranates require optimum temperatures of 20- 30 degrees. The temperature is suitable for flowering, fruit development, and ripening.
However, despite the fruits being more suitable in altitudes between 500-1000 metres, the fruit can thrive in a wide range of altitudes.
Farmers must plant the tree in deep, loamy, and well-drained soils. It can also tolerate slight salinity and alkalinity in a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
"Pomegranates require dry and semi-arid weather. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water," advised Oxfarm Organic.
