Persimmon fruit farming is quickly gaining popularity in Kenya due to its high profitability, with agricultural consultants projecting that a farmer can earn up to Ksh29 million per acre.
The profitability of the fruit is highly increased by the plant's adaptability to different climatic conditions.
Persimmon fruit is also hard and can grow with minimal care and intervention, which reduces production costs and subsequently increases profits.
Areas Farmers Can Grow Persimmon fruits
The plant needs a warm and temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius.
For soil, the plant needs well-drained deep soil with rich organic matter. The soil pH level must be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimum fruit production.
As such, FarmersTrend, an agricultural publication, notes that the fruit can be grown in; Central, Rift Valley, Western, and Coastal regions.
The fruit can also grow in arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya if irrigated, as the trees require consistent and adequate moisture throughout the growing season.
Farming cost (per acre)
Clearing the land, ploughing, and harrowing on virgin land will cost up to Ksh35,000.
Depending on the region, planting costs between Ksh80,000 and Ksh200,000, according to FarmersTrend. The amount is inclusive of seedlings, grafted trees, fertiliser and labour costs.
If in an area without adequate rainfall, irrigation can cost Ksh50,000, with pruning and maintenance costs totalling up to Ksh20,000.
According to the agricultural publication, labour costs for fruit picking and sorting, packaging, and transport to the market, can rise to approximately Ksh30,000.
How to earn the millions
Persimmon plant reaches maximum yield in their fifth year, with one tree producing around 400-1000 fruit per year with an average of 600 fruits.
An acre of Persimmon trees can accommodate 500 trees bringing the total number of fruits harvested in a year to 300,000 fruits.
The average market price of Persimmon fruits is Ksh100 per piece earning the farmer Ksh30 million per acre.
The farming cost of the fruit is up to Ksh200,000, ensuring that the fruit can earn a farmer over Ksh29 million per year.
Persimmon fruits can be sold locally or exported. Germany is the biggest international market for locally grown Persimmon fruits.
