Avocado farming is an increasingly popular venture in Kenya, with Hass avocado being the most commonly grown variety due to its high demand and profitability. However, successful Hass avocado farming requires good management practices to achieve high yields and quality. In this blog post, we will outline the best practices for successful Hass avocado farming in Kenya.
-
Site Selection:
The first step in successful Hass avocado farming is selecting the right site. Hass avocado requires well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5, good water availability, and good air circulation. The site should be free from pests and diseases, and should not have a history of avocado wilt or root rot.
-
Seed Selection:
The choice of seedlings is critical in successful Hass avocado farming. Farmers should select certified seedlings from reputable nurseries to ensure high-quality trees with good growth and disease resistance. Farmers Trend is one of the best sellers of the best Hass avocado seedlings in Kenya, offering high-quality seedlings that are certified by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
-
Land Preparation:
Land preparation is critical in successful Hass avocado farming. Farmers should clear the site of weeds, rocks, and other debris, and prepare planting holes of 60cm by 60cm, filled with well-prepared soil mixed with manure. The spacing between the holes should be 6-10 meters, depending on the soil fertility and topography.
-
Planting:
Hass avocado should be planted during the rainy season to ensure good establishment and growth. The seedlings should be planted at the same depth as they were in the nursery, and the soil around the seedlings should be well-compacted to avoid air pockets. The seedlings should be watered immediately after planting and regularly thereafter, especially during the dry season.
-
Fertilizer Application:
Hass avocado requires a balanced fertilizer application to ensure good growth and yield. Farmers should apply a complete fertilizer such as NPK 17:17:17 at the rate of 200g per tree per year, divided into two applications. Additional applications of organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can be applied to improve soil fertility and organic matter content.
-
Pruning:
Pruning is critical in shaping the tree canopy and promoting good fruit production. Farmers should prune the trees during the dry season, removing any dead or diseased branches, and shaping the tree to allow good sunlight penetration and air circulation. The trees should be pruned to a height of 2-2.5 meters for easy management and harvesting.
-
Irrigation:
Hass avocado requires regular and adequate irrigation to ensure good growth and yield. Farmers can adopt various irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, or furrow irrigation, depending on the soil and water availability. The trees should be irrigated regularly, especially during the dry season, to avoid water stress and fruit drop.
-
Pest and Disease Control:
Hass avocado is vulnerable to various pests and diseases such as thrips, mites, and root rot. Farmers should adopt integrated pest and disease management strategies such as cultural, biological, and chemical control to manage pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and early detection of pests and diseases can help to reduce crop losses and improve yield.
-
Harvesting and Marketing:
Hass avocado can be harvested when the fruit is mature and ready for consumption. The fruit should be harvested carefully to avoid damage, and sorted according to size and quality. Farmers can market their Hass avocado through various channels such as local markets, exporters, or value addition activities such as avocado oil production.
FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL HASS AVOCADO FARMING
- Climate: Hass avocado is a tropical and subtropical crop that requires warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. It grows best in areas with an altitude of 1000-2000m above sea level, with average temperatures of 18-25°C and rainfall of 800-1200mm per year. Farmers should also consider the prevailing winds, humidity, and frost risk in their area, and choose the appropriate variety and planting time accordingly.
- Pollination: Hass avocado is self-sterile, which means it requires cross-pollination from other trees to set fruit. Farmers should therefore plant at least two or three different varieties that have overlapping flowering periods, or use grafting techniques to ensure pollination. They should also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies by planting flowering crops or shrubs around their avocado orchards.
- Weed control: Weeds can compete with avocado trees for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and also harbor pests and diseases. Farmers should use various methods to control weeds, such as manual weeding, mulching, or herbicides, depending on the weed species and density. They should also avoid damaging the tree roots or trunks during weeding or cultivation.
- Harvest management: Hass avocado fruit matures over a period of several months, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Farmers should therefore plan their harvest schedule and labor requirements in advance, and also monitor the fruit quality and quantity regularly. They should also follow the recommended post-harvest practices, such as cooling, cleaning, and packaging, to maintain the fruit freshness and appearance.
- Marketing: Hass avocado is a high-value crop that can generate good income for farmers, especially in export markets. However, farmers need to identify the market demands and quality standards, and also comply with the relevant regulations and certifications, such as GlobalGAP, Fairtrade, or Organic. They should also negotiate fair prices and payment terms, and build long-term relationships with their buyers.
- Soil fertility: Hass avocado trees require well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and high organic matter content. Farmers should conduct soil tests to determine the nutrient levels and deficiencies, and apply appropriate fertilizers and organic amendments, such as compost, manure, or green manure, to improve soil fertility. They should also avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers or lime, which can harm the tree roots and soil microorganisms.
- Water management: Hass avocado trees have moderate water requirements and are sensitive to both drought and waterlogging. Farmers should therefore plan their irrigation schedule and methods based on the soil type, rainfall pattern, tree age and size, and other factors. They should also monitor the soil moisture level and adjust the irrigation frequency and amount accordingly. They can use various irrigation techniques, such as drip, sprinkler, or furrow, depending on their resources and preferences.
- Pest and disease management: Hass avocado trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as thrips, mites, fruit flies, Phytophthora root rot, and bacterial canker. Farmers should adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods to reduce the pest and disease pressure. They should also follow the recommended spray programs and safety measures when using pesticides or fungicides, and avoid using banned or unregistered products.
- Pruning and training: Hass avocado trees have a naturally upright growth habit and can reach up to 10-15m in height if not pruned or trained properly. Farmers should therefore prune and train their trees to maintain a manageable height and shape, promote air circulation and light penetration, and enhance fruit quality and yield. They can use various pruning techniques, such as heading, thinning, or shaping, depending on the tree age and vigor.
- Record keeping: Hass avocado farming involves multiple tasks and decisions, and farmers need to keep accurate and up-to-date records of their activities, inputs, and outputs. This can help them track their progress, identify the problems and opportunities, make informed decisions, and comply with the legal and certification requirements. They can use various tools and methods, such as notebooks, spreadsheets, or mobile apps, to record their data.
It is important for farmers to keep up with the latest developments in Hass avocado farming, such as new varieties, technologies, and market trends. They can do this by attending training sessions, workshops, and field days organized by agricultural extension officers, universities, or research institutions. They can also network with other farmers, associations, or cooperatives to share experiences and knowledge, and access financing and marketing opportunities.
One of the best practices for successful Hass avocado farming in Kenya is selecting the right site and preparing it well. The site should have well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and good water-holding capacity. The site should also have good access to water, either through natural sources such as rivers or through irrigation systems. Farmers should also ensure that the site is free from pests, diseases, and weeds that can affect the health and growth of the trees.
Another important practice is selecting the best Hass avocado seedlings. Farmers should buy certified seedlings from reputable nurseries or sellers, such as Farmers Trend, who offer high-quality seedlings that are disease-free, true-to-type, and adapted to local conditions. Farmers should also choose the appropriate planting distance and spacing for the seedlings, depending on the variety and soil type. The recommended spacing for Hass avocado is 5m x 5m or 6m x 4m, which allows good sunlight penetration and air circulation.