Grapes Farming In Kenya, A Guide To Have You Started

Grape is a is a climbing plant that produces fruits in a bunch of edible berries and grows well in various parts of Kenya such as Naivasha, Meru and Bungoma. They can be eaten raw or can be used to process wine and other products such as jam and grape juice.

There are plenty of health benefits in consuming grapes for they are a rich source of Vitamins- A, C, K and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese.

Grapes are widely cultivated all over the world due to the fact that they are non-climatic and can thrive in different climatic conditions but they prefer warm to hot temperatures.

Grapes are suitable for home gardeners and for small scale or large scale commercial production. Grapes farming in Kenya can be used to reduce economic and food insecurity because there is a good market within the country.

There is ready market throughout the year and new wine companies that use grapes as their main raw material are setting shop in Kenya. The future of this crop is promising.

A good percentage of the grape consumed in Kenya is imported and mostly sold to the high end market that pays a good price for them- a kilo goes at around 400-500 Ksh. Wine producing companies such as Kenyan wine agencies do import the grapes they use because of the good quality of imported grapes and lack of local supply .

Any company prefers getting their core raw materials from within and are only forced to import if they have no other choice. This greatly increases the cost of production and denies such companies a competitive advantage. Some of the companies are aware of this and have developed their own grapevine orchards but the grape produced is still insufficient.

This plant has the potential to create employment and wealth among Kenyan farmers’ especially young farmers who are ready to try something new. Grapes’ growing is still in its formative stage despite the fact that there are grapevine orchards in different parts of Kenya that are more than 20 years old.

More farmers and home gardeners should be encouraged to embrace this crop. Farmers can go an extra mile and establish wine making cottage industries that will improve the economic outlook of their locality. There is a lot to be done to ensure farmers are well trained on grape cultivation and value addition to guarantee high quality produce that will rival imported grapes and wine.

Grape prefers deep and well drained soil and can grow in any soil type. They can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively by using cuttings. While planting a spacing of 15-20 cm should be observed. A trellis system should also be implemented to train and support the grape vines as they grow.

Alternatively grapes can be planted together with mulberry as a companion plant that will offer the grapes support and distract birds from eating the grape fruit for they will be attracted to the mulberry fruits that will be high above. Birds pose a great challenge once the crop ripens; we prefer using fruit trees such as strawberry guava and mulberry to distract them. Birds will be easily attracted to these fruits and leave the grapes that are well trained and fruits tucked under the leaves. Insect and disease problems can be reduced by planting vines in a sunny location with good air drainage.

Grape pests & diseases

Keeping your grapes properly pruned and cleaning up grape leaves in the fall will help to decrease the number of overwintering pests. Cultivate around the base of each plant to turn up any pupae. Intercropping with coriander (dhania) can help attract bees to your grapevines

• Grape Berry Moths lay eggs directly on the grapes. The larvae will drill into the berries, leaving small holes and webbing in between the berries.
• Deer and birds can also devastate your grapevines. Use human or dog scent.
• Birds can also be a menace while growing grapes, Netting can be used to protect your plants from birds

Grape Diseases

• Mildew and fungus diseases are common among grape growers in humid areas. Symptoms of disease include discoloration of leaves, film on leaves, lesions on leaves or decay of berries. Seedless varieties are usually the most disease resistant.
• Powdery Mildew – white, powder-like substance on the leaves
• Downy Mildew – light green to yellow spots on leaves
• Black Rot – brown circular lesions on leaves

Diseases can vary depending on the county you live in and its highly advised you contact an agronomist or an extension officer.

Harvesting Grapes

Grapes change color long before they are ripe. To best judge when to harvest your grapes, have a taste! Grapes will not continue to ripen after they are picked. The longer they are on they stay on the vine, the sweeter they become. Grapes are full-colored long before they are ripe and do not continue to ripen once they are picked. Taste the grapes and pick them when they are at the desired sweetness.

Grape farming done right can guarantee excellent returns as many farmers have reported raking in millions from the fruit. Farmers Trend supplies and delivers high quality grape seedlings as well as clear insight on how to correctly venture into grape farming.