Kenya’s macadamia sector is experiencing a major transformation. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the European Union-funded Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) have launched a collaborative training program focused on sensitizing farmers on the benefits of growing improved disease-resistant macadamia varieties that yield up to seven times what farmers currently earn with traditional macadamia. This will make new macadamia varieties more readily known and accessible to farmers across the country.

MRG20 macadamia is at the center of this transformation. The variety, also known as Murang’a 20, is one of KALRO’s most outstanding clones, with wide adaptability across altitudes of 1400 to 1750 metres. This guide covers everything you need to know about MRG20 macadamia farming. You will learn about the training program, the variety’s superior yields, planting guidelines, and market opportunities.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

• KALRO and MARKUP are training farmers in 12 counties on growing improved macadamia varieties that yield seven times more than traditional varieties.
• MRG20 macadamia starts yielding at three years, compared to ten years for indigenous varieties .
• A mature MRG20 tree can produce 70kg to 150kg of nuts, while indigenous varieties yield only 30kg to 50kg.
• At current prices of Sh80 to Sh120 per kilogram, a single MRG20 tree earns up to Sh8,400 per harvest.
• An acre with 70 trees can generate Sh588,000 per harvest.
• Over 98 percent of Kenya’s macadamia output is exported, with global demand projected to grow at 6.8 percent annually.

The KALRO-MARKUP Training Program

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the European Union (EU) funded Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) have embarked on promoting new farming technologies for breeding multiple disease free and high yielding macadamia and passion fruit planting material. The venture is targeting farmers in 12 counties who will be trained on the appropriate methods to use in grafting macadamia and passion seedlings that can contain diseases and pests as a way of protecting the country’s European and other international markets.

Why Training Is Needed

According to a recent IPSOS Baseline survey done on behalf of the EU-funded MARKUP Kenya program, weak extension services were revealed to be one of the major barriers to food safety in Kenya . Antony Nyaga, a Phytologist at KALRO’s Macadamia Center, noted that as the global macadamia industry continues to grow, the need to deliver exceptional quality nuts was becoming more critical than ever before.

The Phytologist said that this is where the biggest challenge for Kenya’s market competitiveness in the global arena lies because farmers are not faithful to producing quality nuts due to the low support the sector receives from other actors . “Global demand for the nuts has risen over the years. We sell over 98 per cent of our macadamia to global markets. Our buyers dictate quality. If we don’t adhere to best practices in this highly competitive market, we will be edged out, and one way of doing this is by ensuring that the bulk of our macadamia farmers have easy access to high quality planting material,” observed Mr Nyaga.

The Counties Targeted

The training effort will be conducted in 12 counties. The counties are Nakuru, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Makueni, Machakos and Kajiado. These counties represent Kenya’s diverse agricultural zones and include both traditional and non-traditional macadamia growing areas.

With the declining fortunes in the tea and coffee sector, macadamia nuts and passion fruits are coming up as an alternative source of income for farmers in central Kenya and other non-traditional growing areas such as the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.

The Cost of Clean Planting Material

One of the key challenges addressed by the training program is the high cost of certified planting material. Mr Nyaga noted that it takes between 15 to 18 months to get a mature macadamia seedling, making it a very expensive process. Private nurseries charge between Sh400 and Sh600 for a single seedling of the crop which is way beyond the reach of most farmers.

Additionally, most commercial nurseries are located around Central Kenya Highlands making access of clean planting material to farmers in other parts of the country difficult . One mature seedling of Macadamia weighs more than two kilograms, implying that a smallholder farmer from another part of the country may not afford transport costs.

“Our joint venture with MARKUP will be to train on new techniques of grafting Macadamia seedlings which are high yielding, drought, disease and pest resistant and which can withstand extreme weather conditions. The cost of seedlings will come down if more farmers are trained to prepare clean planting material,” said Mr Nyaga.

All seedlings from Farmers Trend are grafted to ensure the quality and quantity of the produce per tree as the nut processors are currently looking for the new variety, because it produces more and quality oil as compared to the nuts from the indigenous varieties.

MRG20 Macadamia: The Superior Variety

MRG20 is one of KALRO’s four approved macadamia varieties in Kenya. The others are KRG-15 (Kirinyaga 15), KMB-3 (Kiambu 3), and EMB-1 (Embu 1). However, MRG20 stands out as the best macadamia variety according to sources from farmers.

Distinct Features of MRG20

MRG20 is a pure Macadamia integrifolia variety suitable for the marginal coffee zones of altitudes between 1500 to 1600 metres above sea level. Its distinct features include white flowers and rounded leaves with no distinct leaf apex. The Muranga 20 variety is great because it can adapt to a wider range of climate.

According to the ASHS HortScience research, the most outstanding clones of M. integrifolia with wide adaptability (1400 to 1750 m) were EMB-1, KRG-15, and MRG-20. MRG-20 is also recommended for marginal coffee zones (1400-1550m) and sunflower-maize zones (below 1400m).

Why MRG20 Outperforms Indigenous Varieties

The key difference between MRG20 and indigenous varieties is dramatic. MRG20 starts yielding at three years, while indigenous varieties start fruiting at 10 years. A farmer can harvest between 50-75 kilograms at an optimum age of 15 years, whereas indigenous varieties can only yield a maximum of 10 kilograms annually.

The Murang’a 20 variety has a lifespan of over 100 years. At 7+ years, it has an average production capacity of 150 kilograms per tree. When you grow your first batch of grafted Murang’a 20 macadamia seedlings, your first crop will be in the 3rd year using Good Agricultural Practices to 5th year and you will harvest very good crop in the 7-10th year. Great production per tree is at a range of 100kg to 150kg per tree per year.

Varietal Comparison

The physical difference between Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla varieties is noticeable. The tetraphylla category (like KMB-3) has thorny leaves, pink flowers and red young shoots, while the integrifolia category (like MRG-20, KRG-15, and EMB-1) have smooth leaves, cream white flowers and green young shoots.

The Yield and Income Potential of MRG20

The numbers speak for themselves. Farmers in Kenya can now up their macadamia production throughout the year, thanks to the newly introduced variety dubbed Murang’a 20 which can yield up to 300kg of nuts per tree as compared to 50kg of the common varieties.

Yield Comparison

A single Murang’a 20 macadamia tree bears 70kg to 150kg of nuts while the indigenous varieties typically produce 50kg to 70kg per tree. A mature tree can produce between 80kg and 300kg of nuts, most farmers in the country harvest between 30kg and 50kg leading them to unnecessary production costs and reduced returns.

Income Per Tree

At the close of the harvesting season from March to July, a kilo of macadamia nuts sells at between Sh80 and Sh120 per kilo. This means each tree earns up to Sh8,400 per harvest.

Income Per Acre

An acre accommodates 70 trees on a spacing of ten by ten meters, earning a farmer Sh588,000 per harvest. With proper spacing of 7.5m by 7.5m, which gives approximately 125 trees per acre for upright varieties, the returns can be even higher.

Planting and Spacing Guidelines

Recommended Spacing

The recommended spacing for MRG20 is 7.5m by 7.5m, making it around 80 macadamia trees per acre for the upright varieties . For the spreading types, use up to 10m by 10m making it around 70 macadamia trees per acre . When intercropping, use wider spacing.

Agriculturalists assert that congesting the trees affects nuts production, because the branches can meet, so denying them enough sunlight and different needed conditions for flowering and nuts production .

Seedling Costs

Grafted MRG20 macadamia seedlings cost KSh 350 each from Farmers Trend. A well-managed acre with 125 trees yields 80 kilograms per tree at full production.

The total first-year investment for one acre of macadamia is approximately KSh 147,000, covering land preparation, seedlings, manure, fertilizer, and a drip irrigation system.

Planting Procedure

For optimal growth, dig holes measuring 60 centimeters wide, 60 centimeters deep, and 60 centimeters long. Mix topsoil with 20 kilograms of well-rotted manure and 200 grams of DAP fertilizer . The hole should be backfilled and allowed to settle for two weeks before planting, which prevents the seedling from sinking too deep after watering .

The graft union must remain above the soil level to prevent rot and to ensure that the tree does not produce rootstock shoots. The best month to plant macadamia is June to July, which is the dormancy period when the tree has no leaves and is not actively growing. Planting during dormancy reduces transplant shock and allows the roots to establish before the next growing season begins.

Rootstock and Disease Resistance

The rootstock of improved macadamia has a tolerance to soil-borne fungal diseases such as phytophthora root rot. They contain less sugar content and a high oil content making them unattractive to the macadamia sting bug.

Orchard Management and Maintenance

Weeding

Farmers often abandon their trees after planting that they may grow on their own forgetting that they need weeding particularly at a tender age when their shades cannot suppress weeds. Macadamia trees require extensive care and a specific feeding regime including fertilizer and manure.

Fertilization and Manure

Livestock manure is recommended to enable the crops to grow organically by also avoiding the use of pesticides that may affect their market standards especially for those producing for export. The training program will cover appropriate grafting methods for macadamia and passion seedlings and how farmers can contain diseases and pests without falling afoul of European Union and other international markets’ efficacy standards.

The fertilizer program for macadamia varies with tree age . For trees aged 1 to 3 years, apply 100 grams of CAN per tree twice yearly at the start of the rains and 200 grams of NPK 17:17:17 per tree once yearly. For trees aged 4 years and older, apply 500 grams of CAN per tree twice yearly and 1 kilogram of NPK 17:17:17 per tree once yearly.

Pruning

Pruning is an essential practice in macadamia farming in Kenya because it shapes the tree and directs energy into productive wood . The open vase system is the standard method for commercial orchards. The central leader should be removed, and 3 to 4 scaffold branches should be selected to form the main structure of the tree . Branches that cross each other or grow inward should be removed, and the canopy should be kept open to allow light penetration.

Pruning should be done during dormancy, ideally in June to July, and farmers should remove 20 to 30 percent of the growth from the previous year . Dead, diseased, or damaged wood should be removed as soon as it is noticed, and all cuts should be made at 45 degree angles to promote healing . Neglected trees become overcrowded and produce nuts only on the outer branches, which significantly reduces total yield.

Grafting Methods

Several methods used in Kenya include top-wedge, side-wedge, splice, veneer and approach grafting. Top-wedge grafting is highly recommended for propagation with a 90-100% success rate. Side-wedge grafting is recommended for over-grown seedlings with a 70-100% success rate.

Market Opportunities

Export Market

Over 98 per cent of Kenya’s macadamia output is exported and the nut’s global demand is projected to have a 6.8 per cent compound annual growth rate between 2021-2026 . Kenya’s 2026 crop is forecast to increase by around 5% compared with last year, bringing the crop volume to 54,500 mt.

China and South Africa remain the largest producers, followed by Australia and Kenya. Kenya is among the countries with continuing growth in macadamia production.

Quality Standards

There is a need for farmers to observe stringent quality and phytosanitary standards. In a highly competitive market, adherence to best practices will ensure Kenya has a competitive edge securing the country’s market positioning . This is done by sourcing clean planting material from reputable vendors which will guarantee that harvest will not fail and that farmers benefit from their investment.

Head of KALRO Seed Unit Ms Grace Watani, said farmers needed clean planting materials which were resistant to pests and diseases that continue to pose a serious threat to the Country’s international markets, sometimes resulting in interceptions on Kenya’s agricultural produce.

“The collaboration with MARKUP in training farmers on preparation of proper planting material will lead to increases in the quality and volume of the produce. At the same time, this will enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan agricultural products to access markets, generate more foreign exchange, and improve the socio-economic conditions of the farmers,” stated Ms Watani.

Next Steps for Your MRG20 Orchard

MRG20 macadamia offers Kenyan farmers a transformative opportunity to build a profitable, sustainable agribusiness. The KALRO-MARKUP training program is actively making this superior variety more accessible to farmers across 12 counties, ensuring that you have the knowledge and support to succeed . The variety yields seven times more than indigenous varieties, starts producing in three years instead of ten, and can earn a farmer Sh588,000 per acre per harvest.

The global market for macadamia is growing at 6.8 percent annually, and over 98 percent of Kenya’s output is exported to premium international buyers . The nut processors are actively looking for the new MRG20 macadamia variety because it produces more and quality oil as compared to the nuts from the indigenous varieties. This demand creates a ready market for your produce.

Your Action Plan for Success

Step 1: Source Certified Seedlings
Start with the right foundation. Source certified grafted MRG20 seedlings from a reputable supplier. Farmers Trend offers MRG20 seedlings at KSh 350 each, guaranteeing genetic purity and disease resistance. All seedlings are grafted onto hardy rootstocks that provide tolerance to soil-borne diseases like phytophthora root rot.

Step 2: Plant with Proper Spacing
Follow the recommended commercial spacing of 7.5 metres by 7.5 metres, which accommodates approximately 125 trees per acre for upright varieties. This spacing allows each tree to develop a full canopy without competing for light and nutrients, ensuring maximum nut production . For spreading varieties, use 10m by 10m spacing. Avoid overcrowding, as it reduces sunlight penetration and lowers yields.

Step 3: Provide Proper Care
Macadamia trees require ongoing management for optimal yields. Key practices include:

• Weeding: Keep the orchard weed-free, especially during the first three years when trees are establishing .
• Fertilizing: Apply well-decomposed manure annually at 20 to 30 kilograms per mature tree. Supplement with 1kg of NPK 17:17:17 per tree per year .
• Pruning: Prune during the dormancy period (June to July) to remove dead branches, thin crowded areas, and open the canopy for light penetration .
• Watering: Install drip irrigation for consistent moisture. Young trees need approximately 20 litres per tree weekly during dry spells .

Step 4: Access the Market
The market is ready and waiting. Over 98% of Kenya’s macadamia output is exported, and processors are actively seeking MRG20 nuts for their superior oil quality . By planting MRG20, you are positioning yourself to supply a high-demand crop with established export channels.

Get Started Today

The opportunity exists for Kenyan farmers to capture more of the value in the macadamia value chain. The demand is growing, the support is available, and the returns are substantial. Do not wait. The path forward is clear.

To place your order for MRG20 macadamia seedlings or for any inquiries about macadamia farming, call or WhatsApp us on 0724 559 286 or 0790 509 684. You can also obtain your seedlings from Fruit Africa (+254 752452939) or visit our website at farmerstrend.co.ke or email us at info@farmerstrend.co.ke. Our team is ready to help you build a profitable macadamia orchard.

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The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the European Union-funded Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) have launched a collaborative training program focused on sensitizing farmers on the benefits of growing improved disease-resistant macadamia varieties that yield up to seven...FarmersTrendjohn doefarmerstrend@gmail.comAdministratorFarmers Trend Ltd.