Kakuzi Hass Avocado Seedlings: Price, Farming, cultivation And More

Avocados have become a beloved fruit for their creamy and delectable taste and the numerous health benefits they offer. In Kenya, the cultivation of avocados, particularly the renowned Hass variety, has gained significant traction in recent years. This article delves into Hass avocado farming and provides essential insights into its cultivation, seedling prices, and everything you need to know about avocados.

SUMMARY: Key Takeaways From This Article

1. Hass avocados have gained immense popularity in Kenya, offering economic benefits and numerous health advantages.
2. Kakuzi PLC plays a significant role in avocado cultivation in Kenya, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and weather risk mitigation.
3. Selecting quality Hass avocado seedlings is essential for a successful avocado farming venture.
4. Proper land selection and adherence to ecological requirements are crucial for Hass avocado cultivation.
5. Field management practices are key to optimizing avocado growth and yields, including mulching, irrigation, spacing, fertilization, pruning, thinning, and weed control.
6. The average result of Hass avocados in Kenya is approximately 87,780 fruits per hectare, with the potential for higher yields in favorable regions.
7. Ensuring adherence to quality standards is crucial for exporting avocados to international markets.

The Rise of Kakuzi PLC

Kakuzi PLC is a prominent player in the Kenyan agricultural landscape. Listed on the Nairobi and London Stock Exchange, this agricultural company engages in cultivating, processing, and marketing various farm products, including avocados, blueberries, macadamia nuts, tea, livestock, and commercial forestry. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and weather risk mitigation has paved the way for extensive avocado and macadamia cultivation, with blueberry development also on the horizon since 2018. Operating in two locations, Makuyu, and Nandi Hills, Kakuzi plays a pivotal role in the avocado industry.

The Fascination with Hass Avocado

Due to its lucrative international market demand, hass avocado farming has become an attractive endeavor for Kenyan farmers. Hass avocados have even replaced traditional cash crops like coffee regarding profitability. The government's partnership with firms like Kakuzi has eliminated intermediaries, ensuring better returns for farmers. Kakuzi, in particular, offers guaranteed payment within seven days of delivery, making it a reliable buyer for farmers. The Hass avocado's allure extends beyond economic benefits; it provides many advantages.

Hass avocados are a nutritional powerhouse. They are a source of good cholesterol and boast higher protein and mineral content than animal proteins. Interestingly, these versatile fruits find their way into the cosmetic industry, where they are used to produce facial and hair oils. Moreover, Hass avocados play a vital role in Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to foreign currency earnings through exports.

What Sets Hass Avocado Apart

A common question is the difference between a Hass avocado and a regular one. While regular avocados are larger and have smooth skin, Hass avocados are smaller, with pebbly skin that turns dark purple when ripe. However, the most significant contrast lies in their fat content. Two or three slices of Hass avocado contain approximately 4.6 grams of fat, while the same portion of a regular avocado contains around 3 grams of fat.

Planting the Foundation

How to Plant Hass Avocado Trees

The journey of growing Hass avocados begins with the proper planting of avocado trees. Avocado trees can be produced from either seedlings or seeds, but grafting allows for improved variety by enhancing resistance to diseases and adaptability to different soils. Here are the steps to planting a successful avocado tree:

Land Preparation

Prepare the land as you would for any other crop. Consider planting an annual crop before avocado cultivation if the ground is newly cleared. Windbreakers, such as hedges, are essential if the area is prone to strong winds.

Planting Holes

Plant the trees in straight rows to facilitate crop management and harvesting. The rectangular planting pattern is preferred for Hass avocados in Kenya as it simplifies various agricultural tasks, including pruning, thinning, and inspection.

Planting

Prepare the planting holes by mixing two buckets of farmyard manure with topsoil, 250 grams of double superphosphate fertilizer, and a certified insecticide. Planting should coincide with the onset of rains to ensure proper soil penetration. Be cautious not to damage the roots during planting, and support young plants using stakes.

Pruning

Pruning begins at the planting stage, especially if the roots are excessively long for the planting hole. Early pruning helps establish a strong framework for the tree, leading to superior fruit production.

Thinning

Thinning involves removing excess fruits to reduce competition for nutrients, resulting in the production of high-quality fruits. Neglecting thinning can lead to small-sized fruits.

Ensuring Healthy Growth

Weed Control

Effective weed control is essential to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Farmers can employ cover cropping, mulching, and mechanical cultivation to keep weeds at bay.

Pest and Disease Management

Avocado trees in Kenya are relatively resilient to pests and diseases, often requiring minimal chemical intervention. Some common pests include night-flying moths, scale insects, and thrips. Major fungal infections like anthracnose, root rot, scab, and Cercospora can also affect avocado trees. Preventive measures and targeted chemical treatments help control these issues.

The Awaited Harvest

Hass avocados typically flower in October and are ready for harvesting from June to September. Farmers must identify the right harvesting period, as avocados are picked raw and left to ripen off the tree. Consulting with avocado experts ensures optimal harvest timing. Once harvested, ripening is achieved by storing a few fruits in favorable conditions until they ripen uniformly, indicating maturity.

Unlocking the Yield Potential

Hass Avocado Yield per Tree

Proper irrigation, pest and disease control, plant density, and soil fertility are the primary factors influencing Hass avocado yields. A single tree can yield up to 1,000 fruits per year on well-irrigated land. The average yield in Kenya stands at approximately 87,780 fruits per hectare. Due to favorable climatic conditions, regions like Mt. Kenya and the Rift Valley show immense potential for Hass avocado production. However, challenges related to pesticide residual levels in the European market pose a threat, emphasizing the importance of adherence to quality standards.

Avocado Seedlings: The Foundation of Success

The quality of Hass avocado seedlings plays a pivotal role in the success of avocado farming enterprises. Selecting the right seedlings is essential to ensure a thriving avocado orchard. Here are factors to consider when choosing quality Hass avocado seedlings:

1. Porting Bag Size

Opt for larger-sized porting bags, as they provide ample soil for robust root development. Adequate root development is crucial for the seedlings' success.

2. Seedling Size

Choose seedlings that are 2 to 3 feet in height. This size ensures proper hardening but avoids overgrown seedlings, which can develop a problematic J-root condition.

3. Root Characteristics

Quality seedlings exhibit dark, glossy leaves, indicating proper hardening. Seedlings with light, fresh leaves may struggle in harsh field conditions.

4. Grafting Union

Ensure that the grafting tape has been removed from the nursery to confirm the complete healing of the grafting union. This step helps prevent potential seedling issues.

5. Seedling Age

The ideal age for Hass avocado seedlings is 9 to 12 months at planting, ensuring their readiness for field transplantation.

The Right Land for Avocado Production

Successful Hass avocado production relies heavily on selecting suitable land. Consider the following ecological requirements for Hass avocado cultivation:

• Altitude ranging between 1000m to 2000m.
• Well-distributed rainfall of at least 1000mm, with adequate water availability during dry seasons.
• The optimum temperature range is 20 to 24 degrees Celsius.
• Deep, well-drained, fertile sandy or alluvial loam soils with a pH range of 5-7.

Planting for Prosperity

Careful attention to detail is crucial for faster growth and high-quality yields when planting avocado trees. Follow these steps for successful avocado tree growth:

1. Land Preparation: Remove stumps and plow the land up to a depth of 30 cm.
2. Digging Holes: Create holes measuring 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet, with spacing determined by variety, soil fertility, and climate conditions.
3. Soil Mixing: Mix topsoil with two buckets (20kg) of well-rotted manure and 120g of TSP/DAP.
4. Planting: Carefully plant the seedlings, remove the polythene, and firmly secure them in the holes.
5. Watering: Ensure thorough watering to support initial growth.

READ ALSO: Government Fertilizer Registration: How to Get Subsidized Fertilizer in Kenya

Final Thoughts

The journey of Hass avocado farming in Kenya is both rewarding and promising. From its origins in Kakuzi PLC to the intricacies of planting and nurturing Hass avocado trees, this article has covered everything you need to know about Hass avocados. With the right seedlings, proper care, and adherence to best practices, Kenyan farmers can tap into the thriving international demand for Hass avocados and contribute to the country's economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I select quality Hass avocado seedlings?

When choosing Hass avocado seedlings, consider factors such as porting bag size, seedling size (2-3 feet), root characteristics, grafting union health, and age (9-12 months).

What are the ecological requirements for Hass avocado cultivation?

Hass avocados thrive at altitudes between 1000m and 2000m, with well-distributed rainfall exceeding 1000mm. They prefer temperatures ranging from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius and well-drained, fertile sandy or alluvial loam soils with a pH of 5-7.

How can I ensure healthy growth and high yields in my avocado orchard?

To ensure healthy avocado growth and high yields, focus on mulching, irrigation, proper spacing, regular fertilization, pruning, thinning, and effective weed control.

What is the average yield of Hass avocados per tree?

With good care and management, a single Hass avocado tree can yield up to 1,000 fruits annually. However, Kenya's average yield is approximately 87,780 fruits per hectare.

What are the major pests and diseases affecting avocado trees in Kenya?

Common pests include night-flying moths, scale insects, and thrips. Major fungal infections include anthracnose, root rot, scab, and Cercospora. Preventive measures and targeted chemical treatments help control these issues.

Avocado farming holds great promise for Kenyan farmers, and with the right knowledge and practices, it can yield fruitful results. Wishing you a successful and bountiful avocado farming journey!