Pixie Orange Farming: A Profitable Opportunity for Kenyan Farmers
In Kenya, pixie oranges are becoming a sought-after delicacy due to their exceptional sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant flavor. Despite their growing popularity, current pixie orange farming efforts fall short of meeting both local and international demand.
Pixie oranges, known for their small size and robust flavor, are ideal for farmers seeking an easy yet rewarding fruit crop. Thriving in Kenya’s diverse climates, particularly in hot regions, pixie oranges grow best with ample sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular care including watering, fertilization, and pest control.
Makueni County is leading in pixie orange production, with other Ukambani counties such as Machakos and Kitui, and the hot regions of Baringo and coastal areas like Kwale and Taita Taveta, gradually joining the trend. Grafted trees begin fruiting in the second year, with production increasing significantly by the fifth year, yielding up to 300 fruits per tree, or approximately 60 kilograms.
The recommended planting density is 200 trees per acre with a spacing of 4 meters between trees and 5 meters between rows. Some farmers opt for a denser arrangement, planting up to 333 trees per acre at a 3-meter spacing. Yield expectations range from 30 fruits per tree in the second year to up to 1,250 fruits by the tenth year, depending on care and conditions.
Financially, the investment in pixie orange farming appears promising. Initial costs, including land preparation, hole digging, irrigation, and pest control, total approximately Ksh.113,000 per acre. With a yield of 8,000 kilograms per acre and a market price of Ksh.150 per kilogram, the total revenue reaches Ksh.1,200,000. This results in a substantial profit of Ksh.1,087,000 per acre, making pixie orange farming a lucrative venture.
Farmers can tap into the growing market for pixie oranges by selling to supermarkets, grocery shops, and potentially exporting companies, which offer competitive prices at the farm gate.
In conclusion, pixie orange farming presents a valuable investment opportunity for Kenyan farmers. The potential for high returns and the expanding market make it an attractive option. Farmers are encouraged to seize this opportunity and start their pixie orange ventures without delay. For further guidance, consider joining our upcoming training on poultry farming, with only three days remaining to enroll.
*Timothy Angwenyi, Business Consultant*
*Justine Nyachieo, Business Man & Mentor*
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