How to Make Money Through Hass Avocado Farming in Kenya

I am certain you’ve heard of the coveted Hass avocado. It is the most popular Kenyan avocado produced mainly for export purposes.

And the good news is, it has a good market in continents such as Europe compared to other types of avocados.

This type of avocado was first grown in Guatemala.

And now it has become a key avenue for local farmers to bolster their incomes, often surpassing traditional crops like coffee.

The best part is, that the government has negotiated with firms such as Kakuzi to buy the fruits from farmers, which has helped in eliminating brokers thus yielding more returns for farmers.

You just have to deliver quality fruit and in return, Kakuzi buys them at a very good price. Payment is always made seven days after delivery. This is guaranteed payment.

So, how is Hass avocado farming done?

Keep reading!

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What are the Benefits of Hass Ovacado?

Before we look at how you can earn from Hass Ovacado, you should know that it offers several benefits for your health.

But I’ll list just four benefits.

Hass Ovacado are:

A significant source of good cholesterol.
High in protein and mineral content as compared to animal proteins.
Used in the manufacture of facial and hair oil.
They boost farmers economically besides earning foreign currency for the exporting country

What’s the Difference Between a Hass Avocado and a Regular Avocado?

Regular avocados typically boast a larger size and a smooth skin, whereas Hass avocados are smaller with a distinctive pebbly texture, turning dark purple when ripe.

However, the key disparity lies in their nutritional profiles, particularly in fat content.

For example, a serving of two or three slices of Hass avocado contains around 4.6 grams of fat, whereas an equivalent portion of a regular avocado carries an estimated 3 grams of fat.

How to Plant Hass Ovacado

Hass avocado trees can be cultivated from either seedlings or seeds.

To enhance variety, grafting techniques are employed, improving disease resistance and adaptability to various soil types.

Before planting, it’s crucial to inspect planting materials to ensure they’re disease-free.

Additionally, seeds should undergo treatment with hot water not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

The Kenya Avocado Society is actively encouraging farmers to plant the Hass avocado variety, especially given the high demand in international markets like China, where health-conscious populations are avid consumers of nutritious fruits.

According to Oxnard, the world’s largest avocado distributor, sales to China are projected to double this year compared to the same period last year.

Notably, China stands as one of the largest importers of avocados globally.

In Kenya, avocado prices have surged, with a 90kg bag fetching up to Sh.2,560, the highest recorded since 2014, according to the Directorate of Horticulture.

Annually, Kenya produces an estimated 115,000 metric tonnes of avocados, with 70% being cultivated by smallholder farmers.

Within Africa, Kenya ranks as the second largest exporter of avocados, following South Africa.

Previously, avocado shortages prompted export bans due to some farmers harvesting immature fruits unfit for both local and international markets.

6 Quick Steps to Plant and Maintain Hass Ovacado

In this section, we’ll look at the quick steps you can take to plant and care for your Hass Avocados until maturity.

Let’s get started.

1. Land Preparation

Proper land preparation is essential for successful avocado cultivation.

Begin by clearing the land, and if it’s newly cleared, consider planting an annual crop beforehand to facilitate desired tillage.

Additionally, establish windbreakers, such as hedges, to mitigate the impact of strong winds in the area.

Planting Holes

When planting Hass avocado trees, it’s recommended to arrange them in a straight line for ease of crop management and harvesting.

In Kenya, the preferred planting pattern is rectangular, as it facilitates machinery movement between rows and simplifies tasks like pruning, thinning, and inspection.

Hass Avocado Tree Spacing

Spacing between avocado trees depends on factors like climate and soil fertility, typically ranging from 6m by 7m to 8m by 10m.

Planting holes should be approximately 60cm to 70cm wide.

2. Planting

Prepare the planting holes by filling them with a mixture of two buckets of farmyard manure blended with topsoil, 250gms of double superphosphate fertilizer, and a certified insecticide.

Planting should coincide with the onset of rains when the soil has been adequately moistened.

Take care not to damage the roots during filling. After the first shoot appears, irrigate the young plant and provide support by tying it to sticks.

3. Pruning

Pruning begins at the planting stage if the roots are excessively long. Young trees are trained to establish a robust framework.

Main pruning activities occur before flowering and post-harvest.

Aim to maintain a tree canopy height equivalent to 70% of the row width to ensure adequate light distribution. Pruning promotes optimal yield and structural integrity.

4. Thinning

To enhance fruit quality, thinning involves removing excess fruits to reduce competition for nutrients. Failure to thin results in the production of undersized fruits.

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5. Weed Control

Implement effective weed control measures to minimize competition for water and nutrients. Methods include cover cropping, mulching, and mechanical cultivation.

6. Harvesting

Kenya’s Hass avocado typically flowers in October and is ready for harvesting between June and September.

Farmers must identify the optimal harvesting period since avocados are picked raw and ripen off the trees.

Yield Projection for One Acre with 150 Trees

Each avocado tree can potentially yield about one million flowers annually.

However, as previously mentioned, proper thinning practices are essential to optimize fruit quality.

Thinning entails selectively removing some of the already formed fruits to mitigate competition for nutrients, resulting in the production of high-quality fruits. Failure to thin can lead to the development of undersized fruits.

Here’s a conservative estimate of projected returns for the first 10 years on a one-acre plot:

The prices of Hass avocados fluctuate in the local market, typically ranging from Ksh. 8 to Ksh. 20 depending on the size of the fruit.

Here’s a quick summary of the potential earnings:

The first two years – growth stage
2nd year (harvest of 50 fruits per tree) – Ksh.60,000
3rd year (harvest 200 – 250 fruits per tree) – Ksh.240,000
4th year (400 fruits per tree) – Ksh.480,000
5th year – (800 fruits per tree)- Ksh.900,000
6th year – (1000 fruits per tree) – Ksh.1.08 million
7th year – (1100 fruits per tree) – Ksh.1.3 million
8th year – (more than 1300 fruits per tree) – Ksh.1.5 million
9th year – (more than 1500 fruits per tree) – Ksh.1.8 million
10th year – (more than 1750 fruits per tree) – Ksh.2 million
Total cumulative returns in 10 years is Ksh.10 million.

Keep in mind, we’ve based our calculations on a minimum market price of Ksh. 8 per fruit, although prices can fluctuate between Ksh. 8 and Ksh. 20 in the local market.

With a lifespan exceeding 50 years, investing in Hass avocados can transform idle land into a profitable venture.

The beauty of Hass avocados lies in their expanding market. Major corporations like Kakuzi and Sasini have seized this opportunity by dedicating thousands of acres to Hass avocado cultivation, drawn by the market’s stability and promising returns.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in Hass Ovacado Farming

Here are some essential factors to consider before investing in Hass avocado farming:

Climate and soil conditions: Ensure your land has suitable conditions for avocado cultivation, including the right temperature, humidity levels, and soil pH.
Water availability: Avocado trees require consistent water supply, especially during dry periods. Access to irrigation or reliable rainfall is crucial.
Market demand and prices: Research the current and projected demand for avocados, as well as price trends in local and international markets to ensure profitability.
Land suitability and size: Assess the suitability of your land for avocado cultivation in terms of size, topography, drainage, and accessibility.
Investment costs: Calculate the initial investment required for land preparation, tree planting, irrigation systems, fertilizers, pest control, and other operational expenses.
Time and labor: Consider the long-term commitment required for avocado farming, including regular maintenance tasks such as pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting.
Disease and pest management: Familiarize yourself with common avocado diseases and pests in your region, and develop strategies for prevention and control.

Final Thoughts

Hass avocado farming offers a low-stress agricultural option, requiring minimal management as it primarily involves tending to the trees during the harvesting season.

Isn’t it intriguing?

If you find the concept appealing and possess the necessary resources to bring it to fruition, why wait?

Take action now and embark on this promising journey without delay

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How to Make Money Through Hass Avocado Farming in Kenya

What are the Benefits of Hass Ovacado?

What’s the Difference Between a Hass Avocado and a Regular Avocado?

How to Plant Hass Ovacado