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June 10, 2023

Pawpaw Farming in Kenya: Tips and Tricks for Success with PDF Download

Pawpaw Farming in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are looking for a profitable and sustainable agribusiness venture in Kenya, you might want to consider pawpaw farming. Pawpaw, also known as papaya, is a tropical fruit that is widely consumed in Kenya and abroad. It has a sweet taste, a soft texture, and a rich nutritional profile. Pawpaw farming can be a rewarding source of income for small-scale farmers, as well as a way to improve food security and nutrition for consumers. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide on how to start and succeed in pawpaw farming in Kenya. We will cover the following topics:

pawpaw farming in kenya pdf download

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What is pawpaw and why is it popular in Kenya?

Benefits of pawpaw farming for farmers and consumers

Challenges and opportunities of pawpaw farming in Kenya

How to start pawpaw farming in Kenya

How to market and sell your pawpaw produce in Kenya

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what it takes to grow and sell pawpaw in Kenya. You will also be able to download a PDF version of this article for future reference. So, let's get started!

Introduction

What is pawpaw and why is it popular in Kenya?

Pawpaw is a fruit that belongs to the Caricaceae family. It is native to Central America and Mexico, but it has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Pawpaw has a round or oval shape, with a green or yellow skin that turns orange when ripe. The flesh can be yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety. The fruit contains many black seeds that are edible but bitter.

Pawpaw is popular in Kenya because it grows well in most parts of the country, especially in the coastal and lower highland regions. It can tolerate drought, heat, and poor soils, making it suitable for small-scale farmers with limited resources. Pawpaw also has a high demand in both local and export markets, as it is consumed fresh or processed into products such as juice, jam, candy, or dried fruit. Pawpaw is also used as a medicine for various ailments, such as stomach ulcers, worms, malaria, or skin infections.

Benefits of pawpaw farming for farmers and consumers

Pawpaw farming has many benefits for both farmers and consumers. Some of these benefits include:

Pawpaw farming is profitable. According to the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), a farmer can earn up to Ksh 200,000 per acre per year from pawpaw farming, depending on the variety, yield, and market price. Pawpaw farming also has low production costs, as it requires minimal inputs and labor.

Pawpaw farming is sustainable. Pawpaw is a perennial crop that can produce fruits for up to 10 years, if well managed. Pawpaw also improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and adding organic matter. Pawpaw can also be intercropped with other crops, such as beans, maize, or cassava, to increase land productivity and diversify income sources.

Pawpaw farming is nutritious. Pawpaw is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Pawpaw also contains enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, which aid digestion and reduce inflammation. Pawpaw can help prevent and treat various health problems, such as anemia, scurvy, constipation, diabetes, or cancer.

Challenges and opportunities of pawpaw farming in Kenya

Despite the benefits of pawpaw farming, there are also some challenges that farmers face in Kenya. Some of these challenges include:

Lack of quality planting materials. Many farmers rely on seeds from local markets or their own farms, which may not be certified or true to type. This can result in low germination rates, poor growth, and low yields. Farmers need access to quality seeds or seedlings from reputable sources, such as KARI or other research institutions.

Pest and disease infestation. Pawpaw is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as fruit flies, mealybugs, aphids, mites, nematodes, anthracnose, powdery mildew, or mosaic virus. These can reduce the quality and quantity of the fruits, as well as the shelf life. Farmers need to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as using resistant varieties, applying organic or biological control agents, or practicing crop rotation.

Poor market access and information. Many farmers lack adequate market linkages and information on the demand and prices of pawpaw in different markets. This can lead to exploitation by middlemen or brokers, who buy the fruits at low prices and sell them at high prices. Farmers need to form cooperatives or groups to increase their bargaining power and access to market information. They also need to explore new markets, such as supermarkets, hotels, or export markets.

On the other hand, there are also some opportunities that pawpaw farming offers in Kenya. Some of these opportunities include:

Increasing demand for pawpaw products. There is a growing demand for pawpaw products in both local and export markets, especially for organic and value-added products. This creates an opportunity for farmers to increase their income by processing their fruits into products such as juice, jam, candy, or dried fruit. Farmers can also tap into niche markets such as health-conscious consumers or tourists.

Availability of support services and incentives. There are various support services and incentives available for pawpaw farmers in Kenya from both public and private sectors. These include extension services, training programs, credit facilities, subsidies, or tax exemptions. Farmers can take advantage of these services and incentives to improve their production and marketing skills.

Potential for innovation and research. There is a potential for innovation and research in pawpaw farming in Kenya to address the existing challenges and exploit the emerging opportunities. For example, there is a need for developing new varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, high yielding, and suitable for different agro-ecological zones. There is also a need for developing new technologies and practices that can enhance the quality and shelf life of pawpaw fruits.

How to start pawpaw farming in Kenya

Choosing the right variety of pawpaw

The first step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is choosing the right variety of pawpaw that suits your needs and preferences. There are many varieties of pawpaw available in Kenya, but they can be classified into two main types: hermaphrodite and dioecious.

Hermaphrodite varieties have both male and female flowers on the same plant. They are self-pollinating and produce uniform fruits that are seedless or have few seeds. They are preferred by most farmers because they have higher yields and better quality than dioecious varieties.

Solo

This is a hermaphrodite variety that originated from Hawaii. It has a small to medium size, with an average weight of 300 to 500 grams. It has a yellow skin and flesh, with a sweet and aromatic flavor. It is suitable for fresh consumption or processing. It is resistant to papaya ring spot virus (PRSV) and tolerant to drought and heat. It matures in 9 to 12 months and can yield up to 40 tons per hectare per year.

Sunrise

This is a hermaphrodite variety that also originated from Hawaii. It has a medium to large size, with an average weight of 500 to 800 grams. It has a yellow skin and orange flesh, with a sweet and juicy flavor. It is suitable for fresh consumption or processing. It is resistant to PRSV and tolerant to drought and heat. It matures in 10 to 12 months and can yield up to 50 tons per hectare per year.

Mountain

This is a hermaphrodite variety that originated from India. It has a large size, with an average weight of 800 to 1200 grams. It has a green skin and yellow flesh, with a mild and pleasant flavor. It is suitable for fresh consumption or processing. It is resistant to PRSV and tolerant to cold and altitude. It matures in 12 to 15 months and can yield up to 60 tons per hectare per year.

Red royale

This is a hermaphrodite variety that originated from South Africa. It has a medium size, with an average weight of 500 to 700 grams. It has a red skin and flesh, with a sweet and tangy flavor. It is suitable for fresh consumption or processing. It is resistant to PRSV and tolerant to drought and heat. It matures in 10 to 12 months and can yield up to 50 tons per hectare per year.

Preparing the land and planting the seeds

The second step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is preparing the land and planting the seeds. Pawpaw can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. You should test your soil before planting to determine its pH, nutrient status, and texture.

You should also clear the land of any weeds, rocks, or debris that may hinder the growth of the pawpaw plants. You should plow the land to a depth of 30 to 45 cm and harrow it to make it fine and level. You should also add organic manure or compost at a rate of 10 to 20 tons per hectare to improve the soil fertility and structure.

You can plant pawpaw seeds directly in the field or in nurseries and transplant them later. If you plant them directly in the field, you should sow them at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and cover them lightly with soil. You should space them at 3 by 3 meters or 4 by 4 meters, depending on the variety and the expected plant population. You should water them regularly until they germinate, which may take up to four weeks.

If you plant them in nurseries, you should sow them in polythene bags or seed trays filled with sterilized soil or potting mix. You should space them at 2 by 2 cm or 3 by 3 cm, depending on the size of the container. You should water them regularly until they germinate, which may take up to two weeks.

You should transplant the seedlings when they are about 15 to 20 cm tall or have four to six leaves. You should choose healthy and vigorous seedlings that are free from pests and diseases. You should dig holes in the field that are about 30 by 30 by 30 cm or larger than the root ball of the seedling. You should fill the holes with topsoil mixed with organic manure or compost at a ratio of 1:1.

You should remove the seedlings from the containers carefully without damaging the roots. You should place them in the holes and cover them with soil up to the base of the stem. You should water them immediately after transplanting and regularly thereafter until they are established.

Watering and mulching

The third step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is watering and mulching the pawpaw plants. Pawpaw requires adequate and consistent moisture for optimal growth and fruiting. You should water the plants at least once a week during the dry season and less frequently during the rainy season, depending on the soil moisture and rainfall.

You should apply water at a rate of 40 to 60 liters per plant per week or 800 to 1200 liters per hectare per week. You should avoid overwatering or underwatering the plants, as this can cause root rot, wilting, or fruit drop. You should use drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, or furrow irrigation, depending on the availability and cost of water and equipment.

You should also mulch the plants with organic materials such as grass, straw, leaves, or wood chips. Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and add organic matter. You should apply mulch at a thickness of 5 to 10 cm around the base of the plants, leaving a gap of 10 to 15 cm around the stem. You should replace the mulch as it decomposes or gets washed away by rain or irrigation.

Caring for the pawpaw plants

Fertilizing and pruning

The fourth step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is fertilizing and pruning the pawpaw plants. Pawpaw requires adequate and balanced nutrients for optimal growth and fruiting. You should apply both organic and inorganic fertilizers to supplement the soil fertility and meet the nutrient demand of the plants.

You should apply organic fertilizers such as manure or compost at a rate of 10 to 20 tons per hectare per year or 500 to 1000 grams per plant per year. You should apply them before planting, during transplanting, and every six months thereafter. You should spread them evenly around the base of the plants and incorporate them into the soil.

You should also apply inorganic fertilizers such as NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) or DAP (diammonium phosphate) at a rate of 200 to 400 kg per hectare per year or 10 to 20 grams per plant per month. You should apply them in split doses every two weeks during the vegetative stage and every month during the flowering and fruiting stage. You should dissolve them in water and apply them as a foliar spray or through drip irrigation.

You should also prune the pawpaw plants to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches or leaves. Pruning helps to improve air circulation, light penetration, pest and disease control, and fruit quality. You should prune the plants when they are about one meter tall or have eight to ten leaves. You should cut off the terminal bud or shoot to encourage lateral branching. You should also remove any suckers or shoots that emerge from the base of the stem or the roots.

Pest and disease control

The fifth step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is controlling pests and diseases that may affect the pawpaw plants. Pawpaw is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can reduce the quality and quantity of the fruits, as well as the shelf life. Some of the most common pests and diseases that affect pawpaw in Kenya include:

Fruit flies: These are small insects that lay eggs inside the fruits, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. They can be controlled by using pheromone traps, bait sprays, sanitation, or biological control agents such as parasitoids or predators.

Mealybugs: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves, stems, and fruits, causing them to curl, yellow, or deform. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, horticultural oil, or biological control agents such as ladybugs or lacewings.

Aphids: These are small insects that also suck sap from the leaves, stems, and fruits, causing them to curl, yellow, or deform. They can also transmit viral diseases such as mosaic virus. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, horticultural oil, or biological control agents such as ladybugs or lacewings.

Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to bronze, speckle, or drop. They can be controlled by using miticides, sulfur dust, horticultural oil, or biological control agents such as predatory mites.

Nematodes: These are microscopic worms that live in the soil and feed on the roots of the plants, causing them to swell, girdle, or rot. They can reduce the growth and yield of the plants. They can be controlled by using nematicides, crop rotation, solarization, or resistant varieties.

Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can cause the fruits to crack, rot, or drop prematurely. It can be controlled by using fungicides, pruning, sanitation, or resistant varieties.

Powdery mildew: This is another fungal disease that causes white or gray powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can reduce the photosynthesis and transpiration of the plants. It can be controlled by using fungicides, pruning, ventilation, or resistant varieties.

Mosaic virus: This is a viral disease that causes mottled or mosaic patterns on the leaves and fruits. It can reduce the growth and yield of the plants. It can be controlled by using resistant varieties, roguing, or insect control.

You should monitor your pawpaw plants regularly for any signs of pest or disease infestation and apply the appropriate control measures as soon as possible. You should also follow good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, weeding, irrigation, and harvesting to prevent or minimize pest and disease outbreaks.

Harvesting and post-harvest handling

The sixth step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is harvesting and post-harvest handling of the pawpaw fruits. Pawpaw fruits are ready for harvesting when they reach their full size and show signs of color change from green to yellow or orange. You should harvest the fruits carefully by hand or with a sharp knife or scissors. You should avoid bruising or damaging the fruits during harvesting.

You should also handle the fruits carefully after harvesting to maintain their quality and shelf life. You should sort the fruits according to their size, color, and maturity. You should wash the fruits with clean water and disinfect them with a mild chlorine solution to remove any dirt or pathogens. You should dry the fruits with a clean cloth or air dry them in a shaded area.

You should pack the fruits in well-ventilated crates or boxes lined with soft materials such as paper or straw. You should avoid overpacking or underpacking the fruits to prevent crushing or shaking. You should label the packages with information such as date of harvest, variety, weight, and destination. You should store the fruits in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You should transport the fruits as soon as possible to the market or processing facility.

How to market and sell your pawpaw produce in Kenya

Local markets and cooperatives

The seventh step in starting pawpaw farming in Kenya is marketing and selling your pawpaw produce in Kenya. There are various local markets and cooperatives where you can sell your pawpaw produce in Kenya. Some of these include:

Farmers' markets: These are open-air markets where farmers sell their produce directly to consumers at competitive prices. They are usually held weekly or monthly in urban or rural areas. They offer an opportunity for farmers to interact with customers and get feedback on their products.

Retail markets: These are markets where farmers sell their produce to retailers such as supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals, or institutions. They usually require high-quality and consistent supply of produce at negotiated prices. They offer an opportunity for farmers to access large and stable markets with high returns.

How much can I earn from pawpaw farming in Kenya?

The income from pawpaw farming in Kenya depends on various factors, such as the variety, the yield, the quality, and the market price of the fruits. However, according to KARI, an estimate of the income from pawpaw farming in Kenya is as follows:

Item

Quantity

Unit price (Ksh)

Total income (Ksh)

Fruits

20 tons/acre/year

20/kg

400,000

Processed products

5 tons/acre/year

100/kg

500,000