More farmers preferring Macadamia as prices soar high

More farmers in Central Kenya embrace Macadamia farming as demand burgeon. Macadamia nut processors in the country have projected a rise in production of the crop in the coming years as most farmers switch to cultivation of the crop due to its growing demand.

The demand has been fuelled by attractive farm gate prices that are retailing at slightly ksh120 a kilo. The prices are projected to improve as the demand keeps on ballooning

Farmers in the counties of Central Kenya are hoping for a bumper harvest this year which has been fuelled by good climatical conditions. In Central Kenya, it used to be a norm for farmers to solely depend on coffee farming as a cash crop but poor management and dwindling production has given rise to macadamia cultivation as an alternative.

“Last season was good but we expect prices to reach Sh200 a kilo next year due to increasing demand,” said Mr. Mwangi. He expects to harvest about 15 tons from 700 trees between February and June.

Due to the growing demand, nut processors are encouraging County Governments in Central to support ongoing efforts of doubling the current production by 2022 as farmers switch to the nut. “We expect the government to support the processors in the ongoing efforts to register farmers in the country and also carry out tree census,” Mr. Charles Muigai NutPAK chief executive officer said. (NutPAK)  a nut processing firm has put in place initiatives that will see the number of trees increased by one million more trees. They are targeting to have 10 million trees by 2022, enough to double the current production.

Already, the firm has made several field days in the region where they have distributed seedlings and shared information on good crop husbandry of the crop.

Charity Wambui, a Macadamia farmer in Karueno; Murang’a County avers that macadamia is hardy and adapts well to different climates, with improved production throughout the year. Propagation of the seedlings is the right step a farmer needs to begin with. “Propagation requires a lot of monitoring and doing the right thing at the right time, including watering and spacing. One must also be trained to ensure that one can differentiate between varieties of nuts by looking at them before planting and at the seedling stage, she said,”

Proper timing from the nursery to transplant the seedlings when the plant has two full leaves and a bud, while ensuring that they are properly uprooted, handled and transported to where they will be planted in the polythene bag.

The recommended spacing for the crop according to Wambui should be 10 by 10 meters, which totals to approximately 71 trees per acre. Congesting the trees affects nuts production, as the branches will create a shade thus denying them enough sunlight and other required conditions for flowering.

“Most farmers abandon their trees after planting which is a big mistake. The trees require weeding, especially when young. Their shades cannot suppress weeds. Apply manure at least once a year, as strong healthy trees will guarantee you the best quality and quantity. “Harvest and post-harvest are very crucial stages. When harvested, nuts should be stored in raised sisal bags and not polythene bags. Place the sacks on well-laid out timber planks to that ensure they do get into contact with water,” she advised.

With the entry of China as a producer in the recent times, there is need for the government to offer full support to allow Kenya safeguard its market. Unlike in Kenya, macadamia production in China is a government-supported initiative and China projects to produce 100,000 tons by 2025. According to the statistics presented at the Macadamia Symposium in China held recently in which Kenya sent a delegation.