The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is urging agri-preneurs to consider commercial farming of lesser-known fruits as a way to enhance Kenya’s agricultural value chains. Experts believe that these rare fruits could play a crucial role in diversifying the country’s horticulture sector and expanding export opportunities.
Kenya’s climate is highly favorable for fruit cultivation, yet many indigenous fruit species remain underutilized in both local and international markets. According to crop scientists, fruits such as tree tomato, pomegranate, gooseberries, jackfruit, and moringa have significant untapped potential. These fruits not only offer economic benefits but also contribute to food security by providing additional sources of nutrition.
KALRO officials emphasize that the cultivation of these rare fruits could help farmers reduce their dependency on traditional cash crops such as maize and tea. Over-reliance on these staple crops has left many farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations and climate change. Diversification into fruit farming could offer farmers a more stable source of income while also contributing to the resilience of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
One of the key advantages of these lesser-known fruits is their adaptability to different climatic conditions. For instance, pomegranates and moringa thrive in arid and semi-arid regions, making them ideal for areas experiencing erratic rainfall patterns. Additionally, these fruits possess high nutritional and medicinal value, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers both locally and internationally.
Experts argue that strengthening the value chain for these fruits will require investment in research, production, and marketing strategies. KALRO is working with farmers to provide guidance on best practices for cultivation, post-harvest handling, and market access. Establishing better storage and processing facilities will be critical to ensuring the long-term success of these ventures.
By embracing rare fruit farming, Kenya stands to gain in multiple ways, including increased agricultural exports, enhanced food security, and improved farmer incomes. As KALRO continues to advocate for innovation in the horticulture sector, farmers are encouraged to explore the commercial potential of these underutilized fruit species.
