Hass Avocado Farming Challenges and Lessons Learnt
Avocado farming requires grit and dedication.
Recently, I returned to Kitale, my hometown, and enlisted the help of a local agronomist to assess my one-acre Hass avocado orchard. Excitement filled me as I observed some trees bearing fruit and others showing promising signs. However, the reality check hit hard.
After three years of relentless efforts to maintain a 150-tree population on my one-acre plot, I fell short, managing only 98 trees, despite consistent replanting. The agronomists, two in total, inspected the orchard, and their report left me stunned. Avocado farming, as it turns out, is not for the faint-hearted.
Avocado farming, as it turns out, is not for the faint-hearted… Growing Hass avocados, even on a one-acre scale, is a lot of work.
Contrary to my initial assumption that avocado cultivation involves planting and waiting for a few years, there’s extensive labor involved. The report highlighted several issues.
Firstly, my orchard needed thorough cleaning — no weeds or intercropping with legumes such as beans to ensure a weed-free environment and nitrogen boost.
Secondly, the revelation that I had unknowingly planted the frowned-upon Giant Hass avocado among the export varieties shocked me. My suspicion is that the root stock (Giant avocado) outgrew the scion (a Royal or Golden) and took over the tree. My worker may not have noticed this phenomenon.
To rectify this, I was advised to prune the Giants in March, wait two months, and then regraft with the correct varieties: Royal or Golden Hass avocado. Around 20 of the 98 trees were Giants. The unexpected expense this incurred added to the challenges.
Additionally, the need for gapping to replace 50 or more dead fruit tree seedlings and replanting became inevitable.
Gapping means that the avocado trees that had died would be replanted.
Finally the agronomists also mentioned that the fruit trees had a copper mineral deficiency and I was to apply some to the entire orchard. I was also to get a bag of YaraLiva Nitrabor and apply around each tree.
In conclusion
Growing avocados, even on a one-acre scale, is a lot of work. It requires continuous dedication, learning, and astuteness. Maintaining orchard cleanliness, diligent watering, and readiness for unforeseen expenses are essential. Quality help on the ground is crucial, especially during hot months when neglect can lead to seedling deaths. Hire diligent workers who should be trained on how to water, prune and care for the avocado. Expect additional costs for minerals, manure, and safe fertilizers.
Despite these challenges, I’m happy with the success of the other half of my orchard, which promises a bountiful harvest in the upcoming year. My experience serves as a reminder that avocado farming demands constant effort, but with careful attention and the right approach, success is attainable. To fellow farmers, I encourage you to share your experiences, fostering knowledge and support for those venturing into avocado farming in Kenya.
May your avocado endeavors be fruitful, and I look forward to hearing about your journeys.
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