County Government of Laikipia

Ward Agricultural officers will distribute more than 10,000 fruit trees to farmers across Laikipia county.

This will boost the income of the marginalized and low-income earners and also boost food security. The fruit trees include 6,000 avocados and 4,000 mangoes.

Wards in Laikipia East sub-county will receive more avocado fruit trees while Laikipia West will receive only mango fruit trees in this distribution.

Laikipia North which has Mukogodo East, Mukogodo West, and Segera will also receive a favorable share of both.

According to Mr. Patrick Maina, a farmer in the Nanyuki ward Nturukuma area, this will be a major benefit to farmers becaise of the economic advantage associated with these crops.

One Hass avocado tree produces an estimate of 1500 avocadoes with 1kg going for Ksh. 120 locally. The minimum amount a farmer can make from 1 tree in one season is Ksh. 12,000. he said.

Mr. Maina has more than 800 avocado trees, 20 of them being fully matured. He added that this particular type of avocado can produce fruits for at least 2 seasons or even more with ample water supply.

Mrs. Margaret Munyiri, the Laikipia East Sub-County Agriculture Officer also stated that Hass avocado and the Mango fruit trees have done very well in Laikipia having worked closely with different farmers in the county while offering extension services to them.

She also added that mangoes and avocado production has increased in many parts of Laikipia West and is being done in a large scale for export.

Farmers growing avocadoes can also explore the export market which is very promising.

Mango fruit production in Laikipia has also been successful and this effort by the department will help farmers enjoy maximum returns.

Young people can also get involved in this venture as it requires less care and less space. Mango farming is a long-term investment that is worth the effort and can withstand dry weather conditions.