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Little Known Crops Earning Kenyan Farmers Millions
Agriculture has become a lucrative venture for Kenyans especially as a new crop of young farmers who have incorporated technology and technics- raking in billions in the process.
According to the World, the agricultural sector contributes to approximately 31 percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This translates to about Ksh3.1 trillion – hence the cliche phrase that the sector is the backbone of the Kenyan economy.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Anthony Kinoti who owns a five-acre farm in Meru County and is a renowned farmer, pointed out that everyone should capitalize in the farming venture, especially with the current unemployment rate.
He pointed out that some crops could earn a farmer millions after a single harvest. Here are a few examples of crops that earn a profitable income for farmers:
Pitaya
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, has become one of the highest-priced Kenyan fruits being sold in the country at a price ranging from Ksh890 to Ksh3,000.
The fruit has gained traction over the years after 2015 and has grown to become one of the highest-yielding fruits for Kenyan farmers within the market.
Known for its bright red, purple, or yellow colour, the fruits are at times mistaken for cactus due to its skin containing spikes.
Kinoti told this writer that the fruit is favorable due to its adaptive nature.
“When you go to some parts of Chile around the Atacama desert, they are synonymous with growing the dragon fruit.
He added that his most profitable fruit is the dragon fruit due to its high-value.
“I know of a store in this country that sells a kilo for Ksh3,000 and a kilo is only two fruits- so if he has an acre of land which produces 10,000 kilos, the kind of money he makes is mind-boggling,” Kinoti stated.
Further, according to a farmer based in Nairobi, Freddie Acosta, the fruit is in high demand especially among foreigners within the country.
“The fruit is in high demand especially among Asian nationals in the country; I have orders for a weekly supply of two tons from a Chinese restaurant in Nairobi,” Acosta stated.
Benefits: