Pixie oranges continue to become very popular among Kenyan consumers. This is because this variety of oranges is a lot sweeter than the ordinary large oranges, juicier and their orange flavour is very sharp.

Actually, if you cut a pixie orange in one room, its refreshing smell will be calling someone from the next room.

Farmers have realized the huge opportunity arising from the demand and are making efforts to fill the gap. However, the few pixie orange farming activities in Kenya are far from meeting the growing demand within the country and even abroad.

Meet the charming Pixie oranges – a small citrus variety that’s perfect for those who want easy fruit farming. These little fruits are sweet and tangy all at once. They love soaking up the sun and growing in well-drained soil, which suits many parts of Kenya.

Regular watering, a sprinkle of fertilizer every now and then, and a watchful eye for pests are usually all it takes to enjoy a steady supply of these delightful treats.

Being a variety of citrus fruits, pixie oranges thrive in hot climatic conditions. Currently, Makueni County leads in the production of this fruit, followed by the other Ukambani counties like Machakos and Kitui.

The hot Baringo County is also hot on the trail and gladly, the coastal people of Kwale and Taita Taveta have woken up to the opportunity even though in very small scales.

Grafted pixie oranges will start giving you fruits in the second year and mature after 3-5 years depending on how well they are taken care of.

At first, each tree will give a few fruits; about 30 to 50 fruits. This production increases every year as the branches grow wider. The highest yield is attained in the 4th or 5th year in which each pixie tree can give up to 300 fruits; about 60 kgs per tree.

Pixie orange trees grow vigorously and has stout ascending branches with large leaves. Proper spacing should be considered when setting up pixie orchards. The recommended spacing of pixie orange trees is 4 meters between trees and 5 meters between rows. This gives each tree about 625 square meters of space.

With this spacing, you can plant about 200 pixie orange trees per acre., some farmers opt for a 3m by 3m spacing resulting to a high population of about 333 pixie trees per acre.

The expected yield on pixie orange per tree can vary depending on a number of factors, including the variety of pixie orange tree, the climate, the soil, and the amount of care the tree receives.

A mature pixie orange tree will start producing at 2nd year with proper management. However, a typical expected yield for pixie orange trees in Kenya is:

Year 1: Growth

Year 2: 30-100 fruits per tree

Year 3: 100-200 fruits per tree

Year 4: 200-300 fruits per tree

Year 5: 300-400 fruits per tree

Year 6: 400-550 fruits per tree

Year 7: 550-700 fruits per tree

Year 8: 700-850 fruits per tree

Year 9: 850-1000 fruits per tree

Year 10: 1000-1250 fruits per tree

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual yield of a pixie orange tree can be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.

A Kg of pixie orange goes for about Ksh.100 to Ksh.150 during off season and around Ksh.80 when the season is at its peak

Assumptions:

Spacing: 4 meters between trees in a row, 5 meters between rows
Trees per Acre: 200 trees (as per recommended spacing)

Year 5 Yield per Tree: 40 kilograms

Market Price per Kilogram: Ksh.150

Cost of pixie orange production

Land preparation: Ksh.40,000

Hole digging: Ksh.8,000 (assuming 200 holes @ Ksh.40/hole)

Irrigation: Ksh.40,000

Goat manure: Ksh.20,000

Pest control: Ksh.15,000

Other miscellaneous costs: Ksh.25,000

Total cost of production: Ksh.113,000

Expected yield

Yield per tree: 40 kg

Number of trees per acre: 200

Total yield per acre: 8000 kg

Expected revenue

Price per kg: Ksh.150

Total revenue: 8000 × 150 = Ksh.1,200,000

Profit on pixie orange farming in Kenya

Profit = Revenue – Cost

Profit = 1,200,000 – 113,000 = Ksh.1,087,000

Therefore, the expected profit from pixie orange farming per acre is Ksh.1,087,000, even with the additional miscellaneous costs. This is still a very profitable venture.

Please note that the above calculations are simplified examples for illustrative purposes. Actual costs and profits can vary based on numerous factors, including actual expenses, market fluctuations, yield variations, and unforeseen challenges.

Also this are profits for the first harvest, as years pass by production per tree increases and your profits keep on rising.

Where to sell pixie fruit in Kenya

Supermarkets and grocery shops currently form the largest market for pixie oranges in Kenya. This is already a huge market that has not had enough of these tasty fruits.

A kilo of pixie retails for as high as Ksh.200 making them look like fruits for the rich.

The larger Wakulima Markets are yet to get a good share of pixie oranges.

At this point, we cannot even talk about the exporting companies that are constantly hunting for the fruits and offering prices as high as Ksh.150 at the farm gate.

Final Word

As we always tell you, there’s no marathon race that has ever been won by those who did not start the race.

If you like the idea discussed above and you have what it takes to actualize it…then don’t wait to start…just do it.

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