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.
