Hass avocado is Kenyans’ most popular avocado variety, grown either for export or local use. It is an avocado variety that is mostly demanded internationally due to its rough skin and long shelf life. However, many people are still wondering if it is a profitable business to venture into. This article will illustrate why it is profitable and how profitable Hass avocado farming is in Kenya.
Hass avocado farming is profitable since one Hass tree can give an average of Kshs 3500 per cycle. For example, a farmer who has planted 100 Hass avocado trees per acre can get Kshs 700,000 per year sold for five shillings per fruit as the trees produce yearly.
Also, Hass avocado is more profitable due to the fact that buying one kilo of Hass avocado for export stands at Kshs 80. If you decide to sell your avocado to local oil processors, the price will be Kshs 30 per kilo. Therefore, you get more money if you have 100 Hass avocado trees, and each tree produces about 600 fruit.
6 Reasons Why Hass Avocado Farming is Profitable
Practicing Hass avocado farming is a source of income for Kenyan farmers. Hass avocado farming is profitable in Kenya for the following six reasons:
1. Hass avocado fruits have a ready international market for local farmers.
2. It is the most demanded avocado variety globally.
3. It is creamy yellow and very delicious, making it highly demanded by consumers for smoothies, salads, and facials due to its nutritional value.
4. Because it has a longer shelf life due to its rough skin, it is in high demand and thus profitable to farmers.
5. Hass avocado is an essential source of good cholesterol.
6. The cost of producing Hass avocados is low as it requires less labour.
How Much Does Hass Avocado Cost in Kenya?
Hass avocado in Kenya is sold at different prices depending on the fruit size and its quality in various places.
For instance, a 90kg bag of Hass avocado across major towns in Kenya is Ksh. 3200 in Nairobi, Ksh. 3000 in Nakuru, and Ksh. 3750 in Mombasa. One Hass avocado fruit costs between Kshs 5 and Kshs 20 in the local markets, depending on the size, and an average of Kshs 176 per kilo.
Hass avocado farming in Kenya is mainly found in the central regions, Kisii, and parts of the western. It is grown from seeds. However, to ensure you have the right Hass cultivars, grafting improves yields and increases their adaptability to different soils.
Hass avocado farming does well in deep and well-drained fertile soils. Hass avocado fruit is highly demanded locally and internationally.
Hass Avocado Trees Per Acre in Kenya
In Kenya, an acre of land requires 150 Hass avocado trees in the space of 5m by 5m from one tree to another and from one row of trees to another.
The yields of Hass avocado vary with the season each year in Kenya, since the more the tree gets old, the more it gives. Usually, the average production of Hass avocados in Kenya is 87,000 per acre. But three to four-year old trees yield 300 to 400 kilograms per acre, while a tree older than five years can yield between 800 and 1000 kilograms per acre.
Hass avocado trees will mature and start producing fruit between three and five years old. It will mature as early as three years under good management practices.
