KALRO backs rare fruits farming to unblock value chain

Agri-preneurs have been urged to venture intocommercial farming of lesser known fruits to boost the value chain.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) says these fruits could be the key in unlocking more profitable value chains in the horticulture space.

Kenya’s weather is ideal for the cultivation of a variety of fruits whose value chains are yet to be fully exploited in both local and international markets.

The fruits according to crop scientists include indigenous species such as tree tomato, pomegranate, gooseberries, jackfruit and moringa. KALRO officials say these fruits have the potential to diversify the country’s agricultural exports and enhance food security.

Experts say over-reliance on traditional crops like maize and tea has left many farmers vulnerable to the risks of market fluctuation and climate change.