Jackfruit, also known as “fenesi” in Swahili, is a beloved dessert in Kenya, particularly in Busia County and the Coast region around Kwale. According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), approximately 65% of jackfruits in Kenya are found in Busia County.
This “super-fruit” is characterized by its enormous size, with some fruits weighing up to 18 kilograms. Jackfruit cultivation requires specific ecological conditions, thriving in deep, sandy loam to clay loam soils with good drainage and a pH ranging from five to 6.5.
Kenya boasts several jackfruit varieties, with the most popular being the orange, white, and yellow-fleshed types. Each variety offers distinct characteristics, with the orange variety having thick flesh and a small seed, while the yellow variety features thinner flesh, a stronger aroma, and a sweeter taste.
To cultivate jackfruit, farmers can use seeds or asexual propagation methods like cuttings or grafting. Cleft grafting is considered an effective grafting method, resulting in high genetic quality trees with short, sturdy statures.
The planting process involves preparing the field, digging holes, and taking special care when transplanting seedlings due to the delicate root system of jackfruit trees. It’s essential to maintain proper planting distances and regularly prune the trees to remove unnecessary branches and twigs.
For optimal growth and fruit production, jackfruit trees require a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Weeding, pruning, and addressing pests and diseases are essential ongoing tasks for successful cultivation.
Jackfruit trees typically start bearing fruit at around three years of age. An average tree can yield between 100 to 200 fruits annually, with an average fruit weight of about 5.72 kilograms in Busia County. A well-maintained acre can accommodate 50 jackfruit plants, producing up to 800 fruits by the fifth year.
The market for jackfruit is mainly concentrated in the Western region and the Coast. Depending on market prices, the average value obtained from one acre in the fifth year could reach substantial amounts, making jackfruit cultivation a potentially lucrative agri-business opportunity in Kenya.