Exploring innovations in fruit farming: A visit to JKUAT Enterprises and beyond.
24 Mar, 2025
Exploring innovations in fruit farming: A visit to JKUAT Enterprises and beyond.
Nairobi Kenya: In an insightful agricultural tour today, representatives from CARD, Trocaire,
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and CADECOM were
privileged to visit JKUAT Enterprises, a hub of innovative fruit tree
cultivation and nursery management. The visit provided an in-depth look at how
the enterprise nurtures over a million fruit tree species, including tropical
and temperate fruit seedlings. The team observed critical nursery management
techniques such as propagation and grafting, which are essential for enhancing
tree quality and productivity.
The delegation also toured the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, where they
gained an appreciation for cutting-edge research on fruit trees conducted in
the laboratory. They explored the facility’s greenhouse management systems,
which play a crucial role in optimizing plant growth and ensuring sustainable
fruit production.
Another key stop was Lalibela Limited, a 40-acre fruit farm that cultivates
a wide range of fruits, including bananas, avocados, oranges and pomegranates.
The farm serves as a model for large-scale fruit production, demonstrating best
practices in orchard management and crop diversification.
The visit concluded at the Effective Integrated Pest Management Association,
where participants learned about various spice crops that farmers are
nurturing. The group also explored different pest management strategies,
including cultural and behavioral methods, which help in reducing chemical
dependence and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The tour was an eye-opening experience, showcasing the latest advancements
in fruit farming, pest management and agricultural research. Such initiatives
play a vital role in improving productivity, sustainability and resilience in
the agricultural sector.
