Kenya 10/07/2023

Everything you need to know about modern avocado growing

 

Avocado requires specific conditions to grow well. In Kenya, regions with high altitudes, good drainage, and plenty of rain are perfect for avocado trees. The temperature range of 20-28 degrees Celsius, which is common in Kenya, is also ideal for their growth. However, to successfully grow avocados, you need more than just favorable conditions.

Proper crop management practices are essential for achieving high yields. Organic mulching, for example, helps maintain soil moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature around avocado trees. Pruning is another important practice that not only keeps the tree in good shape, but also improves light penetration and air circulation, contributing to the overall health and productivity of the tree.

The advancement of technology in agriculture has brought significant changes to farming practices. Investing in modern farming technology can greatly improve productivity and profitability.

Technologies like precision irrigation systems and drones for crop health monitoring are now integral to avocado farming. GPS and GIS tools, for example, can enhance farm monitoring and management, while precision farming technologies can optimize resource usage and save costs.

Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy also holds great potential for farmers. It is a fast and non-destructive method of assessing fruit quality. Devices such as Felix Instruments’ Avocado Quality Meter, equipped with NIR, allow farmers to measure important quality parameters like dry matter and oil content without damaging the fruit. By providing accurate quality assessments, this tool can help you determine the best time to harvest and sort your produce more effectively. This results in better-quality fruit and the ability to sell at higher market prices.