Maragua ridge: Months after residents of the arid yet agriculturally rich Maragua Ridge gained access to irrigation water through a national government initiative, farmers have received another major boost to improve food security in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, over 500 farmers, including those using irrigation water and relying on the ongoing March-May rainfall, were provided with 10,000 avocado seedlings and maize seeds. In addition, agricultural experts trained them on sustainable and profitable avocado farming techniques.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Murang’a County Woman Representative Betty Maina emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance food security and create long-term income opportunities for local farmers. ‘We want to empower farmers by taking advantage of available irrigation water. This area is highly suitable for avocado farming due to its warm climate,’ she said. ‘Alongside mangoes, avocados will become a key cash crop, turning this area into an avocado basket and further boosting the local economy.’
Maina noted that the initiative is expected to provide reliable income within three years, enabling farmers to support their families and educate their children. ‘With proper care, a single avocado tree can earn a farmer up to Sh. 5,000 annually. Unlike tea or coffee, avocados are not labor-intensive, making them a suitable investment,’ she added.
Agricultural expert Mburu Ngigi highlighted that avocados from arid regions rank highly in oil content and market value. He advised farmers to nurture the trees carefully, noting that the first harvest is expected within 18-24 months. The Hass avocado variety distributed is smaller than ordinary avocados, ripens slowly, but offers high yields.
‘Planting Hass avocados requires preparing holes 2m by 2.4 ft, filling them with manure, and ensuring proper watering. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot,’ Ngigi said. He recommended weekly watering and the use of drip irrigation, along with pruning during the dry season to remove dead branches, thin crowded areas, improve air circulation, enhance sunlight penetration, and encourage healthy fruit development.
Avocado Farmers Association Chairperson Ruoho Wangeci assured farmers that the seedlings would be nurtured to maturity to collectively boost the region’s economy. ‘Through farmer sensitization forums and extension services, we aim for a 100 percent growth rate for the 10,000 seedlings distributed. One avocado tree can produce up to 400 kilograms of fruit per season, and from these seedlings, we expect returns of not less than Sh. 140 million within five years,’ he said.
Farmer John Kimani expressed optimism about the impact of the seedlings. ‘I have received 10 Hass avocado seedlings which I will plant immediately. With access to irrigation, watering them during the dry season will be easy. This will be a reliable income source, and extension support will help us farm profitably,’ he said. Kimani added that he had prepared land for the planting season but lacked funds to purchase certified maize seeds. ‘I have received maize seeds, which I will plant and harvest later in the year for better returns,’ he noted.