With a production lifetime of 12 years, and reaching peak harvest time in 1 to 3 years, tree tomato farming can be profitable if the trees are well taken care of. Tree tomato farming is gaining momentum in the Kenyan market due to the demand for the fruit, in both the juicing and fresh fruit market.
Is tree tomato profitable?
RED ORATIA TREE TOMATOES DUE FOR HARVESTING
“The trees produce between 20 and 25 kgs of fruits annually. A kilo of tree tomato fruits sells at between Sh60 to Sh80 depending on the demand in the market.”
How much is a kilo of tree tomatoes in Kenya?
“When properly attended, one tree tomato plant can produce about two kilograms of fruits per week,” said the farmer adding that she usually sells the produce to dealers in Nakuru town at a price of between 70 to 90 Kenyan shillings per kilo.
How long does tree tomato take to produce fruits?
The tree grows very quickly and is able to carry fruits after 1.5 to 2 years though in some favorable conditions they carry fruits in a lesser span of time. The plant is day length-insensitive. Fruits do not mature simultaneously unless the tree has been pruned.
What can be intercropped with tree tomatoes?
If you want to diversify agribusiness, you can intercrop your tree tomatoes with beans and other vegetables. Grafted tree tomato farming in Kenya is a commercial venture And has a ready market.
How many tomato plants can be planted in an acre?
An acre needs around 10,000 seedings which cost around sh385,000. However, if you are not a commercial farmer, you can squeeze seeds from the tomatoes that you use at home, dry the seeds and then plant them.
How much can one earn from an acre of tomatoes in Kenya?
If he has crop when price is high at Sh5,000 to Sh6,000, he earns about Sh1. 5 million from an acre. He incurs about Sh150,000 to tend an acre of tomatoes to maturity.
Are tree tomatoes profitable in Kenya?
With a production lifetime of 12 years, and reaching peak harvest time in 1 to 3 years, tree tomato farming can be profitable if the trees are well taken care of. Tree tomato farming is gaining momentum in the Kenyan market due to the demand for the fruit, in both the juicing and fresh fruit market.
How long does tree tomato live?
(-2 C.), though there will be some dieback. Even under the best conditions though, the average lifespan of a tree tomato is about four years. If you would like to grow a tree tomato in colder climates, you will want to keep it in a container so that it can be brought in for the winter.
What are tree tomatoes good for?
Tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) is appreciated for its excellent nutritional qualities, being considered a good source of antioxidants compounds, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, sugars, organic acids, pectins and flavonoids.
Does tree tomato increase blood?
Increase your tree-tomato intake to lower the levels of high blood pressure. Loaded with good sources of minerals and potassium, this fruit helps control blood pressure.
How long does it take for a tamarillo tree to fruit?
Tamarillos are fast growing small trees which will fruit in their second year, reaching full production capacity around four years from planting. They are relatively short lived with an average tree fruiting for around 7-12 years before giving up.
Where do tree tomatoes grow?
Although its place of origin is not certain, the tree tomato is generally believed to be native to the Andes of Peru and probably also Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia where it is extensively grown, as it is also in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia.
What causes yellowing of leaves in tree tomatoes?
Nutrient Deficiency is a Likely Cause. The most common reason why the leaves on established tomato plants turn yellow is a lack of nutrients in the soil. Tomatoes are extremely heavy feeders and require plenty of nutrients to grow healthy and be fruitful. Signs of nutrient deficiency often start low on the tomato plant
How much does 1 acre of tomatoes make?
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has calculated average income from one acre of tomatoes. Half the time, a grower will net about $950 per acre. One year out of six, the grower can expect to earn more than $1,400 per acre.
What is the profit of tomato?
Total earning from 1 acre tomato cultivation is Rs 1,50,000. Profit: Total profit would be the difference in the cost and the benefit or the cost-benefit ration which falls at Rs 1, 19,850. Therefore, the farmer can earn an average of 1,20,000 from 1 acre tomato cultivation or simply Rs 30,000 per month for 4 months.
What is the highest yielding tomato plant?
Best High Yield Tomato Plant Varieties
- Cherry Tomato: This delightful selection produces abundant, tiny cherry-like red, deep red, yellow, orange or dark purple fruit ideal for snacking and for salads.
- Grape Tomato: These small, oblong tomatoes also make perfect snacks and for additions to salads.
Which is the best month to plant tomatoes in Kenya?
“I can plant for three seasons, but due to market dynamics, I prefer growing two seasons, between December and April as well as August and January when prices are better.” Kiptoo has set up a nursery where he propagates his seedlings before he plants them to the main farm after four weeks.
How do you succeed in tomato farming?
The seeds should not be buried deep into the soil but planted at a depth of around 1cm. The tomato seeds should be covered just slightly with soil. Spacing between rows should be around 15cm. To increase moisture level, mulch is to be added on the seedbed.
How long does it take for tree tomato to mature?
two years
“Normally, a tree tomato plant takes two years to bear fruits, but the grafted one matures in nine months. The grafted variety is more resistant to diseases, matures faster, and does well in high altitude as well as drier areas because it acquires favorable traits from indigenous Muthakwa plant,” Gitari says.
Where is the best place to plant a tamarillo tree?
full sun
Plant tamarillos in full sun – though they will tolerate some partial afternoon shade. They need protection from strong winds that can shred the soft large leaves. Avoid planting in areas with prolonged cold winter temperatures. A light frost has the benefit of pruning tamarillos by killing off any long, spindly stems.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
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