Optimizing Avocado production in Kenya

Avocado fruit has been steadily gaining popularity not only locally but globally as well over the last two decades. In Kenya, avocado remains the single highest exported fruit accounting for 80% of the total earning in 2019. The global increase in demand for the fruit has been accelerated by international recognition of the multiple health benefits associated with it and thus making it an inclusion in most diets. It is no longer considered an exotic fruit but part of the everyday diet for many people in different countries. Global production of avocado has steadily increased over the years and rose from 5.62 million tons in 2016 to 6.3 million in 2018.

Despite increased production and growth in terms of acreage over the last decade, avocado sustainable production still faces numerous challenges. Some of these include:

•  Poor and inadequate nutritional practices
• Insect and pest infestation
• Fruit diseases
• Poor orchard management practices
• Poor post-harvest handling practices

Adequate application of the right fertilizers, at the right quantities with proper timing can enhance sustainable production. It is therefore important to have a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as inclusion of calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc that all contribute to quality of the harvested fruits. Lachlan Kenya specializes in a range of nutrient efficient nutrition products that have been designed for a wide range of Kenyan soils. The slow release technology in Lachlan’s portfolio enhances protected phosphorus in acidic soils and gradually released nitrogen thus no losses through leaching in wet conditions and volatilization in dry hot soil areas.

We also offer a wide range of foliar products with formulations having calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc applicable at different stages.