Apple farming takes root in Murang'a in new drive

Apple farming is taking root in Kangema, Murang’a County, with learning institutions being the experimental grounds.

Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, who is behind the project, says the introduction of the fruit along the slopes of the Aberdare Range is a step towards a greener, more food-secure, and economically empowered society.

Under the project, hundreds of apple seedlings have been distributed to primary schools within the constituency, where pupils are trained on how to nurture the fruit trees sourced from Wambugu Apple Farm in Ngobit, Laikipia County.

Some 10 schools have also received avocado seedlings. Mr Kihungi said the initiative is also meant to supplement the government’s greening efforts aimed at achieving 15 billion trees by 2032.

Speaking at Kiawambogo Primary School, the MP said the Wambugu apple variety would also contribute to sustainable agriculture in the region.

He noted that apples are rich in nutritional value and urged farmers to cut the excessive use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers in their farming.

 “Using our schools as a demo will encourage the farmers around the selected schools to venture into apple farming, which will, in turn, improve the economy of this area,” said Mr Kihungi.

He noted that Wambugu Farm had also agreed with the constituency in their value addition process, providing a ready market for the fruits, with a kilo going for Sh300.

Peter Wambugu, from Wambugu Apple Farm, noted that the fruit has an exceptional taste, is adaptable to different climates, can be grown by both small-scale and commercial farmers, and is not labour-intensive.

 A seedling costs Sh1,000. “I encourage farmers to embrace apple farming to be economically empowered even in generations to come,” he said, adding that a tree can produce between 300 and 400 fruits annually.

Ruth Maina, the head teacher at Mukarara Primary School, said the introduction of apple farming in the county would help improve the region’s nutritional health besides improving its economy through the sale of the fruit.

“The surplus will be sold to the local markets to enable the school to raise money for school fees,” she said. [