Description

Jackfruit Seedlings

Discover the versatile and lucrative potential of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) with Organic Farm’s certified jackfruit seedlings. Known as the world’s largest tree-borne fruit, jackfruit offers sweet, nutrient-rich flesh high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-complex, alongside edible seeds packed with protein. Organically propagated in Muranga, Kenya, our KEPHIS-certified seedlings are selected for vigor, high yields, and adaptability, making them ideal for small-scale and commercial farmers aiming to tap into Kenya’s growing market for this underutilized crop.

Benefits of Jackfruit Farming

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and minerals, jackfruit supports digestion, immunity, and heart health; seeds are boiled or roasted as a nutritious snack.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, or use in curries, desserts, jams, chips, or vegan meat substitutes; seeds and rind are used in animal feed and starch production.

• High Profitability: Yields 2–3 tonnes per acre, fetching KSh 50–100/kg locally and KSh 200/kg for processed products, generating KSh 100,000–600,000 per acre annually. Kenya’s jackfruit market is expanding, with exports to Europe and Asia.

• Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant, hardy trees produce for 50–70 years with minimal inputs, ideal for agroforestry and intercropping with coffee or bananas.

Favorable Climates for Jackfruit in Kenya

Jackfruit thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures of 22–35°C and annual rainfall of 1,000–2,400mm, tolerating semi-arid conditions with irrigation.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Coastal Kenya: Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Makueni, Taita Taveta

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Thika, Kirinyaga

• Western Kenya: Kisumu, Siaya, Bungoma

• Rift Valley: Nakuru (lower altitudes)

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy, sandy loam, or clay soils; tolerates poor soils.

• Soil pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral); amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Benefits from organic matter; avoid waterlogged soils.

• Altitude: 0–1,500 meters above sea level; best yields below 1,000m.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Jackfruit

Site Preparation

• Choose a sunny site with 6–8 hours of sunlight and protection from strong winds; install windbreaks if necessary.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; plow to loosen soil and ensure proper drainage.

• Test soil pH and enrich with organic matter to improve fertility.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft), spaced 10–12m apart (25–40 trees per acre) to accommodate large canopies.

• Mix topsoil with 20kg well-decomposed manure and 125g double superphosphate fertilizer.

Planting Seedlings

• Use KEPHIS-certified seedlings from trusted nurseries like Organic Farm for consistent quality and faster establishment.

• Plant in early rainy seasons (March–May or October–November), placing seedlings at nursery depth with roots spread naturally; backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Soak roots in water for 2–3 hours before planting to reduce transplant shock.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich soil, keeping mulch 5cm from the trunk.

Caring for Jackfruit Trees

• Irrigation: Water young seedlings every 2–3 days during dry periods (20–30 liters per tree weekly); mature trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from irrigation during fruiting to enhance size and quality.

• Fertilization: Apply NPK 10:10:10 or organic compost twice yearly for young trees; mature trees require potassium-rich fertilizers (e.g., NPK 12:12:24) during fruiting. Base applications on soil tests.

• Pruning: Prune sparingly to remove dead, diseased, or low-hanging branches; shape young trees to promote a strong structure and improve air circulation.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests (fruit borers, shoot borers) and diseases (root rot, anthracnose); use neem oil, pheromone traps, or fungicides like RANSOM 600WP. Maintain orchard hygiene to minimize risks.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 10–12m (33–40 ft) for standard varieties; 8–10m for dwarf types.

• Population: 25–40 trees per acre, depending on canopy size and intercropping plans.

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 10–70 fruits (50–500 kg) annually at maturity (4–6 years), with each fruit weighing 5–50 kg.

• Per Acre: 2–3 tonnes per acre, yielding KSh 100,000–600,000 at KSh 50–100/kg for fresh fruit, with higher returns for processed products.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins 3–4 years after planting, with peak production at 6–8 years; trees produce for 50–70 years.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Jackfruit Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our jackfruit seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Propagated from select varieties (e.g., Honey Gold, Cochin) for high yields, flavor, and market appeal, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • Honey Gold: Smaller fruits (5–10 kg), sweet, crisp flesh, ideal for fresh markets.

  • Cochin: Medium-sized fruits (10–20 kg), juicy, high-yielding, suited for processing.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, intercropping, and market linkages, including value addition for chips and vegan products.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation ensures soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya (e.g., Mombasa, Murang’a, Kisumu) and East Africa.

Tap into Kenya’s growing jackfruit market, fueled by demand for fresh, processed, and vegan products, with Organic Farm’s certified seedlings. Order now to establish a resilient orchard that delivers nutritious, profitable harvests for generations!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com