Agri-preneurs Encouraged to Explore Commercial Farming of Underutilized Fruits to Strengthen Value Chains

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is calling on agri-preneurs to tap into the commercial farming of lesser-known fruits, highlighting their potential to unlock profitable value chains in the horticulture sector.

Kenya’s favorable climate provides an excellent opportunity to cultivate a diverse range of fruits whose value chains remain underexplored in both domestic and international markets. Among these are indigenous species such as tree tomato, pomegranate, gooseberries, jackfruit, and moringa, which KALRO officials believe could diversify the country’s agricultural exports and bolster food security.

Experts warn that Kenya’s heavy reliance on traditional crops like maize and tea has exposed many farmers to the risks of market volatility and climate change. By shifting focus to these underutilized fruits, agri-preneurs can not only mitigate these risks but also open up new avenues for economic growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

KALRO emphasizes that investing in these crops could transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape, offering farmers a resilient and profitable alternative to conventional farming practices.