The adverse effects of climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and unreliable markets have seen crop farmers incur massive losses. Grapes are an excellent option for farmers looking for climate-tolerant crops that respond positively to hot temperatures. With the rising demand for raisins and the momentum around wine production, grape farming is a rapidly growing agribusiness that farmers should consider venturing into. The crop performs well in most parts of the country with warm and dry climates such as Naivasha, Kibwezi, Yatta, Mombasa, and Mandera. Make a move into English wine. It starts with suitable soils, perfect topography, and a favorable climate.

Here are seven key reasons why you should venture into grape farming:

Over the years, the demand increased rapidly due to their health benefits and extensive use in the food processing and wine industries. They can be consumed fresh or processed into other products such as wines, juice, raisins, jam, and jelly.

If you have recently paid a visit to the fruit vendor, you might have seen a packet of grapes retailing for Ksh 250 to 300. Well, that's the average range in supermarkets and fruit stores. Since they sell at premium prices in local and export markets, grape farming is a lucrative venture that can provide farmers with a steady income. With favorable growing conditions, you can produce the desired quality for wine production.

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The wine industry is growing rapidly in local and export markets, especially Europe. The UK, for instance, targets an output of 10 million bottles or higher. By 2040, UK sales are predicted to reach about 40 million bottles. The market for table grapes is expanding in the Middle East, Europe, Russia, and Asia-Pacific.

Kenya offers an ideal climate for grape production. Most regions offer warm and dry climates, adequate sun, and enough cold during the dormancy stage. These conditions are necessary for producing premium quality grapes. High humidity and continuous rains for extended periods are unsuitable for grape farming as they favor the development of fungal diseases.

Most parts of the country also offer great temperature fluctuations, increased solar rays, and water scarcity. Elevated vineyards are the best in grape farming as they expose the plants to optimum exposure to solar rays. The vineyard's exposure to the sun affects the acidity and tannin structure of the grapes. The density and intensity of solar rays hitting the vineyard increase as you move upward in an elevation. This means there is direct and concentrated sunlight and an increase in temperature. These factors give the fruits more concentrated flavor profiles, thicker skin, stronger tannins, and greater color concentrations. Temperature shifts between day and night make the fruits conserve their acidity.

Meru, Bungoma, and most parts of Central Kenya offer an excellent growing environment for grapes.

Grapes are adapted to various soil conditions but flourish and produce higher yields in fertile soils with a pH range of 6.5 – 8.5. The soil also needs to have a perfect water holding capacity. Most parts of the country offer the ideal soils necessary for grape production.

As a grower, you need something that adds value to you and your consumers. Grapes are a rich source of vitamins A, B6, C, and K and minerals like manganese, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, copper, and iron. Besides, they contain high antioxidant content, dietary fibers, and phytonutrients. 

Unlike other crops, grapes are susceptible to fewer pests and diseases. Mostly, they are affected by pests like red spider mites, thrips, beetles, leaf hoppers, mealy bugs, and flea beetles. They are prone to diseases like powdery mildew, black rot, botrytis, Downey mildew, anthracnose, and Alternaria blight.

So, why not tap this economic opportunity and venture into grape farming? At Oxfarm, we offer certified grape seedlings and help you set up your vineyard. Place your order today!

Get this offer today, engage us for advice.

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