Provided that proper farming methods are applied, commercial pear farming can be a lucrative business. Various cultivars can be grown in different regions depending on their adaptability. They perform well in a wide range of soils and are tolerant to drought and wet soils. However, they cannot tolerate flooding since it damages their root system.

Climatic Conditions

Most pear varieties thrive in cool regions when temperatures do not exceed 320C. Pears require abundant exposure to sunlight for maximum fruit production. Sufficient sunlight also enhances the color of the fruits. Pears require adequate rainfall, although they can be put under irrigation especially in dry areas. In warm and dry regions, commercial pear farming requires regular fertilization, irrigation, and continuous optimization of pollination. A cold season (chilling) is necessary to break dormancy and to enhance fruit bud development. Lack of chilling slows down leaf formation and causes poor fruit set. However, different varieties require different chilling requirements. In the tropics, especially in Kenya, farmers should consider growing varieties with a low chilling effect. Due to the cold season that dominates the area, Limuru is ideal for pear farming. 

Soil requirements

Pears are not selective when it comes to soil requirements. They can be grown in different soils ranging from loamy, clay loamy or sandy soils. The plants thrive in soils that are either light sandy or loamy. However, they are sensitive to pH and require a soil pH of below 8.5. Alkaline soils above this are not suitable for pear farming. High soil pH of above 8.5 seems to cause zinc deficiencies and iron chlorosis in plants.

Pear plants require Potassium and Nitrogen for normal leaf growth, flowering and fruit set, and Phosphorus for the development of a strong root system, especially when the plants are still young. They also require Magnesium, Manganese, Boron, Zinc, and Calcium for bud development, flowering, and fruition. Nutrient deficiency negatively affects fruit quality, number, and general tree health. If any of the nutrients is not available in the soil, it can be supplemented by applying fertilizers.

Pests and diseases that affect pear farming

Just like other fruits, pears are also attacked by pests such as aphids, beetles, leafhoppers, spider mites, and moths. When these pests attack the tree or the fruits, they feed on the plant causing damage to the leaves and fruits. They cause curling and yellowing of leaves, holes or spots to the fruits, and flower and fruit drop in severe cases.

They are also susceptible to a number of fungal and bacterial diseases. For instance, they are prone to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that attacks the leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing leaf and fruit discoloration and distortion. If not controlled, the infected tree becomes weak and unproductive. They are also prone to fire blight, a bacterial disease that attacks the shoots and branches, especially of young plants, and makes them appear like they are burned.

Other diseases that are collar rot, crown rot, and root rot.

Market prices for Kenya pears

Prices for Kenyan pears fluctuate depending on the market. For instance, one kilo of pears was going for KES 26 in 2018 and KES 30 in 2019. Fresh pears exported to Rwanda, Belarus, Bahrain, and Somalia have the highest prices per kilo. In the local market, one pear goes for Ksh 10 but can rise up to Ksh 15 depending on the season. When proper farming techniques are employed, a tree can produce 180kgs in a season. This means a farmer with 200 trees will harvest 36000kgs of pear fruit in one season. When a kilogram is going for KES 30, a farmer can make 1,080,000 in one season.  Pear fruits require little maintenance and hence most of the revenue generated is profit. Isn’t that a lucrative venture?

You can also look for what the government is doing for avocado farmers.