The “Elnino” narrative has put most farmers in fear, with some going to the extent of not planting early while others are still stranded on the protective measures to put in place.

In a recent turn of events, President William Ruto has revealed that the country may not experience the anticipated El Nino rains, as was previously predicted by the Kenya Meteorological Department. Instead, the weather forecast insights have been scaled down to heavy rains, which will be of significant benefit to the Kenyan food sector. This comes as a sign of relief that has offered farmers a beacon of hope that they can get back to their farms with confidence.

There are no signs of Elnino Yet

The initial warning of El Niño rains that were predicted to hit the country from mid-October to December raised concerns. However, we are already approaching mid-November, and there are still no signs of such rain.

The clarification on the rain forecasts opens up new opportunities to get to the farm and scale up food production.

Speaking during a church service in Dagoretti, President Ruto emphasized that the downscaled forecast would be an advantage to farmers and enable them to increase their production. He stated, "You see, the department has now said there will be no El Nino; we will only have significant rains, which is even better for us to get to our farms and produce more."

With such insights, the question remains: What does this mean for Kenyan farmers?

Get back to the farms and increase food production. With heavy rains being received in different parts of the country, farmers should take advantage and invest in different agricultural ventures. For fruit farmers, this can be a perfect time to plant, as they will have adequate water for optimal root development.

Planting fruit trees during this rainy season reduces irrigation costs and provides the plants with adequate and regular watering.

In the early development stages, rainfall provides plants with nitrogen, which promotes vegetative growth and enables young plants to grow vigorously.

However, if the rains become extreme, this poses a couple of challenges:

Waterlogging, especially when there is excessive rainfall, This suffocates the plant roots and restricts the uptake of nutrients. If it happens for prolonged periods, waterlogging will cause stunted growth or even the death of the plant.

Soil erosion and nutrient loss, as heavy rainfall can wash away valuable nutrients, reducing soil fertility.

Delayed harvests occur when it rains throughout the day during harvesting days, making the fields inaccessible.

Pests and diseases Heavy rains create a humid environment, which favors the growth of pests and diseases.

To solve these challenges, farmers need to prepare proper drainage channels in their fields and plant cover crops to reduce soil erosion. Avoid planting in areas that are highly prone to flooding. Also, ensure proper sanitation in the fields.

President Ruto’s statement, “demonstrating in the farms to produce more food,” should serve as a call to action and an encouragement to farmers.

The rain is here, so what are you waiting for?

Get started the Frutunda way!

Are you planning to invest in fruit farming this rainy season? Well, at Frutunda, we would love to turn your goals into reality. We offer certified, high-quality fruit tree seedlings to get you started.

Contact us today to inquire more!

Visit us here at our farm, Ridgeways, along Kigwa Road.

Contact: 0769623300

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/254769623300