Pixie Oranges
Premium seedless citrus variety from California with exceptional sweetness and immediate market demand. Makueni County farmers earned KES 595 million in 2019!
Growing Requirements
climate
- Hot tropical to subtropical climate
- Temperature 25-35°C optimal
- Low to moderate rainfall 400-800mm
Task Timeline
Total cycle duration: 24 months to first harvest, productive for 50+ years
Investment & Returns
Costs Breakdown
| Category | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
Seedlings Per acre | 55,000 |
Land Preparation Per acre | 35,000 |
Irrigation System Per acre | 100,000 |
Fertilizers Per acre | 60,000 |
Pest Control Per acre | 45,000 |
Tools & Equipment Per acre | 25,000 |
Labor Per acre | 80,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 400,000 |
* Costs may vary based on location, season, and market conditions.
Expected Returns
Yield
17,500 kg per acre at maturity
Price Range
KSh 60 - 120
Seasonality
Year-round with peak production in dry season
Common Challenges
Citrus Disease Management
Susceptible to citrus canker, greening disease, and other bacterial/fungal infections
SOLUTIONS
- •Regular monitoring
- •Preventive copper spraying
- •Quarantine protocols
- •Resistant rootstock use
Market Competition
Competition from imported apples and other citrus varieties during peak season
SOLUTIONS
- •Quality differentiation
- •Direct marketing
- •Value addition
- •Export market development
Initial Investment Recovery
24-month wait before first harvest requires patient capital and cash flow management
SOLUTIONS
- •Intercropping with vegetables
- •Phased planting
- •Alternative income sources
- •Contract farming
Market Information
Potential Buyers
Supermarkets & Retail
Price: KSh 80-120 per kg
Requirements: Premium quality, Consistent supply, Proper grading, Attractive packaging
Hotels & Restaurants
Price: KSh 70-100 per kg
Requirements: Fresh quality, Regular supply, Competitive pricing, Food safety standards
Juice Processing Companies
Price: KSh 60-90 per kg
Requirements: Bulk volumes, High juice content, Consistent quality, Competitive pricing
Export Companies
Price: KSh 90-120 per kg
Requirements: Export quality, Large volumes, KEBS certification, Traceability
Local Markets
Price: KSh 60-80 per kg
Requirements: Fresh produce, Fair pricing, Regular availability
Value Addition Opportunities
Fresh Juice Production
Potential Return: 300-400% markup
Investment: Medium
Dried Orange Chips
Potential Return: 400-500% markup
Investment: Low
Essential Oil Extraction
Potential Return: 500-800% markup
Investment: High
Plan Your Pixie Oranges Project
Transform your knowledge into action with these practical next steps
Step 1: Assess Resources
Evaluate your land, water access, initial capital, and labor availability before starting your pixie oranges farm.
Step 2: Create Business Plan
Develop a detailed plan covering costs, expected returns, market strategy, and risk management for your pixie oranges farm.
Step 3: Implementation Timeline
Create a schedule for land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting to align with optimal growing seasons.
Unlock Your Farm's Potential
Take the next step. Get expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals for growing Pixie Oranges.