Introduction of apples in Kangema

Photo/Peter Wambugu (left) from Wambugu Apple Farm in Ngobit in Laikipia and Kangema MP Peter Kihungi (right) looking at an apple seedling.The Mountain Journal

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Planting of apples is taking roots in Kangema, with learning institutions being the experiment grounds.

 The introduction of apples along the Slopes of Aberdare is a step towards a greener, more food secure and an economically empowered society.

In a project, hundreds of apple seedlings have been distributed to primary  schools  where the pupils are trained on how to nurture the fruit trees sourced from Laikipia county based Wambugu Apple farm in Ngobit. 

The experts educated the teachers and learners in 11 schools on the ways to nurture the apple trees. 

The trees were distributed to the schools and a few parents.

 In another 10 schools, they received avocado seedlings to enhance the nutritional value of the pupils.

Kangema MP Peter Kihungi said the apple planting programme is facilitated by the local NG CDF, in efforts to assist in planting trees as part of the government achieving 15 billion trees in 2032.

Speaking at Kiawambogo primary school, Mr Kihungi said the Wambugu Apple variety has been introduced to boost the local economy and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

He added that the apple is rich in nutritional value, cutting down on the need for excessive use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. 

 He observed that the initiative was a step towards a greener, more food secure and an economically empowered society.

“Using our schools as a demo will encourage the farmers around the selected schools to venture into apple farming which will in turn improve the economy of this area through an empowered society,” he said.

He noted that the Wambugu farm had also entered into an agreement with the Constituency in their value addition process and thus will also buy the fruits from the farmers at Sh300 per kilo. 

Peter Wambugu from Wambugu Apple farm, noted that the fruit  has an  exceptional taste, is adaptable to different climates, and can be grown by both small-scale and commercial farmers and not labour intensive.

 A seedling cost Sh1,000.

“I encourage farmers to embrace apple farming to be economically empowered even in generations to come,” he said, adding that a tree can produce between 300 and 400 fruits annually. 

Ruth Nyambura Maina, head teacher at Mukarara Primary school, said the introduction of apple farming in Murang’a fruit will be beneficial to the pupils and the community  due to its high nutritional value.

“ The  surplus will be sold to the local markets to enable the school to raise an extra  coin to facilitate education, “ she said.