A group of farmers in Langwenda farm, Kuresoi North constituency in Nakuru County have decided to venture into tree tomato farming after experiencing losses from potato farming for several years.
Festus Sois, the group leader, explains that they have been growing potatoes and peas as cash crops but have not been able to achieve significant profits.
“Having a background in agriculture and based on advise from the Horticultural Crops Development Authority Office, we have decided to try this crop which will be economic game changer in this region,” he said.
In search of crops with higher yields and better market opportunities, they have chosen to cultivate tree tomatoes.
To begin their new venture, the group has allocated a one-acre piece of land to establish tree nursery beds.
However, they are now seeking technical support from the county government of Nakuru.
Judy Njoroge, a group member urged the county government of Nakuru which has been distributing the seedlings of avocado to focus on tree tomatoes and support farmers by supplying seeds and seedlings.
“It’s unfortunate that we have been farmers for decades yet we are suffering in poverty, we appeal for Governor Susan Kihika to support us venture into this crop,” she said.
The decision to focus on tree tomatoes was influenced by favourable climatic conditions, high market prices, and low labour costs.
Tree tomatoes typically have a single upright trunk with lateral branches, and the flowers and fruits hang from these branches.
The leaves are large, simple, and perennial, emitting a strong pungent smell. The flowers are pink-white and form clusters of 10-50 flowers. Each cluster can produce 1 to 6 fruits.
The fruit itself is a many-seeded berry with an egg-shaped appearance, resembling a medium-sized tomato, although it is not a true tomato.
Peak production is typically achieved after 3-6 years, depending on the cultivar, and the crop has a lifespan of approximately 12 years.
The tree tomato fruits can be enjoyed fresh by scooping out the flesh from halved pieces. If used for other purposes, such as cooking or baking, the skin needs to be removed.
This can be easily done by pouring boiling water over the fruits and allowing them to stand for about 5 minutes before peeling.
The flesh of the tree tomato can be added to stews to enhance their flavour, and the fruits themselves are both tasty and visually appealing in salads, making them a delightful addition to appetizing desserts.
The crop consists of different types, such as the Red fruits variety, which is primarily utilized for fresh market fruit because of its attractive color. The Yellow fruits variety, on the other hand, boasts a superior flavor and is therefore ideal for preservation. Lastly, the Dark-red or Black variety produces large fruits of exceptional quality.
Annual temperatures between 15 and 20 °C are ideal for tree tomato production.
Tree tomatoes grow well in altitude of between 1,500m to 3,000M above sea level.
The average altitude of Kuresoi South is 2,800 meters above sea level.
By Amos Kerich
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