Arise Media 
In the semi-arid expanses of Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County, a remarkable transformation is underway, spearheaded by a local farmer with a visionary approach.
As the once-popular Muguka faces increasing restrictions and social backlash, Evanson Nthiga is championing a new crop that promises to reshape the region’s agricultural landscape: the dragon fruit.
In 2013, recognizing the mounting challenges facing Muguka, Nthiga who hails from Ganduru village of Kiritiri, Mbeere South constituency in Embu County embarked on a quest for a sustainable alternative.
His journey led him to the dragon fruit, a vibrant and hardy crop that thrives in the dry conditions that define the Mbeere landscape.
“Muguka was our lifeline, but its future became uncertain. Dragon fruit, however, offered a perfect solution—high demand and perfect suitability for our environment,” Nthiga who has successfully ventured into dragon fruit farming and seedling propagation explains.
Through dedication and research, he bought dragon fruit cuttings and established Richfarm Kenya, a pioneering enterprise in dragon fruit farming, which now boasts branches across the country.
The crop’s appeal lies in its resilience; requiring minimal water and adaptable to various soil types, it is ideal for the arid conditions of Mbeere.
The farm manager Cyril Masaka highlights the crop’s adaptability saying, “Being in the cactus family, dragon fruit thrives even in arid conditions. It doesn’t need much water and isn’t picky about soil, making it a game-changer for farmers here.”
Dragon fruit’s popularity has soared locally and internationally, driven by its unique flavor, health benefits, and sustainability.
Experts recommend it for regions with average temperatures of 21-30°C and rainfall of 500-1500mm, with sandy soils being ideal.
He adds, “For your plants to have good vegetative growth and a high yield, the soils must have high organic matter and be well drained. Ensure that you give them just a little water during dry seasons.”
Noting that they major in fruit seedlings propagation, Masaka advises that in establishing a dragon fruit orchard, it is important to have disease-free, rooted cuttings.
The farmer should also have posts to support the crops. On Nthiga’s farm, one post supports two dragon fruit crops.
“The dragon fruit is a climber and requires a strong vertical post-support. Our posts are 1.5m high from the ground. Care should be taken when selecting the support posts as they should be strong,” Masaka notes.
To allow fast vertical growth, remove the shoots of the climbing stems, leaving just one or two until they reach the top of the support posts.
Once the crop is established, prune regularly to obtain an open manageable, and productive umbrella-shaped canopy.
The farm’s marketing manager, Fridah Njeru, notes that demand is high year-round, with prices reaching up to Sh1000 per kilogram in the off-season.
“Each kilo of the fruits ranges between Sh600 and Sh700 when in season (November-June) but Sh1000 and above per kilogram, when off-season. Each cutting goes for Sh500, but we discount prices and sell at Sh400 for people buying in bulk,” she says.
With dragon fruit trees capable of producing fruit for up to 40 years and few pests or diseases affecting them, the crop represents a bright future for Mbeere’s agricultural landscape.
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