Post by Trade Coach on Jun 24, 2021 8:44:49 GMT 1
It is known all over the world that fruits are very important for our daily living. Fruits are now competing with solid foods in our consumption. Health officials also advise their patients to increase their intake of fruits during periods of illness.
People are now more aware of the benefits of fruit consumption in their lives, and this has translated to the high profitability of fruit farming.
Passion fruit is highly sought after both locally and in the international market. The fruit is mostly used for making fruit juices.
It is in the top three fruit exports in Kenya, the fruit commands a high value in the international market.
There are more than 50 edible varieties of the fruit. The hybrid variety is made from cross-breeding the yellow fruit with the purple passion fruits.
The name passion fruit was derived from it being a member of one of the many varieties of the passion flower.
The fruits weigh between 90 – 100g; they are vigorous climbing vine that cling by tendrils for support. They start producing fruits after about 10 months of planting, and can mature between 80 – 90 days. The maturity time depends greatly on the type of variety planted.
Passion fruits produce fruits twice in a year; August-December, and March-May yearly. The fruit can yield between 10-20 tonnes per hectare; while a vine can produce between 200-250 fruits yearly.
This plant can continue to yield fruits for the next six years. An acre can contain about 500 stands if maximally spaced.
It is used in the preparation of juices for flavoring cakes, pie, ice creams, etc. Only few companies have planted it in Nigeria for their production. The fruit is imported into the country highly. The country needs more investors to come into the business because it is highly profitable.
The fruit is a tropical fruit but currently grown all over the world. The purple and yellow varieties are the most popular.
Passion fruit is highly nutritious; it is a good source of nutrients, and contains the following: fibre, vitamin C, and provitamin A.
A single purple passion fruit contains the following:
Calories: 17
Fibre: 2 grams
Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin A: 8% of the DV
Iron: 2% of the DV
Potassium: 2% of the DV
These may seem to be small, but don’t forget that they are what one small fruit contains.
The fruit is rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre. Foods that are high in these nutrients have been linked to lower risks of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Land Preparation:
The best soil for planting passion fruit seeds that will give you optimum growth is a well-drained sandy loamy soil rich in organic matter; the Ph level should be between: 5.5-6.5.
You have to prepare the land by clearing grasses which you have to keep for covering the surface of the plant to create atmosphere for growth; and also reserve the trees for stacking.
If the land is hard, you can use tractor and harrowing machine to loosen the soil for root and water penetration.
After getting your land well prepared, you will now have to dig holes of 45 X 45cm or 60 X60cm as you prefer.
Mix manure with the soil on a ratio of 50:50; that is, equal amount of soil and manure, apply it in the hole you dug earlier up to 30cm in height.
As we noted earlier, sowing the seeds should take place between March and April of the year.
You can buy your seedlings from reputable and recognized nursery companies in Nigeria, if you are close to Lagos or other Southwest states, you can buy from Ogun State in Nigeria.
After the initial application of manure before planting, apply again after a month, and again after 3 months.
When buying the seedlings, request to be given pest resistant varieties, they will save you from lots of problem from pests and other plant diseases.
Passion fruit is extremely versatile as it can be used in many ways. You can surely eat it on its own or add it your drinks, desserts, and yoghurts. You can use it to make good and delicious salad dressings.
Do not forget that we conduct trainings on Agro Export and Import businesses regularly at our company premises. Contact the Admin of the forum for more information.
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