Eucalyptus Tree Farming in Kenya: A Profitable Business
Eucalyptus tree farming is a profitable business that can be started by farmers in Kenya. Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing and can be harvested for their wood, bark, and leaves. The wood can be used for construction, furniture, and papermaking. The bark can be used for tanning leather and the leaves can be used to make tea and essential oils.
Eucalyptus trees are relatively easy to grow and require little care. They can be planted in a variety of soils and climates. Eucalyptus trees are also drought-tolerant, which makes them a good choice for farmers in Kenya who live in areas with low rainfall.
The demand for eucalyptus products is growing worldwide. This makes eucalyptus tree farming a good investment for farmers in Kenya. With proper planning and management, eucalyptus tree farming can be a successful business that can provide farmers with a good income.
Here are some of the benefits of eucalyptus tree farming in Kenya:
- Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing and can be harvested for their wood, bark, and leaves in a relatively short period of time.
- Eucalyptus trees are relatively easy to grow and require little care.
- Eucalyptus trees are drought-tolerant, which makes them a good choice for farmers in Kenya who live in areas with low rainfall.
- The demand for eucalyptus products is growing worldwide.
If you are a farmer in Kenya and you are looking for a profitable business to start, eucalyptus tree farming is a good option to consider. With proper planning and management, eucalyptus tree farming can be a successful business that can provide you with a good income.
Where To Sell Eucalyptus Tree in Kenya
Eucalyptus trees are grown in Kenya for a variety of purposes, including timber, fuelwood, charcoal, and papermaking. The market for eucalyptus trees is growing in Kenya, as the demand for these products increases.
The main market for eucalyptus trees in Kenya is the construction industry. Eucalyptus wood is a popular choice for construction, as it is strong, durable, and easy to work with. Eucalyptus wood is also used to make furniture, paper, and other products.
Another major market for eucalyptus trees in Kenya is the fuelwood market. Eucalyptus wood is a popular choice for fuelwood, as it is relatively inexpensive and burns cleanly. Eucalyptus wood is also used to make charcoal, which is a popular cooking fuel in Kenya.
The market for eucalyptus trees in Kenya is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The demand for eucalyptus products is increasing, as the population of Kenya grows and the economy develops. Eucalyptus tree farming is a profitable business that can provide farmers with a good income.
Here are some of the major buyers of eucalyptus trees in Kenya:
- Timsales
- Sawmills
- Furniture manufacturers
- Paper mills
- Timber Yards
- Charcoal producers
- Kenya Forest Service (KFS)
- Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
- Rural Electrification Authority (REA)
If you are a farmer in Kenya and you are interested in growing eucalyptus trees, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to choose the right species of eucalyptus tree for your area. There are many different species of eucalyptus trees, and each one has different characteristics. You need to choose a species that is suited to the climate and soil conditions in your area.
Second, you need to find a good source of seedlings. There are many different companies that sell eucalyptus seedlings. You need to find a company that has a good reputation and that sells high-quality seedlings.
Third, you need to plant the seedlings at the right time of year. Eucalyptus trees should be planted during the rainy season (Month of May).
Fourth, you need to water the seedlings regularly. Eucalyptus trees need a lot of water, especially when they are young.
Fifth, you need to fertilize the trees regularly. Eucalyptus trees need a lot of nutrients, especially nitrogen.
Sixth, you need to protect the trees from pests and diseases. Eucalyptus trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. You need to take steps to protect the trees from these pests and diseases.
With proper care, eucalyptus trees can be a profitable crop for farmers in Kenya.
How To Grow Eucalyptus Trees from Seed
Here are the steps on how to grow a eucalyptus tree from seed:
- Collect the seeds. Eucalyptus seeds are typically found in capsules that ripen at different times of the year, depending on the species. The capsules can be collected from standing trees or from felled trees. Once you have collected the capsules, you will need to sun-dry them to open them.
- Extract the seeds. Once the capsules are dry, you can thresh them lightly to release the seeds. The seeds will be mixed with chaff, so you will need to clean them by removing the large impurities. The seeds can then be dried further to the required moisture content of less than 10%.
- Store the seeds. After the seeds have been dried, they can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for 1-2 years. For long-term storage, the seeds should be fumigated or treated with various pesticides and stored under cold temperatures, usually about 4Ā°C, at a moisture content of 4 to 6%.
- Sow the seeds. Eucalyptus seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. If you are sowing them directly in the ground, you will need to wait until the weather is warm and there is no danger of frost. If you are sowing them in pots, you can start them indoors several weeks before the last frost.
- Germinate the seeds. Eucalyptus seeds typically germinate within 7 to 14 days. Germinating seedlings require shading to ensure that the top layers of soil on germination beds do not dry out. This can be achieved by placing a sheet of Hessian cloth or some light thatch of vegetation over the seedbed. Seedlings are pricked out into containers or beds when they have two leaves.
- Care for the seedlings. Seedlings need to be watered regularly and kept in a shady spot. Once they have reached a height of 30 cm, they can be transplanted into the ground. Eucalyptus trees can grow to be very large, so it is important to choose a planting site that has plenty of space.
Here are some additional tips for growing eucalyptus trees from seed:
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the seedlings regularly, but do not overwater them.
- Fertilize the seedlings every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Protect the seedlings from frost and pests.
- With proper care, your eucalyptus trees will thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.
Am interested in extraction of eucalyptus oil.
How much i you selling one seedling of eucalyptus trees