Kangema: The Wambugu Apple variety cultivation has been introduced in Kangema Constituency to boost the local economy and contribute to sustainable agriculture. The initiative will not only contribute to environmental conservation by supporting the government's goal of increasing the forest cover through planting 15.9 billion trees by 2032 but will also open up the area economically especially with the completion of the MauMau roads.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Wambugu apple is known for its versatility and robust nature. The fruit, rich in nutritional value, reduces the need for excessive use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Speaking during the apple planting and training exercise for teachers and parents of Grade 7 and 8 pupils at Mukarara Primary School, Kangema Member of Parliament, Peter Kihungi, observed that the initiative was a step towards a greener, more food-secure, and economically empowered society.
During the exercise, participants from eleven schools received seedlings to plant on their farms and in the school gardens, further harnessing their skills in the competency-based curriculum (CBC). 'Through our NG-CDF, we have an environmental kitty where last year we planted avocado trees in our 10 schools, but this year we have considered the Wambugu apple species which is doing well in this climatic condition and we have done that in 11 schools,' Kihungi revealed.
Using schools as demonstration sites is expected to encourage local farmers to venture into apple farming, which can improve the area's economy. The Wambugu farm has also entered into an agreement with the Constituency to purchase the fruits from farmers at Sh300 per kilo, further incentivizing local production. The completion of the MauMau road, connecting the Rift Valley with the Central Region, is expected to increase traffic and boost the local economy by making the area known for producing this type of apple.
Ruth Nyambura Maina, head teacher of Mukarara Primary School, emphasized the fruit's nutritional benefits for pupils and expressed happiness that the school was selected as a beneficiary. The project provides a valuable resource, and in the future, surplus apples can be sold to meet some of the institution's needs.
Peter Wambugu, the creator of the Wambugu apple, noted its exceptional taste and adaptability to different climates, making it suitable for both small-scale and commercial farmers. The hybrid was developed in 2001 through a series of trials, combining characteristics of several apple species. The high-yielding fruit's first harvest occurs nine months after planting, with the tree producing between 300-400 fruits yearly.
The Wambugu apple thrives in all types of well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Planting involves preparing holes measuring 2ft by 2ft by 2ft and mixing one bucket of well-decomposed compost manure with the topsoil before planting the seedling. The fruit requires watering twice a week for root establishment, though mature trees need less frequent watering.
Farmers are advised to focus on removing dead or diseased branches and thinning cuts to improve air circulation. Heading cuts at 4ft, which trim the ends of branches, encourage branching and fruiting of the Wambugu apple, ensuring a sustainable and productive agricultural venture.