Pear Farming in Uganda

Pear farming is one of the most profitable agribusinesses that is gaining popularity in the country. The trees are easy to grow, highly productive, can grow in various ecological conditions, require little management, and retail at competitive prices. Besides, they produce juicy fruits and are less susceptible to pests and diseases.

When establishing your orchard, you must plant two cultivars for optimum pollination and fruit set. This is because most pear varieties are not self-pollinating. In commercial production, you need to embrace proper management practices for the plants to flourish.

Why Is the Demand for Pears So High?

There are several reasons why the demand fears are increasing rapidly. They include:

1) People are becoming more aware of the many health benefits of the nutritious fruit

2) The local and export markets for pears are growing, especially in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East countries. 

3) There is increasing consumer demand for organic, healthy, and environmentally-friendly foods.

4) Strict food safety regulations in export markets fuel the demand for fruits like pears.

What Are the Climatic Requirements for Pears?

Although they can grow in a wide range of ecological conditions, pears perform best in areas with:

Temperatures range from 10 to 250 During harvesting, the optimum temperature range is 18-25°C

Pears flourish in moderate and well-distributed rainfall. However, they can be grown under irrigation in drier areas.

The plants also need full sun, an average of 8 hours per day.

Pears perform best in high altitudes of 1700m asl.

Soil Requirements

Although they can grow in a wide range of soils, they thrive in deep, well-drained, fertile sandy loam to clay loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. However, they can be grown up to a pH of 8.7. In coastal environments, pears tend to tolerate salty environments. The pH can be regulated using lime. Sandy soils are not ideal as they drain water quickly, while clay soils drain slowly and become waterlogged easily.

Ideal Spacing

Pear trees should be planted at a spacing of 5m x 6m, 4m x 6m, or 8m x 4m depending on the variety. The land should first be prepared well, and the topsoil put in the planting holes mixed with one bucket of well-decomposed manure.

Where to Grow Pears in Uganda?

Pears can be grown in most parts of the country. They perform well in most parts of Kigezi Rwenzori, and Elgon regions, They also flourish in the Central areas and under irrigation in drier parts of Eastern and Northern Uganda.

Market for Pears

As a farmer, you want a highly productive crop that gives you a steady income. Pears are highly productive trees, with a single tree producing an average of 180kgs per season. An acre can accommodate about 120 – 200 trees, depending on the spacing. An acre with 150 trees equates to an output of 27,000kgs.

The fruit has a high demand both locally and in export markets. Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands provide the largest market in Europe. The demand is also high in China, Bahrain, Belarus, Rwanda, and Somalia.

Let’s Grow Together

Are you planning to venture into pear farming? Well, we have some good news for you. At Bwebajja Fruit Tree Nursery we offer certified pear seedlings and a fruit farming package to help you correctly set up your pear farming orchard. What’s more? We offer agronomy support to keep you on the right path and market connection. So, let’s walk the journey together. Place your order today!

Contact us on 0708729144 or 0781526100

www.bwebajjafruittree.com

https://wa.me/c/256708729144