BEAUTY OF THE APPLE ORCHARD

In the heart of Moi University lies a 100 acres piece of land with over 60,000 apple trees.This is a project initiated in June 2021.James Wambugu,is the initiator of the project which was then launched by Principal Secretary of University Education and Research Simeon Nabukhwesi.

The main aim of the project is to increase the possible sources of income for the university since in the previous years,most campuses have been having a financial crisis.This crisis has led Moi University in particular into deep financial pits.Also,this idea was great since it put the vast idle land of the school into use.

Benefits

1.It generates extra income to the school.

It is quite obvious that a large institution like Moi University requires a lot of finances for it's operations to run smoothly.The school had to think of a way to generate income and settled on apple farming which of late is producing a lot of money to the school for it's operations.

2.It provides employment opportunities

It is quite beneficial to the school community.The orchard requires workers who are then sourced from the neighbourhood.The orchard has provided employment in areas such as security,harvesting and also performing the necessary farm practices for good yields.

3.Improved food security

This is achieved by providing fresh,locally produced apples to the nearby markets around the school.It also supports local agriculture.

Challenges

As we all know,everything thas has benefits also has challenges.Moi University apple farm is of no exception in this case.Some of the challenges are highlighted below:

Low rainfall-Despite the fact that the school is located in the rich soils of Uasin Gishu county,cimate change has affected the frequency of  rainfall.

Since apples require a lot of water, it poses a risk of low survival rate of the apples.

Solution:In such seasons,irrigation is carried out in the farm since it is located near a water fall hence there is enough water.

Presence of Birds

They are also a major challenge since it is not easy to control them.The birds feed on the fruits hence creating holes causing it to go bad.

Birds cause a lot of losses to the school thus reducing yields.

Solution:Scare crows have been erected in different locations of the farm to send the birds away.

Stealing by neighbours

In the farm neighbourhood,are homes of community members.When the fruit is ready for harvest,they sneak into the farm and take the fruits.

Solution:As a result,the school resolved to give the neighbours fruit seedlings to grow in their farms and also harvest the fruit.

Maintenance practices.

Soil and fertilization-organic manure is applied on the soil to increase it's fertility.Also,the soil is tested to ensure it is productive.

Disease and pest control-organic and chemical treatment is carried out frequently to control pests such as moles which feed on the fruit.

Mulching and weeding-mulching is carried out on the apples to maintain soil moisture especially during hot seasons.Weeding is also done to reduce competition for soil nutrients.

Irrigation-drip irrigation is carried out in the farm.Pipes with holes are laid along the apple trees whereby they are used to supply water.

In conclusion,the apple farm has really boosted the school's financial comdition since it's first sale.The school aims to make approximately 80 million per acre in the next 4 years.