Is Hass avocado farming profitable? Cost and Profit Analysis
Kelvin Wairimu 
Avocado
Avocado farming in Kenya has grown by over 11% in the last decade. In the 2023-2024 season, avocado prices rose to Ksh 170 per kilo.
This increase has attracted many farmers to avocado cultivation, although prices have been fluctuating due to a weakened export market.
So, is avocado farming profitable? Is it a worthwhile investment?
The Cost of Avocado Farming
Avocados thrive in deep, fertile loam soil and require plenty of water.
The costs associated with avocado farming include Ksh 5,000 for ploughing per acre, Ksh 14,000 for planting 70 holes spaced 8m by 8m, Ksh 10,000 for manure, and Ksh 60,000 for a simple irrigation system.
Grafted trees take 3-4 years to start bearing fruit, but an economical crop can be obtained starting in the sixth year.
The maintenance costs for the first three years before harvest, which include pest and disease control, weeding, and watering, average Ksh 70,000 per year, totaling Ksh 210,000 for three years.
Read Also:How to Grow Avocado in Kenya 2025 | Hass avaocado Farming in Kenya
Additional costs may amount to Ksh 50,000. This brings the average total cost of avocado production per acre, from planting to the first three years of harvesting, to Ksh 349,000.
Once mature, an average tree can yield over 200 kg from the sixth year onward. However, the market prices pose a challenge.
With the current market conditions, any price above Ksh 10-20 per kilo is fortunate. This means if a farmer harvests 14 tons from 70 trees and sells the avocados at Ksh 20 per kilo, they would make Ksh 280,000.
Consequently, it may take more than 10 years for an avocado farmer to start making a significant profit.
If global production declines and the government streamlines export policies in favor of farmers, prices could rise above Ksh 100 per kilo. Should this happen, avocado farming would undoubtedly be a good long-term investment.
The secret to making money in avocado farming isn’t just planting trees—it’s timing the market, controlling costs, and being prepared for the long haul.
Would you take the risk? Let’s discuss in the comments!
About Post Author
