A unique papaya variety, the Solo Sunrise (Hawaiian), is attracting growing interest at a demonstration farm in Riandira along the Kenol–Makutano highway.
Agricultural specialists note that this improved hybrid pawpaw is highly productive, yielding approximately 200 to 300 fruits per tree each year, with a relatively short maturity period of 6 to 8 months. The crop remains viable for up to four years and performs well in warm conditions, provided it receives adequate water during dry seasons.
Its red-fleshed fruits are notably sweet and can last up to two weeks after harvest, making them well-suited for export.
Farmers in Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties are increasingly adopting the variety, with demand surging to the point that seedlings at the Redo demonstration farm were completely depleted by the time of reporting.
By: Catherine Kamunyo
