For the past few years, Hass avocados have been in high demand in both the local and international markets. Today, the Hass accounts for about 80% of all avocados eaten worldwide. This trend is not about to end anytime soon.
Hass is one of the most popular avocado varieties around. The Hass avocado tree is known for:
- Its low-maintenance
- Hassle-free growth
- The incredible taste of its fruit
What is even better is that Hass avocados are second to none. The skin of the Hass is much thicker and darker compared to other avocados and the pulp is a creamy, yellow-green in color with a delicious flavor.
Hass Avocado Tanzania
Being the third largest avocado producer in Africa, Tanzania is home to Hass avocado farming. Hass is the most preferred variety grown in Tanzania for export due to its long shelf life. Hass avocado in Tanzania is an improved, high yielding variety which matures and bears fruit after three to four years.
Most farmers in Tanzania practice subsistence farming. But the growing number of farmers who have seen good returns from Hass avocados are changing the direction of avocado farming in Tanzania. The regions in Tanzania that have recorded an increase in planted areas with the Hass variety are:
- Mbeya
- Kilimanjaro
- Njombe
- Iringa
- Geita
- Kagera
Avocado was introduced in Tanzania in the late 19th century by Germans. Avocado trees were used for different purposes such as animal feed, shade for coffee plantations and timber production. Since the year 2000, farmers started adopting new avocado varieties to tap into an emerging international market. It was not until 2007, that small holder farmers began Hass avocado farming to meet the demand of Hass avocado variety in the European markets.
Growing Conditions for Hass Avocado in Tanzania
Hass avocado flourishes under the following conditions:
- Altitude ranging between 1000m-2000m
- Although Hass avocados are fairly resistant to drought, well distributed rainfall throughout the year of 1000mm-1600mm is needed for proper fruit development.
- Cool temperatures ranging between 20°C-24°C
- Loose, well-drained soils preferably sandy or loam soil with a pH of 5-7
- At least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day
- Hass avocados can also do well under irrigation in dry areas or during inadequate rainfall.
Planting Hass Avocado in Tanzania
Farmers are advised to plant Hass avocado trees during the start of the rainy season. In Tanzania, it is at the end of November or early December. This will enable the Hass avocados to establish themselves well on the farm.
When planting Hass avocado trees in Tanzania, here are the steps to follow:
- Prepare the land by removing stumps and plough the land up to 30cm
- Dig holes 2ft by 2ft by 2ft.
- Separate the top soil and the subsoil.
- Mix top soil with two debes (buckets) of well-decomposed manure and a handful of NPK
- Fill back the soil-manure-fertilizer mix.
- Remove the plastic bag, plant the Hass avocado seedling carefully and firm the soil around the hole.
- Water well
Hass Avocado Spacing in Tanzania
Spacing of Hass avocado in Tanzania is usually 7m by 7m from one tree to another and from one row of trees to another. With this spacing, 82 Hass avocado trees can be planted in one acre.
Field Management
- Mulching
Applying mulch around the trees will prevent loss of soil moisture and control the growth of weeds.
- Supporting
The young plants should be tied to treated poles or bamboo sticks for support.
- Irrigation
Irrigation should be done after the first shoot appears. Water is crucial in the first three months of tree development and the fruiting cycle.
- Fertilizer Use
Apply one wheelbarrow of well decomposed manure when the tree is two years old. It should be applied twice a year during the onset of long and short rains. You should also top-dress with phosphate based fertilizer.
- Pruning
Pruning is done at the early stages before flowering to remove premature flowers and fruits and after harvesting.
- Weed control
Regular weeding should be done so as to reduce competition between the tree and weeds for water and nutrients.
- Pollination
Hass avocado trees are self-pollinating. But for a more plentiful harvest, farmers are advised to grow Hass with another variety like Fuerte for cross pollination. Cross pollination is also done through bee keeping.
Harvesting Hass Avocado in Tanzania
Since Hass avocados don’t soften on trees, its not easy to identify the exact harvesting period. But here are some indicators of maturity:
- Since Hass avocado is a dark variety it starts to change color from green to black or purple.
- Pick a few fruits and leave them to ripen in a warm place. If they soften evenly within a week at room temperature (about 20°C), then the trees are ready for picking.
- Fruits that float on the surface when immersed in water are usually mature. Immature fruits sink or float below the surface.
Hass Avocado Production per Tree in Tanzania
Hass avocado matures and yields faster than other varieties grown in Tanzania. The first harvest comes after three years. After harvesting, the Hass fruits are purchased from farmers to be sold in the market.
One Hass avocado tree can produce 50-300 fruits after three years. A mature Hass avocado tree can produce 700-1200 fruits after five years.
Production per tree increases gradually year after year as the tree gets older. Proper weeding, pests and disease control and maintenance of trees will yield more fruits per tree.
Post-harvest Handling
The following treatment, processing and packaging methods should be used to prolong shelf life of Hass avocados:
- Pre-cooling is where after harvesting, Hass avocados must be cooled within five hours of harvesting and stored in a cold room at a temperature of 5°C.
- Hot water treatment is used to kill fungal spores on and in the skin of the fruit. The Hass avocados should be immersed in water heated to a temperature of 50°C for three to five minutes.
- The fruits are waxed and dried in hot air.
- Hass avocados are graded according to size and weight. Injured and diseased fruits are removed.
- The fruits are packed as per the orders and quality standards in 4kg cartons.