Macadamia nut is native to Australia but is currently grown in many areas of the world such as South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Brazil and Zimbabwe.
Currently, South Africa and Kenya are the leading suppliers of macadamia nuts to Europe. Statistics from Eurostat indicates that Zimbabwe exported 304 million kilograms of macadamia nuts to European Union countries worth Euros 454 million.
Where Is The Money In Macadamia?
A kilogramme of macadamia nuts goes for between Shs2,000 and Shs3, 000. However, if they are roasted, one kilogramme goes for Shs 20,000 It takes three years for a macadamia tree to start giving fruits. Each tree will give two kilos per season. When a tree gets to seven years, you get from 15-20kgs per season. At 10 years, it is 60-80kgs from each tree every season.
Macadamia has several products that are made out of it. These include cooking oil, as an ingredient in cookies and chocolate and other confectioneries such as ice cream. The leaves can be used as animal feed, and the hard seed coat can be used for cooking.
In 2019 Uganda sold 201 tonnes of macadamia nuts. For 2019 alone, the market for Uganda macadamia nuts (nuts category) has improved, with a change of 183.099 percent compared to the year 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, macadamia nuts’ exports grew by 139.29 pc netting the nation US$0.54m for the year 2019.
What are the common Macadamia Varieties grown in Uganda?
The most common variety of macadamia grown in Uganda is Ternifolia F. muell. It mostly growm in the districts of Kyenjojo, Mityana and some parts of Northern Uganda.
Can I grow macadamia anywhere?
Macadamias prefer fertile, well-drained soils, a rainfall of 1,000–2,000 mm (40–80 in), and temperatures not falling below 10 °C although once established, they can withstand light frosts, with an optimum temperature of 25 °C. Inter-planting with two cultivars, such as 344 and 660, improves yield through cross-pollination.
Can I use the orchard for other activities?
Beehives near the orchard can generate additional revenue through honey production. Another possibility is the integration of animals. This helps to reduce herbicide use and weeding costs. Sheep products also provide an income. Intercropping macadamia nuts with quicker bearing crops is one way to generate early returns. Commonly, coffee is sometimes grown between macadamia nut trees. An alternative is to increase the initial planting density to get higher total production in the early years. Tree removal or radical pruning to improve light penetration is also very necessary.
