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Esther Muyoka, an exhibitor from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro), Muguga, showcases a range of underutilised fruits at the 2nd Kalro Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo held at Kalro headquarters in Nairobi [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]
It was a bustling day for Esther Muyoka and her team from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), Muguga, as curious visitors flocked to their exhibition stand to explore a colourful display of underutilised fruits such as guavas, jackfruits and gooseberries.
Throughout the event, the Kalro team shared insights on the value of integrating these often-overlooked crops into farming systems. They highlighted how underutilised fruits have the potential to boost food and nutrition security, diversify farm production while open up new income-generating opportunities for farmers.
The stand attracted strong interest from visitors eager to start their own farms. Muyoka sold numerous planting materials, with orange-fleshed and purple sweet potato vines proving to be popular. Many visitors also sampled the jackfruit on display, praising its rich sweetness and unique flavour. Impressed by its potential, several visitors expressed a keen interest in cultivating the fruit themselves.
