Picture of a rare variety of papaya known as the Solo Sunrise papaya (Hawaiian) at a demonstration farm in Riandira, off the Kenol–Makutano highway.
According to agricultural experts, the improved hybrid pawpaw offers high yields of 200-300 fruits per tree annually and matures in 6-8 months.
With a productive lifespan of up to 4 years, the Solo Sunrise pawpaw thrives best in warm areas but requires consistent watering during dry spells.
The sweet red-fleshed fruits have a shelf life of up to 14 days, making them ideal for export.
Notably, the Solo Sunrise papaya is gaining popularity among farmers in Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties, as by the time of going to press, the Redo seedlings and demonstration farm had run out of the papaya seedlings.
Photo by Florence Kinyua
