A fully grown pear tree with fruits ready for harvest in western Uganda. PHOTO/COURTESY
Farmers are advised to plant the seedlings in well-drained soil because water logged soils can cause rot to the young seedlings. Bare rooted pears can be planted at the onset of the rainy season and pear trees need good light levels to produce fruit and will thrive in a sunny and sheltered spot. They can grow as specimen trees or in trained forms against warm walls or fences, but getting the amount of sunlight right is important
There are a number of tropical fruit trees being grown by farmers in the country though experts urge farmers to embrace fruit trees that thrive well in cool climatic conditions.
Most farmers in the country grow tropical fruits, such as avocado, mangoes, sweet banana, sour soup, passion fruit and guava, among others. But there are commercially viable fruit trees such as pear fruit tree and apple tree which thrive well in cool areas, therefore the need for farmers to embrace the same.
Background
Since Uganda is located at the equator with a favourable climate, farmers can produce all kind of fruits for consumption and for commercialisation
According to a recent report by agricultural experts from Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI), it is stated that Uganda is the second largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables in sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria, producing about 5.3 million tonnes per year.
This is drawn from a statistics by Food and Agriculture Organisation (Fao).
The report indicates that vegetable and fruit farmers in Uganda can make a reasonable profit from their crops, if the harvest is not affected by pests, diseases or bad weather.
It is stated that vegetable farmers obtain an average calculated profit margin between 50 and 80 percent. Fruit farmers have higher profit margins due to lower input needed.
Revenue in the Fresh Fruits market amounts to $1.50b in 2025. The market is expected to grow annually by 8.90 percent from 2025 to 2029). In global comparison, most revenue is generated in India totalling $126b.
In as far as the pear tree is concerned, it is a typical fruit of temperate regions, having its origin and domestication at two different points, China and Asia Minor until the Middle East.
It is the fifth most widely produced fruit in the world, being produced mainly in China, Europe and the United States.
Pear belongs to rosaceous family, being a close relative of the apple, but with some particulars that make this fruit special with a delicate flavour.
Thus, it deserves a special attention and a careful review of all the history involved and the recent research devoted to it, because of the economic and cultural importance of this fruit in a range of countries and cultures.
Best Agronomy practices
In a US publication Homes and Gardens, experts explain how pear tree can be grown and the best practices farmers can adopt
It is stated that Uganda pear with its scientific name Pyrus commune is one of the most important fruits for a country with the acronym the ‘pear of Africa’ for being a fruit basket and specifically growing this two-seasoned fruit.
The fruit thrives mostly in the western region where it has a modern market which supplies the entire country
This western part is conductive due to its high elevation at 2100 meters above the sea, which is ideal for a temperate fruit grown under the volcanic soil. African farmers mostly cultivate the European pear, which is the main fruit in some of the world’s biggest sources like the US and Europe.
The nutritive value
Pears have 12 percent dietary fibre content which makes them an important fruit for good digestion.
Their vitamin C proportion is 7 percent of the daily needs per person while magnesium is 1 percent.
They also preserve a balance of the electrolyte part of blood with a 116-milligram dose of potassium or 3 percent of the mineral’s daily content.
They have no fat content, which makes them a good alternative for losing weight. Much of the fruits’ nutrition comes from the raw skin which should be eaten with the crunchy flesh. Their other benefits include improving immunity, curing swelling, reducing miscarriages and keeping the bodily fluids optimal.
Varieties
There are thousands of pear varieties globally, however, a much smaller selection of European and Asian pears are commonly available to grow. A good selection of trees is still available, including pears in different colors, sizes, and flavors. It is important to choose the right variety to achieve good yield.
Seeds and seedlings
Farmers graft them onto particular rootstock to dictate their growth. It makes picking the right type and rootstock crucial to ensure the tree fits field conditions for them to grow up to 30 feet.
The vast majority of pears need another nearby tree for successful pollination and fruit set.
There are some self-fertile pears, but even these will fruit better with a partner. Pears can take a few years to start flowering and fruiting, though when they start they can produce fruit for many years to come.
Farmers can purchase Pear trees as bare-root or potted trees available from seed processors.
Planting
Farmers are advised to plant the seedlings in well-drained soil because water logged soils can cause rot to the young seedlings.
Bare rooted pears can be planted at the onset of the rainy season and pear trees need good light levels to produce fruit and will thrive in a sunny and sheltered spot.
They can grow as specimen trees or in trained forms against warm walls or fences, but getting the amount of sunlight right is important.
