5 Fruit Crops That Start Earning You Money In The Second Year

Agribusiness, what we call Kilimo Biashara, is about investing for profit and if this profit can come fast, the better. Studying Return on Investment (ROI) before investing is crucial in making informed financial decisions. One of the key factors to consider in ROI calculation is when an investment will start to generate cash-flows to cover expenses.

Here at Richfarm Kenya, we help you make informed decisions by comparing different farming methods, their requirements, and when you should expect a return on your investment. In this article, we will walk you through 5 fruit crops that start producing fruit between the first and the third year of planting.

Earlier last week, we had given you information about crops that will give you returns in less than a year: you can read that here 6 Fast-Maturing Fruit Crops That Will Earn You Money in Less Than a Year.

So let us now delve into the 5 crops that will yield the first return within the second or third year of investing and keep generating an income for a long time.

1. Pixie Oranges

I am sure you have seen these small oranges with an attractive bright orange colour and very strong sweet smell. They have become so popular that people are almost forgetting the big seedless Ukambani oranges we used to love. Of course, this growing popularity has opened a lucrative opportunity for people who would like to invest in Pixie orange farming in Kenya.

Pixie Orange farming in Kenya

Pixie orange farming is much easier than many other forms of farming because it does not require close attention. They grow well in warm or hot areas like Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, North Eastern Kenya and the entire coastal region.

While the pixie orange trees are tolerant to drought, you should ensure that you irrigate them during the dry periods in order to get continuous harvest. Irrigation also helps them to grow and yield fruits faster.

Pixie orange farming in Kenya has a potential of earning up to Ksh1.6 million in a year from one acre. Let me give you some statistics about this kind of farming:

Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
Seedlings per acre - 270
Spacing - 3m by 4m
Fruit price- 120/- per kg (retail price)
Yield- 60-80 kgs per tree
Common pests- Aphids, mites, and thrips
Common diseases - bacterial canker and powdery mildew
Lifespan 35 yrs

We have written a comprehensive guide for this business here: Pixie Orange Farming: A Worthy Investment For The Year 2023

2. Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit farming is a profitable venture that requires careful planning and attention to detail. They are known for their distinctive appearance and unique taste. Despite the rising popularity among consumers, their production in Kenya is still very low hence giving investors in Kiwi fruit farming a ready and large market.

To start farming Kiwi fruits, select a suitable location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Kiwi plants thrive in areas with a mild climate, ideally with temperatures between 10-25 degrees Celsius. When planting, space the vines 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Provide sturdy trellises or support structures to ensure the vines have ample support.

Kiwi plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season, and benefit from a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is essential to maintain a healthy and productive kiwi orchard. Fertilize the plants annually with a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth and fruit production. Harvest the fruits when they are firm but yield to gentle pressure.

Kiwifruits are propagated through seeds and vegetative methods, such as cuttings and grafting. However, vegetative propagation is preferred as it ensures that you get the desired characteristics of the parent plant. You can get healthy fruit seedlings from our nurseries in Embu and Naivasha.

Kiwifruit varieties, male and female plants, are needed for pollination and fruit set. One male plant can typically pollinate several female plants; a 1:5 ratio of males to females is ideal. Some smooth-skinned varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without a separate male plant.

Kiwifruits are typically harvested when they reach their desired size, color, and sugar content.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 300
Seedlings per acre - 650
Spacing - 2m by 3m
Fruit price- 100/- per fruit (retail price)
Yield- 20 fruits per vine
Common pests- Aphids, mites, and thrips
Common diseases - bacterial canker and powdery mildew
Lifespan 35 yrs

We have written a lot of information on our comprehensive Kiwi fruit farming guide for Kenya. It has step by step information from planting through to harvesting and marketing. and also the budget estimates that will help you plan appropriately. Be sure to check it out.

3. Apple

Apple farming is a fruitful endeavor that can yield delicious results. Choose a suitable location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight to get started. Prepare the ground by removing weeds and adding organic matter.

Apples are one of the most widely grown and consumed fruits in the world, and apple farms have the potential to earn a handsome profit. Apple farming requires a great deal of knowledge and skill to ensure a successful harvest and profitable returns. But you do not have to worry about that since Richfarm Kenya will walk you through the journey from planting to harvesting, offering agronomic expertise and support.

With their crunchy texture and diverse, sweet flavours, apples have been loved throughout history. They can be used in many different ways and have high nutritional value; this is the reason they say an apple a day can keep the doctor away. Even today, apples are among the fruits you will not walk out of the market without buying. As the demand and market for apples expand into the rural areas and roadside kiosks, the opportunity for a handsome profit for apple farmers increases.

Apple trees are deciduous and thrive in temperate climates, where the changing seasons play an important role in their growth and fruit production.

The cultivation process begins with selecting appropriate rootstocks and planting young trees, taking into account factors such as soil quality, drainage, and sunlight. Proper pruning helps boost the tree's growth, control diseases, and improve fruit quality.

As young apple fruits start growing, the practice of thinning becomes crucial. Thinning involves removing excess fruit to help the remaining ones achieve high quality. It helps the remaining fruits to grow bigger and with high flavour concentration. This practice also prevents branches from breaking due to the weight of too many fruits.

In addition, it is important to develop an irrigation system to ensure that the apple trees have regular access to water. Finally, it is important to employ skilled labour to ensure that the apple trees are properly maintained and harvested. With the right knowledge and hard work, an apple farm can be a rewarding venture for anyone interested in the agricultural industry.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
Seedlings per acre - 250
Spacing - 3m by 4m
Fruit price- Ksh. 20-30 per fruit depending on variety
Yield- 500 fruits per plant per season
Common pests- mites, thrips, aphids, fruit flies
Common diseases - nematode, root rot
Lifespan 20 yrs plus

4. Mango

Mango fruit farming in Kenya is a lucrative agricultural practice contributing significantly to the country's economy and livelihoods of many farmers. With its diverse climate and fertile soil, Kenya provides an ideal environment for cultivating the mangoes. It is important to choose the right variety of mango tree for the specific climate and soil conditions. Mangoes grow well in the hot lowlands of the coastal strip and the upper midlands such as lower Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru and the entire Ukambani region.

Kenya's main mango varieties/cultivars are Apple, Kent, Ngowe, Kent, and Tommy. Each variety exhibits unique characteristics, and each array is prevalent in specific climatic conditions. Well-drained soils with ample sunlight are essential for mango cultivation. Before planting:

Dig a 2 ft wide, by 2ft deep hole.
Mix the soil with farmyard manure.
Fill it back.

You can then make a smaller hole, just big enough to fit the roots of the healthy seedlings propagated from Richfarm Kenya. When grown under the rain-fed system, mango trees will generally have 2 seasons that follow the rain patterns. However, it is possible to achieve continuous mango fruiting under irrigation.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 150
Seedlings per acre - 180
Spacing - 4m by 5m
Fruit price- Ksh. 6-10 per fruit
Yield- 400-600 fruits per tree
Common pests- scales, thrips, fruit flies
Common diseases - powdery mildew, root rot, anthracnose
Lifespan 30 yrs plus

You can find more information on mango fruit farming in Kenya on this link, Mango Farming in Kenya: How To Grow Best Mangoes For Export

5. Tangerine

Tangerines are sweet, juicy and easy to peel orange-like fruits we call Sandara. They are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

Tangerine farming is becoming very popular among farmers because of the increasing demand and widening market. Tangerines are now being sold not only in supermarkets but also by the road-side vendors and Mama Mbogas.

Not only can you enjoy the sweet and tangy fruits, but you can also turn it into a profitable business. It is relatively low-maintenance compared to other crops, making it an ideal option for those with limited time or resources.

There are a few factors to consider before diving headfirst into tangerine farming; it's crucial to assess a few key elements. First and foremost, consider your region's climate, as tangerines thrive in warm or hot areas such us the middle coffee zones and the lower Ukambani regions. Additionally, evaluate the availability of resources such as water to complement rainfall, ensuring continuous harvest year-round. The appropriate tangerine variety is crucial to ensure a bountiful harvest and delicious fruits.

Tangerine trees thrive in well-draining sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to assess pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. Adjust the soil pH if necessary and amend with organic matter, such as compost, to enhance fertility and drainage. Consider installing drainage systems if your land tends to retain excess water. Proper land preparation provides a clean slate for planting and ensures optimal growing conditions for your tangerine trees.

Pruning tangerine trees helps maintain shape, improve air circulation, and remove dead or diseased branches. Remove any suckers or branches growing below the graft union. Training young trees by shaping their growth helps ensure a strong and well-structured canopy. Weeds can compete with tangerine trees for water and nutrients, so managing them effectively is essential. Regularly remove weeds around the trees and consider using mulch to suppress weed growth.

Tangerines with a vibrant orange color, a slightly soft and firm texture, and a fragrant aroma are usually ready for picking.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 250
Seedlings per acre - 250
Spacing - 3m by 5m
Fruit price- Ksh. 5-10 per fruit
Yield- 300 fruits per season
Common pests- aphids, mites, and citrus fruit flies.
Common diseases - citrus greening, citrus canker, and powdery mildew.
Lifespan 40 yrs plus

Find more information on Tangerine Farming: How To Grow Best Tangerine For The Market In Kenya

You can find this and much more from our Farmer's Resource page. Feel free to contact us on +254724698357 / +254723213602 for any questions, comments or clarification.

6 Fast-Maturing Fruit Crops That Will Earn You Money in Less Than a Year

Several fruit seedlings can mature in less than one year, allowing you to enjoy a relatively quick harvest. Despite the short maturity period, the plants can give you fruits from one year up to ten years from the first harvest. In this article, we will tell you about 6 crops you can invest in and enjoy quick returns on your investment.

1. Strawberry

Strawberries are very popular, known for their sweet and juicy taste and, of course, the unique strawberry flavour.

Strawberry farming in Kenya: Harvesting starts just 3 months after transplanting

Strawberry farming is relatively easy, especially if you are keen to provide balance soil nutrients. The process begins with preparing the soil, which should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Strawberry plants are then planted in rows 40 cm apart and 30 cm from plant to plant. This spacing is to allow for proper growth and airflow. Regular watering is essential to hydrate plants, especially during dry periods. Adequate sunlight is also crucial for the plants to thrive. You should also be keen to check the soil nutrients regularly and apply fertilizer to replenish any nutrients that might have been used up.

Harvesting starts in just 3 months, and you should be careful to pick the berries only when they become fully ripe; this is indicated by their vibrant red colour. Careful handling is essential to avoid bruising the delicate fruits. Strawberry farming will be profitable for you, especially when you manage the production factors well and adhere to best practices.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 60
Seedlings per acre -24,000
Spacing - 30cm by 40cm
Fruit price- Ksh 150 per kg (farmgate)
Yield- 200kgs per week
Common pests- red spider mites
Diseases- blight, fusarium wilt, bacterial wilt
Lifespan 2-3 years

Lear more about commercial strawberry farming from this article: Why Just A Few Farmers Are Swimming In The Berry Millions

2. Tree Tomato

The tree tomato, also known as tamarillo, is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 5 meters. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that give your farm a beautiful dark green canopy. The fruit is oval-shaped and varies in color, ranging from yellow to orange, but you will enjoy the red variety the most; it has excellent taste, and 97% of the fruit is edible. The fruit's flesh is juicy and tangy, slightly sweet. Tree tomato is also rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.

Tree tomato plants are relatively easy to grow; you are good to go if you have a farm with well-drained soil and a cold to warm climate.

Tree tomato seedlings can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. However, it is better to use ready-to-plant seedlings that are certified and disease-free. You can prepare to plant seedlings from Richfarm Kenya nurseries in Embu or Naivasha. Call or Whatsapp them on 0724698357/ 0723213602 to place your order.

The trees typically start producing fruits in the 9th month. Tree tomato farming can be done on a small scale or as a commercial operation, with the fruits being sold fresh or processed into jams, juices, and sauces. With proper care and support from our agronomists, tree tomato farming will give you a steady flow of income.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 60
Seedlings per acre -1,100
Spacing - 2m by 2m
Fruit price- Ksh 80-100 per kg
Yield- 20-30 kgs per tree per year harvested every week
Common pests- white flies and aphids
Lifespan 10yrs

Here is a story that gives you an overview of the tree tomato market state in Kenya: Tree Tomato Farmers in Kenya Rewarded With Good Prices Due to A Biting Shortage

3. Passion fruit

You can profit from passion fruit farming whether in a cool highland or a hot lowland. This is because there are varieties suited for different climatic conditions. What you should check the most is the state of your soil. Passion fruits require well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. The plants thrive in warm climates with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

You will also need support structures such as trellises or fences for your passion fruit vines to climb on. As with other fast-maturing crops, regular watering is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Also, remember to keep checking and adding soil nutrients and organic matter.

Harvesting usually begins 6 to 9 months after transplanting healthy seedlings. The grafted purple variety matures faster than the sweet yellow variety, which is generally not grafted.

You will make money with passion fruit farming even while doing it in a small space in your backyard because the market is so readily available. However, if you want to make a kill, target the export market: this market prefers high-quality purple passion fruits but pays very well.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 100
Seedlings per acre - 650
Spacing - 2m by 3m
Fruit price- Ksh 60-90 per kg (farmgate)
Yield- 1 kg per plant per week
Lifespan 3 years

Here’s a more detailed article on commercial passion fruit farming: Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya: The Costs and Expected Returns

4. Pawpaw

Pawpaws, also known as papayas, are among the fruits that always have a short supply in the market. People love them, especially for babies, since they are rich in vitamins A and C and other essential nutrients. The first step in pawpaw farming is selecting a suitable location with well-drained soil and access to sunlight. Luckily, pawpaws are not heavy feeders, so you won't be required to pump in a lot of fertilizers. However, ensure that you apply at least 1 bucket of farmyard or animal manure per tree during planting: avoid using chicken manure.

Pawpaw trees are adapted to dry conditions and can survive the harshest droughts. However, to get a consistent production of sweet fruits, you should consider irrigating them during the dry seasons. Also, remember to prune off all the old leaves to help improve air circulation and promote healthy fruit development.

Harvesting of pawpaws typically begins between the 6th and the 9th month after transplanting. The fruits can be harvested before they ripen, provided they are mature enough. You will tell a mature pawpaw fruit by observing a red or yellow-orange stripe in the fruit.

Pawpaw farming is a lucrative business for people in hot and dry areas. You can also profitably cultivate pawpaws in warm midlands such as the coffee zones of central Kenya. The demand for fresh pawpaws continues to increase in local and international markets. Therefore, pawpaw farming allows you to create a steady and guaranteed income.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 100
Seedlings per acre -1,100
Spacing - 2m by 2m
Fruit price- Ksh. 40-60 per kg
Yield- 30-40 tons per year harvested weekly
Common pests- mites
Lifespan 2-5 yrs depending on variety

Here is a step-by-step guide on pawpaw farming: Pawpaw farming in Kenya: A Guide From Planting To Selling

5. Grapes

Grapes farming is a fascinating and rewarding endeavour. Not only do grapes make for a delicious snack, but they also have a variety of uses, from making wine to producing grape juice and even raisins. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to growing grapes.

Grapes farming in Kenya, Embu County.

First and foremost, grapes do not tolerate water logging in the soils hence you must ensure that your have loam or sandy loam soils. For sweet and deep coloured grapes, plant them in a field with plenty of sunlight.

Choosing the right variety of grapes for your specific climate and growing conditions is also essential. You can get information about this on our article: You Too Can Grow Grapes In Kenya and Make a Good Profit.

Also ensure that you learn how to prune your vines correctly and in good time. Talk to our agronomists if you haven’t learned this yet. This will help you induce fruiting and bring the vines to maximum fruit production.

Finally, give your vines the best protection against pests and diseases and this is another area you might need help from our agronomists. While grape farming can sometimes be challenging, the rewards are well worth the effort. There's nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked grape. But sweeter are the bank figures you start seeing in your account if you do this commercially. So, if you're up for a fun and rewarding farming adventure, try grapes farming. You won't be disappointed, my friend.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 300
Seedlings per acre -650
Spacing - 2m by 3m
Fruit price- Ksh. 400-500 per kg
Yield- 3-5 tons per acre
Common pests- mites
Lifespan - 20 yrs plus

If you would like to learn how to make money from grapes farming, please read this: Grapes Farming: How to Make Money With Grapes Farming in 2023

6. Dragon fruit

Dragon fruit farming is a fascinating venture that combines both beauty and profitability. With its vibrant pink or yellow skin and unique, succulent flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, dragon fruit is a true showstopper. Not only does it make for an eye-catching addition to any fruit basket, but it also boasts a plethora of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, dragon fruit is a nutritional powerhouse that can boost your immune system and aid digestion.

When farming dragon fruit, there are a few key factors to consider. While dragon fruit thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, it can also be grown in greenhouses or containers in cooler climates. Additionally, adequate support for the climbing vines is essential to ensure healthy growth and maximum fruit production. A post should support two seedlings and up to 5 vines per seedling.

One of the great things about dragon fruit farming is its versatility. Whether you're a small-scale farmer looking to diversify your crops or a passionate gardener with limited space, dragon fruit can be grown in various settings. From backyard gardens to large-scale plantations, there's a place for dragon fruit in every farming endeavor.

With its unique appeal and potential for profitability, dragon fruit farming is a venture that is definitely worth considering.

Cost per seedling Ksh. 500
Seedlings per acre -2,000
Spacing - 2m by 1m
Fruit price- Ksh 700-1000 Per Kg
Yield- 20-30 fruits per vine, a plant should have at least 5 vines
Common pests- the plant is generally disease and pest resistant.
Lifespan - 40 yrs plus

And do you know why you should invest in dragon fruit farming right away? Read this to learn just 3 Reasons You Should Invest In Dragon Fruit Farming In Kenya

While we have done our best to give you as much information as we could about these investments, we acknowledge that we might have left some details out. But we are always glad to help you even further. You can always reach us on Whatsapp or call on +254724698357 / +254723213602.

This website is also packed with a lot more information: surf through it to benefit more. Do not forget to visit our Farmers Resources Page to get full, PDF guides on various crop farming.

Also be on the lookout for more articles and bits of info on our social media pages: Facebook Richfarmkenya and Twitter (X) RichfarmK

Plantain Farming In Kenya: A Guide From Planting To Profitable Marketing

Plantain farming in Kenya is one of the highly profitable kinds of farming being done by only a few farmers. This is because plantain bananas were not well known to Kenyans, until very recently. When business people started importing plantains from Uganda, the demand suddenly started growing. The well-informed farmers quickly saw the opportunity, brought in the planting materials and started producing them locally.

Plantain farming in Kenya

But what are plantain bananas and why are they loved so much?

Plantain is actually a cousin of banana, only that they have a different flavour and culinary use from the ordinary bananas that we know. Although they originate from the South Eastern part of Asia, plantain farming is now done across the world including in Kenya.

The key differences between ordinary bananas and plantain are:

Plantains are bigger and longer
Plantains have thicker skin
Plantains are mostly for cooking, even when they are ripe.

Also Read: Banana Farming in Kenya: The Best Practices for Commercial Production

Nutritionally, plantains are also different from bananas in that they contain higher levels of starch and lower levels of sugars than bananas. They cook way better than bananas and can be prepared using many different cooking methods: they can be fried, roasted, sautéed, baked or simply boiled.

Plantain farming: it is now very profitable due to the soaring demand for the crop

I guess you can now see why their demand in Kenya is rising so fast.

Where plantain farming is done in Kenya

Plantains are mostly produced at the Kenyan coast. However, due to the growing demand, farmers in mid and higher altitude areas such as Kiambu and Kericho have taken up the cultivation of this crop. The good thing is that plantains can grow anywhere in Kenya as long as they receive full sun and are planted on soils with sufficient nutrients and organic content. However, they do not perform well in very cold areas like the frost-prone areas of Nyandarua.

Plantain farming at the Kenya coast: The crop has also been taken up by farmers in other places in Kenya due to high demand

How to plant plantains

Size of the planting hole

Being a cousin of bananas, plantains must be planted in huge holes measuring at least 60cm wide and 60cm deep. We make such a big planting hole to allow space for incorporation of enough manure and for irrigation. This also encourages the mother plant to produce suckers which grow to become the next generation of fruit bearing plantain trees.

Plant Spacing

Plantains are best grown in lines that are 3m apart. The distance from one planting hole to the next can also be 3m. However, for large scale farms that intent to use machinery in harvesting and transporting the ready plantains, an inter-row spacing of 5m is advised.

The actual planting

Plantains are grown from suckers obtained from the base of a mature mother plant. However, the best planting material are tissue culture seedlings. With tissue culture seedlings, you are sure that you will be getting true-to-type plants that are also disease free. To get either plantain suckers or tissue culture seedlings, call Richfarm Kenya on 0724698357.

Now having your planting material ready and the holes dug, mix the top soil with at least 1 bucket of animal or compost manure. Fill the planting hole with this mixture and leave about 15cm space for irrigation: you do not need to leave the space if you will be using drip irrigation system.

With the holes ready, plant the seedling at the very centre of the hole and water till the soil is completely soaked. Plantains, just like bananas require a lot of water in order to grow well.

Maturity period for plantain

Plantains take 8 to 12 months from planting to the first harvesting. They grow faster in areas that are warmer, with fertile soils and availability of sufficient water. Good farming practices such as weeding, thinning and crop protection against pests and diseases would also see a farmer rewarded with shorter maturity period and a higher yield. Talking about pest and diseases, let us highlight a few of the most common ones and how to control them.

Plantain first fruiting at 8 months

Common Diseases that affect plantain and how to control them

1. Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV)

This is the most dreaded disease among the plantain farmers in Kenya. It is a viral disease that causes the top leaves to be “bunchy” and the plant to be stunted. BBTV can wipe out your entire plantation. There is no known cure for BBTV so farmers must take precautions to prevent and control it. Here are a few things you should do:

Plant resistant varieties,
Ensure your farm if free from aphids and other small insects that transmit the virus,
Remove any plants you suspect is infected and discard by burning or burying deep.

2. Black Sigatoka

This is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves of plantains. It becomes a serious challenge if not controlled early. However, it is treatable and can be controlled by using fungicides, by planting resistant varieties and ensuring proper air circulation around the plants.

3. Panama disease

This is also a fungal disease that is cause by soil-borne pathogens. The leaves of the affected plants turn yellow, wilt and eventually die, finally killing the entire plantain tree. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Panama disease, but it can be controlled by planting resistant varieties and avoiding planting in areas where the disease is known to be present.

4. Anthracnose

This is a common fungal disease that mostly occurs during warm and dump weather. It causes brown spots on the plantain fruits, which may eventually turn into a rot. It can be controlled by using fungicides, planting resistant varieties, and harvesting fruits before the spots become too large.

5. Rhizome rot

This is a bacterial disease that causes the roots of plantain plants to rot. It can be controlled by planting in well-drained soil, avoiding over-watering and using bactericides.

In addition to these 5 diseases, plantains can also be affected by a number of common pests such as nematodes, mealybugs and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by using insecticides, biological control agents and cultural practices such as crop rotation.

Since some of these pests and diseases can spread very fast, it is important to monitor your plantain farm, looking for any possible signs of disease or pests.

Profitability of plantain farming in Kenya

If you are keen to do all the good agricultural practices that we have highlighted, you should be able to achieve yields of between 10 to 15 tons per acre every year. The average wholesale price of plantain bananas in Kenya is Ksh150 per kilo. Zucchini supermarket is actually selling a kilo at Ksh400 as you can see below.

Plantain price in Kenya: the price ranges between Ksh150 and Ksh400

The cost of producing 1 acre of plantains from planting through the first year of production is approximately Ksh200,000. This leaves a farmer with a high profit of over Ksh1,3 million every year. A plantain farm will be productive for many years as long as you keep providing the plants with nutrients and water.

How to make more profits from plantains

Most of the buyers that offer Ksh150 per kilo are middle men who go on to make a kill with your produce. You can cut these middle men off by selling directly to consumers through social media. You would also make much more if you process them into crisps, pack and sell through supermarkets and other wholesalers or distributors.

We are happy to guide you through the entire process of plantain farming in Kenya and its marketing. Please call us on 0724698357 / 0723213602 for any assistance.

Azolla Farming in Kenya: How Farmers are Saving 80% on Animal Feeds

Little was known about Azolla farming in Kenya until just the other day. I bet it is the necessity to find alternatives to the high-cost animal feeds that gave birth to the idea of farming Azolla at a commercial scale. The production of this green sea weed has now become very popular among chicken, pig, goat and dairy farmers who use it to feed their animals. All this for a good reason as I will be telling you in this article.

Azolla Farming

What is Azolla and why Farmers love it

Azolla is a small aquatic plant with leaves that float on the surface of stagnant or slow-moving bodies of water, such as ponds or lakes. Many people know it as the duck weed, most likely because it grows well in stagnant water ponds where ducks go swimming and enjoy eating it. It particularly grows best in warm places, even though it can still be grown in cold areas. In fact, the Kenya, you can grow azolla anywhere.

How is Azolla used?

1. Azolla as animal feeds

Most farmers use azolla to feed their animals. While poultry and pig farmers in Kenya are the ones who have mostly embraced the use of azolla as animal feeds, this duck weed can be eaten by all other animals including cows, goats, sheep and rabbits.

The weed is simply collected from the ponds and fed directly to the animals. It can also be dried and mixed with other concentrates. Since animals and poultry take a bit of time to get used to the taste of azolla, I suggest that you start them off with dried azolla mixed with the commercial feeds your animals are used to. With time, they will get used to the taste and start eating the good weed plain. The plant has high protein content beneficial to animals.

However, it is not advisable to feed your poultry or animals on azolla only. While this plant is rich in protein and vitamins, it lacks in fats, calcium and Phosphorous. It also lacks fibre which makes it unsuitable as the primary feed for ruminant animals like cows and goats, which need a lot of fibre for digestion.

2. Azolla as a natural fertilizer

Farmers in Kenya are now using Azolla as green manure. It is very rich in Nitrogen because it uses a biological relationship it has with algae called Anabaena azollae to draw and fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that can be used by other plants.

The good thing with it is that it does not necessarily require composting before use; you can simply pick the azolla from your pond, drain the excess water and apply the green manure in the same way you apply animal manure. However, you can choose to add the green azolla onto a pile of other organic waste materials and compost to form farmyard manure. This enhances the nutrient content of azolla.

3. Azolla as human food, medicine and fuel

I just thought of adding this part to enrich your knowledge but I will concentrate on how azolla farming in Kenya is done for animal feeds and organic fertilizer production.

In some parts of the world, Azolla is used as food, a medicinal herb, a biopesticide and it is also being researched as a potential source of biofuel. To use it as food, it must be grown in clean ponds set aside for food production and rinsed well before consumption.

Freshly harvested azolla can be added to salads and sandwiches or used as a topping in various dishes.

Azolla can also be cooked by stir frying, sautéing or adding it as an ingredient in dishes like pancakes. For me, cooking azolla is better than taking it raw since it helps to improve its digestibility, reduce its tangy taste and eliminate any potentially harmful microorganisms.

Azolla is rich in protein and all essential amino acids that are very beneficial to the human health. It also contains other vital minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

How to start Azolla farming in Kenya

As we have indicated, you need a pond or a shallow dam in order to grow Azolla. The pond doesn’t have to be big; a 2x2m pond with a depth of only 30cm is enough to start with. Just make sure it is at a place where it will enjoy full sunshine.

Now with your water body ready, here are the steps to follow to grow miracle weed:

Get the initial Azolla: there are quite a number of azolla farmers in Kenya now that are selling the fresh azolla that you can use to start your project. You only need a few grams or kilos to start you off. You can buy that from any farmer growing them near you or from Richfarm Kenya. To buy from Richfarm Kenya, simply call +254724698357 to make your order and they will deliver.
Add the azolla to the growing pond: This is done by simply throwing the initial azolla into the pool. In fact, you can even grow them in containers like half-cut drums if you can’t get space for a pond. These contains can be arranged vertically as long as you ensure your plants will be exposed to sunlight for at least 6 hours every day.
Add fertilizers: Azolla is a plant hence it requires nutrients from the water in order to grow. You add these nutrients by simply throwing animal manure into the water. 1kg of animal manure every 2 weeks will be enough for a 2x2m pond. If you see the colour of the azolla changing from green to red, it means the plants have exhausted the nutrients in the water and there is need to replenish immediately.
Harvest immediately it matures: Azolla is a fast-growing plant, doubling in mass every 72 hours. Therefore, it is important to monitor it regularly to prevent overgrowth. When the plant becomes thick over the water surface, it is ready for harvesting and should be removed. It is also important to maintain the water quality by removing any debris or pollutants that may accumulate.
Retain some plants for multiplication: When harvesting azolla, do not remove all the plants from the water. Ensure that you leave sufficient amounts in the water. These plants will act as the initial stock for the next generation.

Azolla farming in Kenya for business

If you have the space, you can farm azolla as a business, targeting to sell the leaves as animal feeds to livestock farmers or an organic fertilizer to crop farmers. From a 2x2m space, you can harvest 2kg of azolla daily.

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