Okra Farming in Kenya: Growing Wealth in Kenyan Soils

Anytime I hear of okra, I imagine of the West African Okra soup. Okra is green and pod-shaped botanically classified as a fruit with seeds, yet widely embraced as a vegetable in the culinary world. It’s believed to have originated in West Africa before spreading to other parts of the world. The good news is that we are finally having Okra in Kenya. Let’s explore the basics of cultivating this versatile crop and uncover the potential it holds.

Okra Plant.

Ideal climatic conditions for growing Okra.

Okra is a vegetable that thrives in warm climates and is ideally suited for tropical and subtropical regions. The ideal conditions include:

                        I.         Temperature

Okra does best in warm temperatures that range between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Cooler temperatures can stunt growth and adversely affect the okra plant. Choosing the right planting time when temperatures are consistently warm is a key factor to successful cultivation of okra.

                      II.         Rainfall

While it can tolerate dry conditions, consistent moisture is beneficial for optimal growth. Okra requires well distributed rainfall or irrigation during the dry seasons.

                    III.         Humidity

Okra thrives well in high humid areas, but it can still be cultivated in areas with lower humidity levels.

                    IV.         Sunlight

For optimal growth and productivity, okra requires approximately 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. It is a sun loving plant. A well-lit environment helps prevent diseases by promoting good air circulation and drying the foliage.

In areas that receive limited sunlight, an okra farmer should consider planting the plant in spots that receive the maximum sunlight available.

Best soils for growing Okra.

Okra thrives best in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Soils enriched with organic matter, promote optimal fertility and moisture retention. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root diseases.

 Okra planting techniques

Proper planting technique is essential for any crop or plant to be successful. Here is a step-by-step guide for planting okra.

a)   Get the right location

ü  Select a spot that receives maximum direct sunlight since okra is a sun loving plant. The spot should also be well-drained with the pH levels ranging from (6.0 to 7.5) since okra thrives best in slightly acid to neutral pH.

b)   Prepare the soil

ü  Till the soil (dig up) to obtain a soft and fine texture that will allow the roots to push their way through the soil easily.

c)    Planting the seedlings

ü  Space your seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart for them to have enough room for development and good air circulation.

ü  Water the area gently after planting.

ü  You can intercrop it with other plants like eggplant and cucumber since they are 'thirsty' crops and okra needs a lot of water.

d)   Fertilize

ü  A few weeks after planting using a balanced fertiliser that has a 1:2 ratio of nitrogen to potassium to encourage new growth and stimulate flower production.

e)   Mulch

ü  Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and provide plants nutrients as the mulching material decomposes. Mulching creates a favourable environment for your okra to thrive, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting healthier growth.

f)     Harvest

ü  Harvest when the pods are 3-4 inches long for optimal tenderness.

ü  Cut the pods gently using a sharp knife or a pair of scissors.

ü  Aim to harvest your mature okra after every 2-3 days to encourage production and avoid your okra from being stringy or bitter due to overstaying on the plant.

Pests and Diseases affecting Okra plant.

The okra plant is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases like;

§  Aphids

Aphids feed on the plant sap causing a distortion of the leaves and a stunted growth. This can transmit plant viruses, weaken the plant, and create a favourable environment for the growth of sooty mold.

Use of insecticidal soap or neem oil may help manage aphids on your okra plant.

§  Spider mites

These pests suck the cell contents from okra leaves, leading to yellow stippling and eventually browning of leaves. Severe infestations by the pest can cause decreased plant vigor and yield.

Management: Keep the garden area clean, use neem oil or insecticidal soap while maintaining proper humidity levels.

§  Powdery Mildew

White, powdery spots appear on the okra leaves. Powdery mildew affects photosynthesis and weakens the plant. Severe infections can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production.

Management: Provide proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if needed.

§  Bacterial Wilt

This bacteria enters the plant and causes wilting and yellowing of leaves which may eventually cause the plant to dry up. Managing bacterial wilt may require practising good sanitation in the garden and rotating crops to reduce disease pressure.

Common uses of okra

v Culinary Purposes

Okra Vegetable.

Okra is a versatile vegetable used in soups, stews, stir-fries and as a fried or pickled side dish. Similar to other greens, okra leaves can be used in cooking, the flowers can be used in salads or as a garnish, the seeds can be pressed to extract oil that is used in cooking.

      v Medicinal uses          

   Various parts of the okra plant are used for treating digestive issues.

v Ornamental Purposes

Okra plants with their large, attractive leaves and unique flowers can be grown for ornamental purposes in gardens.

v Crafting

Okra plant contains fibers that can be used for crafting or making twine.

A Guide To Lucrative Bee Keeping In Kenya

Bee keeping is one of the most traditional activities that has been practised in Kenya since time immemorial. But come to think of it, why is the activity still booming even in this century? As of 2021, Kenya was the 4^th highest honey producer in Africa after Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Angola.

Bee Harvesting.

Apiculture, which is the practise of bee keeping, involves the maintenance of bee colonies in hives for production of honey and products such as wax, bee pollen and royal jelly. To better understand the practise of bee farming in Kenya, we shall need to answer some of the most asked questions on bee keeping in this article.

What do you need to start a profitable bee farm in Kenya?

With the modernized technology, bee keeping has become easier than it was many years ago. However, starting a profitable bee farm in Kenya requires careful planning and investment. Some of the essential elements are:

1.    Knowledge and training

Any aspiring bee farmer should purpose to gain expertise through training programs on bee keeping to understand the basics of the whole practise, to understand the bee species, their behaviour, and the common challenges in this sector. Africanized honeybees are more defensive than European bees and therefore, it’s important to receive proper training and handling techniques that are crucial to manage them effectively and safely.

2.    A good location/ Apiary set up

An aspiring beekeeper should choose a suitable location for bee keeping. A suitable location for bee keeping should be a place that is less disturbed, far from noise or human activities with access to forage and water sources. A beehive should be located near high producing nectar plants like sunflower, bananas, lavenders, legumes, pumpkins, flowering broccoli etc.

3.    Hive and Hive equipment

Hive Equipment.

Starters in bee farming need high quality hives that are strong and durable to house their bees. The hives should be simple, easy to maintain and easily accessible for hive inspection and honey harvesting. Other equipment that a bee farmer should have include a pair of gloves, uncapping fork that is effective for removing comb caps without damaging the comb and a bee suit that is meant to offer maximum protection from bee stings.

4.    Best honeybee breeds

There are many different bee species in the world but the best bees for bee keeping are often bee species that can easily adapt to local conditions. In Kenya, the best bees for beekeeping are African honeybee subspecies with the most common being Apis Mellifera Scutellate, a type of Africanized honeybee.

Apis Mellifera Scutellate bee.

African honeybees are well adapted to the local climate and environmental conditions in Kenya, they show resistance to certain pests and diseases, they have very high honey productivity, and they can perfectly survive even during challenging conditions.

How many bee hives per acre?

The ideal number of bee hives per acre depends on a combination of ecological and economic factors. It’s often a balance between maximizing production and ensuring the well-being of the bees as well as the surrounding environment. The number of hives per acre depend on factors such as:

§  The beekeeping methodology

The approach to bee keeping, whether it’s traditional, modern, or commercial can influence hive density. Traditional methods may have fewer hives per acre compared to modern or commercial setups.

§  Ecological Conditions

The environment, the floral resources influence the number of hives to be set up greatly. Areas with abundant nectar and pollen sources are likely to have higher hive densities.

§  Bee species

The type of bees being kept can impact how many hives can be sustained in an acre due to factors such as foraging, bee aggressiveness, nectar and pollen preferences and colonization patterns.

§  Beekeeper Expertise

The skill and the expertise of the beekeeper matters when considering the number of hives to set up in an acre. A knowledgeable and experienced beekeeper can manage more hives efficiently.

Proper and Safe ways of harvesting honey

Honey harvesting should be done with care to ensure both beekeeper safety and bee health.

Honey harvesting should be done when the comb is almost fully capped. The harvester should be wearing the appropriate attires such as a bee suit, gloves, and a veil to minimise the risk of stings.

During harvesting, a beekeeper can perform smoking to calm the bees and reduce aggression to make the process safer. Uncapping fork should be used to gently remove bees from frames without destroying the combs. A honey harvester should leave enough honey in the hive for the bees to sustain themselves, especially during the colder months.

Importance of bee keeping

Beyond the sweet taste of honey, bee farming in Kenya has far-reaching implications, impacting livelihoods, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. Some of the various advantages of bee farming include:

§  Honey production

Bee keeping is a primary source of honey production. Honey is a valuable, natural sweetener with diverse uses and has potential economic value.

§  Pollination

Pollination is a vital ecological process that facilitates the reproduction of flowering plants. Bee keeping enhances crop pollination, improving yields for various fruits, vegetables, and cash crops. This also contributes to plant diversity and maintains an ecosystem balance.

§  Food security

Increased pollination results in better crop production, contributing to food security for both local consumption and potential export.

§  Income Generation

Bee keeping provides a sustainable source of income for communities through the sale of honey, wax, and other bee-related products.

§  Medicinal benefits

Bee products such as propolis and royal jelly, have medicinal properties hence adding a health-related dimension to bee keeping.

Due to the country’s diverse flora and the climatic advantage, the future of bee farming is very promising with the market highly increasing domestically and internationally.

Jackfruit Farming in Kenya: How to Earn Millions From Jackfruit Farming

Something you probably didn’t know is that jackfruit tree produces one of the largest fruits in the world. You just can’t imagine a single jackfruit can weigh up to 40 kilograms.

A mature jackfruit tree in its productive years.

Jackfruit commonly known as ‘fenesi’ in Swahili is a tropical fruit with its origin in the region between Southern India, the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka’s Island and Malaysia’s rain forests.

A Jackfruit slice.

It is a fruit that has a spiky exterior and sweet, fibrous flesh inside with a distinctive flavour that is often described as a combination of apple, banana, and mango. It has been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture for centuries.

Jackfruit farming has continuously gained popularity in Kenya with coastal and western counties like Busia rooting for more than 67% of Kenya’s produce.

The economic potential of Jackfruit farming in Kenya.

The economic potential of jackfruit farming is very promising for reasons like;

·      High demand in local and international markets.

Jackfruit has gained popularity globally in the recent years as a versatile and nutritious fruit. The rising demand for plant based and exotic fruits presents an opportunity for Kenyan farmers to tap in to the local and international markets.

·      Diversification of income sources.

Farming jackfruit allows for diversification of income sources for farmers. With proper cultivation and marketing, farmers can generate revenue from selling fresh jackfruit, processed products and by-products like seeds and seedlings.

·      Adaptability to Kenyan Climate.                                                                                     

The diverse climatic conditions in Kenya are very suitable for the farming of Jackfruit. Their adaptability to different regions provides farmers with the flexibility to cultivate across various agro-ecological zones.

·      Low maintenance and resource requirements.

Jackfruit trees require low maintenance once established. They require less water compared to some other fruit trees.

·      Economic benefits

Jackfruit trees contribute to environmental sustainability by providing shade, reducing soil erosion, and acting as carbon sinks. This aligns with the consumer preferences for environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practises.

Ideal climate for Jackfruit farming.

Jackfruit thrive best in warm and tropical climates, making it suitable for Kenyan coast and other lowland areas in Kenya.

The fruit tree requires temperatures between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.  It is very sensitive to frost, and this means areas with frequent frost occurrences are not suitable for its growth.                                                                                                                      

While jackfruit can withstand short periods of drought, regular and well distributed rain is essential during flowering, fruiting stages, and other important plant processes. High humid and low altitude areas are also favourable for optimal growth of jackfruit.

On the soil requirements, jackfruit trees prefer deep, sandy loam to clay well drained fertile soils with a Ph level that is slightly acidic to neutral.

How do you plant a jackfruit?                                                                    

You who is particularly interested in knowing how this mighty fruit tree is planted, this piece is for you. Just like a good house requires a strong foundation, a good foundation for any plant ensures successful cultivation and a bounty harvest.

1.    Dig planting holes.

Dig planting holes at the site you wish to plant your jackfruit seedlings, while ensuring they are large and spacious enough to accommodate the root system and tap enough water for the plant. The ideal hole should have a depth similar to the height of the root and should be spacious enough.

2.    Spacing.

While digging the holes, just ensure you figure out the mature size of a jackfruit tree, this will help one plan on the best spacing that can ensure the trees do not crowd as they grow. Mature jackfruit trees grow to extremely big sizes. They are a perfect definition of out of a tiny seedling, a mighty tree grows.

3.    Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost.

Integrating manure or compost into the holes ensures soil fertility. It also provides the essential nutrients for the growth of the jack plant.                                                                                                          

4.    Planting depth.

You should ensure the roots are fully covered with soil and then gently firm the soil around the base of the plant and leave an allowance that can hold water for the plant.

5.    Watering.

At this point when you have already planted your seedling, ensure you water it generously. This helps settle soil around the roots and provides initial hydration.

6.    Mulching.

Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperatures. When mulching avoid materials like sawdust and hay as they buffer soil temperatures and may make the area soggy due to lack of evaporation.

How profitable is Jackfruit farming?

Jackfruit is a hardy plant that requires low maintenance which saves an agribusiness investor huge amount of expenses. Jackfruit farming is in a short way an investment that allows you to minimise your expenditures while maximising on the profits. With a single jackfruit tree being capable of producing up to 300 fruits and a mature jackfruit being sold at an average price of ksh400 to ksh650, this means the least a farmer can make from one tree is ksh120,000 and as much as 195,000. Now try to imagine of a farmer who has invested in farming an acre of jackfruit trees. Call or Whatsapp Richfarm Kenya at 0724698357/0723213602 and get your jackfruit seedlings as early as now.

Nutritional value of Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a nutrient-rich tropical fruit that offers numerous health benefits like

o   Calories: Jackfruit is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. About 95 calories per 100grams of raw jackfruit make it a low-calorie food.

o   Vitamin C: This fruit is a good source of vitamin C which makes it essential for immune function and healthy skin.

o   Potassium: Contains Potassium which is an important mineral for health and proper fluid balance in the body.

o   Antioxidants: Rich in dietary antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and promote overall health.

o   Dietary Fibre: Jackfruit is high in dietary fibre that aids digestion and promotes a healthy digestive system.

o   Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians: Jackfruit is a versatile meat substitute, providing a plant-based option for people who are following vegan or vegetarian diets.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases are a must concern for every farmer who looks forward to a healthy plant/crop which translates to a bounty harvest. Pests and diseases impair plant productivity and interfere with plant processes such as water absorbance, photosynthesis, flower and fruit development, plant growth etc.

Some of the most common pests and diseases associated with jackfruit plant are:

Pests

·      Shoot and fruit borer

·      Spittle bugs

·      Aphids

·      Leaf Webber

Diseases

·      Fruit rot

·      Die back

·      Leaf Spot

·      Pink disease

Culturally, during growth jackfruit diseases can be controlled through pruning the trees. This enables air to travel freely throughout the branches to ensure all the fruits dry up after the rains. Another way of controlling is carrying out hygiene measures like removing infected fruit from the trees.

Botanical pesticides such as Neem oil can also be used against the pests.

Malkia Curly Kale Farming in Kenya: Why You Need Malkia Curly Kales in Your Farm

Malkia Curly kale popularly known as ‘Sukuma matumbo’ in Kenya is a specific kale variety of elongated leaves with wavy to curly margins. Just like other kale varieties, Malkia Kale is believed to have originated in the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor. It is an early maturing kale variety that produces large sized leaves and is known for its high yield.

Malkia Curly Kale

Ideal climatic conditions for Malkia Curly Kale farming in Kenya

Curly kale thrives in cool climates with temperatures ranging between 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. It does well in well-drained fertile soils that are rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH(6.0-7.0).

Step by step process for planting Malkia Curly Kale.

1.       Soil Preparation

ü  Choose well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

ü  Ensure a slightly acidic to neutral Ph (6.0-7.0).

ü  Till (dig up) the soil to obtain a soft and fine texture.

2.       Seedling transplanting

ü  Obtain ready to plant seedlings from Richfarm Kenya: simply call them on 0724698357 / 0723213602 / 0798919007 to order your seedlings. 

ü  Make a small hole on the prepared soil; just enough to cover the root bud of the seedling. Be sure not to burry the seedling too deep. 

3.       Spacing

ü  Space seedlings 30 to 45 cm (12-18 inches) apart for proper growth. We recommend that you space the lines 45 cm from each other and the plants 30cm from each other. 

4.       Watering

ü  Keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged. Being a leafy vegetable, overhead irrigation using a sprinkler would be the best method to irrigate. 

5.       Timing

ü  The kale should be planted in a season with favourable growing conditions. Plant your seedlings when temperatures are between 15-24 degree Celsius for optimal growth. If it isn't raining, ensure that you sufficiently water the soils before doing the actual seedling transplanting. 

6.       Pest and Disease management

ü  Regularly inspect for pests and diseases. Address any issues promptly. See the pest and disease management section below to learn about the common pests and diseases affacting Malkia curly kale farmers in Kenya and how to control them. 

7.       Harvesting

ü  Harvest by picking outer leaves first, leaving the central bud intact.

Watering requirements.

A farmer should aim at keeping the soil consistently moist for Malkia kale through regular watering while ensuring there is a good airflow, and the soil is not waterlogged. However, the watering frequency will depend on the weather conditions- hotter and drier climates may require more frequent watering as opposed to wet and cooler regions. Watering deeply ensures strong root development. Mulching is also encouraged around the kale to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Why should you consider growing Malkia Curly Kale?

·      It produces a high yield.

·      It is an early maturing kale variety.

Nutritional benefits of Malkia Curly Kale.

Sukuma wiki being one of the most consumed vegetable in Kenya, Malkia curly kale specifically has earned itself more popularity in the recent times due to its high nutritional value. It’s a nutrient powerhouse if we may say. It is rich in Vitamin A, C and K along with nutrients like Calcium and Potassium. What a fantastic additional to a healthy diet!

Pest and Diseases

Infected Malkia Curly Kale

Common pests for Malkia Curly kale include aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles. Diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew can also occur. A farmer should purpose to use organic pesticides, practise crop rotation, and maintain good plant hygiene to manage them.

                                                                      

Something you probably didn’t know about Malkia Kale.

Beyond salads, it can be used in smoothies, soups, or even baked into crispy kale chips. Its nutrient density and ability to thrive in various dishes makes it a culinary gem.

Experts at the Sim law seeds under the KENYA SEED COMPANY stated that it has lesser acid properties than the other kale varieties hence it is considered best for ulcer patients.