Sweet Yellow Passion Farming in Kenya: A 2024 Worthy Investment

Over the past decade, the passion fruit industry has experienced a sweet revolution, with an increasing focus on the cultivation of the vibrant yellow variety. This is attributed to the fruit’s high demand, both locally and internationally, thanks to its unique flavour profile and versatile uses. Sweet yellow passion is a variety of passion fruit that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants and is grown with eco-friendly practices, and this has made consumers to increasingly value its produce.

Sweet yellow passion fruit.

In recent years, there’s been a notable trend towards sustainable and organic passion fruit farming in Kenya.

The economic potential of sweet yellow passion.

Sweet yellow passion with its enticing flavour and nutritional benefits, has a significant economic potential in Kenya. The high demand for passion fruit, both domestically and internationally, creates lucrative opportunities for farmers. Beyond fresh consumption, the fruit is sought after for its use in juice production and culinary applications. Success in the sweet yellow passion market depends on factors such as quality control, efficient supply chains and understanding the market trends. Farmers who are able to navigate such factors effectively can capitalize on the favourable market conditions for sweet yellow passion, making it a potentially rewarding venture.

Ideal growing conditions for sweet yellow passion.

a)   Soil

Sweet yellow passion thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to the plant.

b)   Climate

Yellow passion prefers a subtropical to tropical climate. It thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. They require a frost-free environment.

c)    Sunlight

Sweet yellow passion fruit plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth and fruit production. They should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

d)   Rainfall

While passion fruit can tolerate some drought, it generally benefits from regular rainfall. Supplemental irrigation is necessary if there is a shortage of rain.

e)   Wind protection

In areas prone to strong wind, it is advisable to provide windbreaks so as to protect the delicate vines of the sweet yellow passion.

Areas that have successfully cultivated sweet yellow passion.

Sweet yellow passion fruits can be cultivated in various regions in Kenya that have suitable climatic conditions. In Kenya, areas with moderate temperatures, well-distributed rainfall, and good sunlight are conducive to sweet yellow passion fruit farming. Regions like Thika, Murang’a, Bungoma, and parts of Rift Valley are known for successful passion fruit cultivation.

How best can you plant your sweet yellow passion? 

Step by step process for planting sweet yellow.

               i.         Choose a suitable site and prepare it.

ü  The location should be well-drained with fertile soil and access to sunlight.

ü  Prepare the soil by removing debris and weeds.

ü  Enhance soil fertility by incorporating organic matter like compost.

             ii.         Dig Pits or Trenches.

ü  The pits or the trenches should be approximately 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep. The spacing should depend on the specific variety and the local recommendations.

            iii.         Planting.

ü  Acquire healthy ready to plant sweet yellow passion seedlings from Richfarm Kenya. Call 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 to order your seedlings.

ü  Plant your seedlings at the centre of each pit or trench and make sure to cover the roots. with enough soil.

            iv.         Watering.

ü  Water the seedlings immediately after planting to help establish root systems.

              v.         Support structures.

ü  Yellow passion is a climbing vine, and it therefore needs support structures such as trellises to facilitate vertical growth.

            vi.         Mulching.

ü  Apply organic mulch around the base of the seedlings to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Fruiting and maturity period of sweet yellow passion

The fruiting and maturity period for sweet yellow passion can vary depending on management practices. Sweet yellow Passion generally takes 8 to 12 months from planting to the first harvest. Regular and proper care, including watering, fertilization, and pest control, can influence the fruiting timeline.

Sweet yellow passion farming presents a promising venture with significant economic potential. With proper care and adherence to best practices, farmers can harness the market demand for sweet yellow passion, turning it in to a rewarding and sustainable agricultural endeavour.

French Beans( Mishiri) Farming in Kenya

French beans, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris and locally known as “mishiri” are a popular and lucrative crop for farmers. Originating from Central and South America, these greens have found a thriving home in the diverse agricultural landscape of Kenya.

Ideal Growing Conditions for French beans.

French beans, with their delicate tendrils and crisp pods, flourish under specific environmental conditions. To cultivate a thriving mishiri plantation in Kenya, it’s essential to consider the following factors.

1.    Soil Quality

French beans prefer well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy-loamy soils are particularly suitable, ensuring that water doesn’t accumulate around the roots. A soil pH. of between 6.0 to 7.5 should be maintained for optimal nutrient absorption.

2.    Sunlight Requirements

French beans are sun-loving plants. The location where you plant your french beans should be receiving a maximum of 8 -10 hours of sunlight daily to ensure photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth and abundant pond development.

3.    Temperature

French beans require a temperature of between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. They are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so providing a moderate climate encourages steady growth.

4.    Watering practices

Adequate and consistent watering is crucial for growth of french beans, especially during the flowering and pod-setting stages. At all costs a farmer should avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root diseases. Implement a drip irrigation ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.

How many French beans per acre?

For optimal yield and growth, it’s recommended to plant about 10-15 kilograms of seeds per acre. The seeding density allows for proper spacing between the plants, ensuring each plant receives adequate sunlight, nutrients, and airflow for healthy development. However, the actual number may vary slightly based on factors such as the specific variety, local conditions, and farming practices.

How profitable is French beans farming in Kenya?

French beans are one of the crops that dominates the Kenya’s export market. French beans have a consistent demand both locally and internationally. High demand in European and Middle Eastern markets provide export opportunities, contributing to potential profitability.

French beans have a relatively short harvesting cycle, typically 45 to 65 days. The ability to harvest multiple times within a growing season increases the overall yield and potential income.

However, challenges such as fluctuating market prices, weather conditions and potential pests and diseases can impact profitability. Farmers need to stay informed about market trends, adopt sustainable farming practices, and continuously improve their techniques to maximize profits.

Harvesting French beans.

French beans usually mature 45 to 65 days from planting. Harvesting at the right stage is very crucial for quality produce. French beans should be harvested when the pods are firm, crisp, and about 10-12 centimetres long. Pods at this stage are at their peak flavour and have a longer shelf life. Their harvesting frequency should be every 2-3 days. Regular harvesting promotes continuous flowering and pod development.

In harvesting French beans, two techniques can be used i.e., Hand harvesting and use of scissors or shears.

Most French beans are hand- harvested to avoid damage to the delicate pods. Harvesters need to be careful not to injure the plant or neighbouring pods during the process. Using sharp scissors or shears is another technique that helps minimize damage to the plant and ensures a clean cut, facilitating faster healing for the next round of pod development.

Pests and Diseases that affect French beans.

French beans are susceptible to various pests and diseases, and effective management is crucial for a successful harvest. Here are common pests and diseases that affect French beans.

Ø  Aphids

They feed on the plant sap distorting the plant growth and transmitting viruses.

Control: Use insecticidal soaps and neem oil to manage aphid infestations.

Ø  Thrips

Thrips feed on leaves, causing stippling and silvering of the surface.

Control: Use insecticidal sprays and maintain good weed control to manage thrips.

Ø  Cutworms

These are nocturnal larvae that cut through stems at the soil level.

Control: Use biological control methods.

Ø  Angular leaf spot

This disease causes water-soaked lesions that later turn brown and angular on leaves. It can be managed through use of copper-based fungicides, practising crop rotation, and generally planting disease resistant variety.

Ø  Bacterial Wilt

It causes wilting and yellowing of the french beans’ leaves. Soil sanitation is essential for managing bacterial wilt.

Regular monitoring, timely intervention, and preventive measures such as maintaining good farm hygiene and using disease- resistant varieties are key to managing pests and diseases in French beans farming.

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.