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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Stevia Farming In Kenya: How To Grow the Sugar Plant and Never Buy Sugar

Stevia farming in Kenya is still new to many; I wonder why yet Kenyans love sweet things. It is currently practiced mainly in the Rift Valley regions of Kericho, Nakuru, Uasin-Gishu, Narok and Lakipia. A few Meru and Bungoma farmers have also taken up the commercial farming of the sweet leaf. However, very few farmers within the country know about this high potential crop. Actually, Kenya is a pioneer in the commercial farming of stevia in Africa, with only a few farmers taking it up in Rwanda and DRC.

Stevia farming in Kenya

What is stevia and what is so sweet about its farming?

Stevia is a sweetener just like the sugar you put in your tea. But instead of it being processed from sugar cane, it is obtained from the leaves of the Stevia plant.

While it is 100 times sweeter than the ordinary cane sugar, stevia as a sweetener has numerous advantages over cane sugar:

1. It is a natural and free from calories meaning it cannot cause obesity and other calorie related problems.
2. It is more effective than other artificial sweeteners and does not cause tooth decay.
3. Stevia can safely be used as a sugar substitute in food and drinks for diabetes patients.

Sounds really good, right? I am sure you might be wondering how these green leaves can substitute the white sugar we are so used to. Let me teach you how to use it:

How is stevia used?

You can actually grow stevia in your garden and use it right at home and never again buy the unhealthy processed sugar that doctors have always warned us against. This is how to use stevia leaves from your garden to sweeten your tea or any other beverage:

1. Harvest your stevia leaves: Pick the freshest stevia leaves from your garden, being careful to avoid the yellow or brown old leaves. You should also avoid harvesting stems since they are not sweet.
2. Wash and dry the leaves: Using a steady stream of flowing water, thoroughly wash the leaves to remove any dart or soil particles. Dry the leaves by placing them over a paper under a shade for a few minutes or using a towel.
3. Crush the leaves: Put just a few leaves in a motor and use the pestle to crush them to a paste. The idea here is to just break the leaves to release the juices. You can even use your fingers.
4. Add the paste to your tea: Cook your tea as you usually do then once ready, add the crushed stevia leaves and stir. Remember stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than ordinary sugar so you need only a small amount. Generally, you would need only 1 small leaf for a 250ml cup.
5. Add sweetener to your taste: The taste (sugar levels) of your stevia can vary depending on the variety and environmental factors of your garden. You should therefore keep adding the stevia paste until you achieve your desired sweetness.

What are the requirements for growing Stevia?

You might think that something so sweet and precious requires out of this world kind of conditions to grow. It is not so with stevia. Stevia is relatively easy to grow. Here are the conditions necessary for its growth:

Climatic Requirements

Since stevia is leafy, it grows best in areas with high humidity and rainfall (between 1000 and 1500mm of rainfall annually). Long periods of sunlight and warm temperatures also encourage fast regeneration of leaves after harvesting. The best areas would therefore be those experiencing temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Most places in Kenya meet this condition.

Stevia is sensitive to extreme cold temperature and is easily damaged by frost. Therefore, we should avoid farming it in the highland areas where night temperatures fall below 10°C.

Soil Requirements

Stevia grows best on well-drained sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter and nitrogen. Slightly acidic soil with a pH of between 5.0 to 7.5 are ideal. Remember to always do your soil test to determine the nutrients that you need to replenish. It is also important to incorporate farmyard manure at planting to increase the organic matter in your soil.

Irrigation Requirements

While stevia is a drought-tolerant plant and would survive long periods of dryness, it is important to ensure that the plants get sufficient soil moisture for optimum production. As such, you will need to irrigate the plants during the dry months of the year.

However, be careful not to over water and cause the sweet plants to suffer root-rot. There isn’t a fixed amount of water needed to irrigate the plants since this is determined by the nature of soils and the weather conditions.

Is your area good for stevia farming? Now let us get into the real action

How to grow Stevia

1. Choose the best location: choose your plot as per the conditions that we described earlier. An open field receiving 10 to 12 hours of sunlight, with well drained soils.
2. Prepare the land: conduct your soil test and correct the soil as per the recommendations. Plough the land to achieve a fine tilth and add sufficient amounts of compost manure to the soil. Make sure that the soil is free of weeds and any other plants that may compete with the stevia for nutrients.
3. Obtain quality stevia seedlings: Stevia seedlings can be obtained from Richfarm Kenya. You can call them on 0724698357. They will deliver to you or you can go pick them from their nurseries in Embu or Naivasha.
4. Transplant the seedlings: The best spacing for stevia is 45cm between rows and 20 to 30 cm from plant to plant. With this, an acre should accommodate approximately 40,000 plants. It is not advisable to intercrop stevia with other crops.
5. Maintaining the stevia farm: Ensure that the farm remains free from weeds and the plants are well irrigated during the dry seasons for maximum productivity.
6. Control pests and diseases: Stevia is relatively pest and disease-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about keeping the knapsack sprayer on your back. However, you should be keen to scout for any threats every day. If you discover any pests or diseases, we recommend that you use organic control methods. This is because it is the leaves that are consumed and we do not want to contaminate our sweetener.

Best spacing for stevia is 30x45cm

Harvesting Stevia

In Kenya, your Stevia plants will be ready to start harvesting in 3 to 4 months after transplanting the seedlings. The freshest leaves are harvested every 3 months after that. Stevia is a perennial plant from which you will keep harvesting for more than 7 years. After this, you may need to plant a new generation for continued high yields.

 

The profitability of Stevia farming in Kenya

An acre of stevia produces 1000kgs-1500kgs per harvest. The farmgate price for the fresh leaves is currently at around Ksh100 per kilo. Hence a farmer is able to make Ksh100,000 per harvest and up to Ksh400,000 per year from every acre.

Stevia market in Kenya

The crop is relatively new in Kenya and local demand is still very low. However, the demand for the natural sweetener is on the rise as more people become more health conscious.

The good thing is that there are companies that contract farmers to produce stevia for export. Some of the companies are PureCircle and Stevia Group East Africa. As production increases, the country will attract investors in processing industries and create a greater market for the plant.

At the moment, you can be the smarter one and invest in a leaf drying and crushing facility to make stevia leaves powder. This would definitely sell well in the local super markets, especially in the high end ones whose clientele now inclines towards healthy eating.

How to Benefit From the Fertilizer Subsidy in Kenya 2023

The fertilizer subsidy in Kenya is a program by the government aimed at helping farmers to access fertiliser at a bit lower price. Under this program, the cost of fertilizer will be reduced from Ksh6,000 per 50kg bag to Ksh3,500.

Subsidized fertilizer by the government of Kenya

In January this year, the government of Kenya kicked off the training of deputy county commissioners, cooperative officers, chiefs, assistant chiefs and other government administrators who will be helping in the distribution of the subsidized fertiliser. The target is to distribute 6 million bags of fertilizer to farmers before the next rainy season of April to June 2023.

The fertilizer subsidy program targets 12 counties where most of the maize and other staple foods are produced. These are Narok, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Migori, Kakamega, Bomet, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi. It is part of the government’s plans reduce the cost of food production in the country, hence reducing the cost of living.

 

Which fertilisers will be availed

Under this program, farmers will get planting fertilizer such as Microp from Yara Kenya and NPK for top-dressing such as Kynomaizeic NPK. About 2.1 million farmers will benefit from the subsidy program in the first phase.  

Planting and NPK fertilizers to be supplied by GOK under fertilizer subsidy program

How will farmers access the fertilizers

Farmers will be picking the subsidized fertilisers from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stations nearest to them. NCPB is working together with the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) and other state agencies in the distribution process to ensure that as many farmers as possible get the subsidized fertilisers before the rains start.

For you to access the subsidized fertilisers, you must register under the e-voucher system. This system was rolled by the government to not only ensure traceability and full accountability of the distribution process but also to address the challenges that farmers faced such as travelling long distances and failure to get enough of the inputs.

How to register on the fertilizer subsidy e-voucher system

To access the subsidized fertiliser, a farmer registers on the e-voucher system through their phone by dialling *707#. In the registration process, the farmer provides details of the size of land and the type of fertilizer they need. They then pay via Mpesa or Airtel Money and get issued with an e-voucher which they will use to collect the fertilizer from their nearest depot. The assistant chiefs can help in this process.

 

How much fertilizer is a farmer entitled to?

Farmers are allowed to buy only the amount of fertilizer they need for their size of land. For example, a farmer with 1 acre can only be able to purchase 2 bags of fertilizer.

 

Is the subsidized fertilizer already available?

As of 10th of February 2023, the government subsidized fertilizer was already available  for farmers to collect in the following areas:

• Trans Nzoia county at Local NCPBs
• Kericho Farmers County at the Kipkelion NCPB depot
• Nakuru
• Narok
• Uasin Gishu
• Nandi

While NCPB stations are the assigned depots of the fertilizer, the Council of Governors, Agriculture committee said they will encourage decentralization of the collection points in order to bring them closer to the farmers.   

Capsicum Farming In Kenya: How To Grow Capsicum For Profit And Smile To The Bank

Capsicum is commonly known as pilipili hoho in Kenya and it’s farming is relatively easy given the great climate we enjoy here most of the year. Capsicum farming is also a highly rewarding venture for both small-scale and large-scale farmers since pilipili hoho (also called sweet pepper) is a spice used by almost every household. 

Capsicum farming in Kenya

Ready Market for Capsicum

Due to the popularity of pilipili hoho, the market for this crop is ever ready. You can sell to the local mama mboga kiosk owners, all hotels, schools and hospitals and if you do not mind, the traders who come to buy right from the farm: those however give poor prices.

Where to grow capsicum in Kenya

Capsicum is a versatile crop that grows well in both warm and hot places. You can grow the crop under greenhouse or in the open field. In Kenya, capsicum is commonly grown in central and Eastern parts of the country such as Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and parts of the coast. It can also grow very well in Kajiado, Narok, the entire Ukambani region and in Baringo. 

Capsicum farming in Narok, Kenya

Benefits of capsicum

Capsicum is not only a food additive that spices up the taste of your meals. It is also a nutritious vegetable with numerous benefits to your body. These benefits include:

• A rich source of vitamin A, B16 and C
• Rich in antioxidants which helps your body to maintain good health
• Capsicum has anti-inflammatory properties
• Source of dietary fibre that helps in food digestion.
• Source of potassium which helps your body to regulate blood pressure.

Ecological Requirements for capsicum farming

Climate:

As we have said, capsicum grows well in warm areas. The ideal temperatures are between 15°C and 30°C. The crop does not tolerate frost so in areas where night temperatures fall too low, it is advisable to grow them under greenhouses. The rainfall amounts should be in the range of 800 to 1200mm per annum, supplemented with irrigation during the dry seasons. The trick here is to ensure that the soils have moisture throughout the growth period.

Soil:

Capsicum grows best in fertile well drained soils. They prefer slight acidic soils of pH 5.5 to 6.5. As we have always advised, it is very important to test your soils to determine which nutrients you need to replenish for the best harvest.

Best Capsicum Varieties to Grow in Kenya

There are many different varieties of capsicum grown in Kenya, but some of the best include California Wonder, Green Bell, and Admiral.

California Wonder is a red variety, classic and high in production. It has a large, thick-walled fruits that starts out with a bright green colour and turns red when it is fully ripe.

Green Bell is a green capsicum variety that is sweet and juicy, perfect for salads and cooking. It yields big fruits and is the most common in the Kenyan markets.

Admiral is the signature yellow capsicum variety produced by Syngenta. While it is commonly grown in greenhouses, it can also be grown outdoors but farmers have reported lower yields for outdoor farms compared to greenhouse farming.

Green capsicum matures faster

How to Grow Capsicum: Step-by-step guide

1. Choose an ideal location: Capsicum plants need full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, to grow well. Hence the area should not be under trees or between tall buildings. It is also advisable not to plant on a spot that previously had other plants of the Solanaceae family.
2. Prepare the soil: Capsicum grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. You can improve the soil quality by adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting area. Also take into consideration the recommendation of your soil test results to make the soils ideal for your crop. Make your farm into raised beds to loosen up the soil and create deeper rooting zones for the plants.
3. Transplant seedlings: Obtain professionally raised seedlings from Richfarm Kenya Nurseries and transplant them onto your prepared plot. The best spacing for capsicum is 60cm between the lines and 45cm from plant to plant. With this, you will have about 15,000 plants per acre.
4. Water regularly: Capsicum plants need consistent moisture to grow. You can check the moisture levels of the soil by holding it firmly in your palm: if it sticks, it is moist. However, don't overwater the plats as they are susceptible to root rot. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
5. Fertilize: Capsicum plants require balanced soil nutrients in order to grow fast and give good yields. Incorporating manure during the land preparation gives a huge advantage as it adds most of the needed nutrients. However, you can supplement that with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Your soil test results will advise you much better.
6. Provide support: Capsicum plants can grow quite tall and heavy with fruits, so they may need support, such as a stake or cage, to prevent them from breaking and falling over.
7. Pinch off the tips: Pinching off the tips of the capsicum plants will encourage branching and help the plant to produce more fruits.
8. Harvest when the fruit is fully mature: Capsicum is ready for harvest when the fruit has fully developed its colour and is firm to the touch. Cut the fruit from the plant with a sharp knife, leaving a small piece of stem attached.

Capsicum takes about 2-3 months to fully mature, from the time of transplanting the seedlings. However, the time the plants take to full maturity depends on the climate of your area and the variety. The green varieties mature faster than red and yellow.

Pest and Disease Control

Pests

Capsicum is vulnerable to common pests such as cutworms, red spider mites and aphids. Regular scouting to identify potential pest attacks is necessary. Most of these pests can be handled with common pesticides such as Profile and Pentagon from Greenlife Crop Protection. For those going organic, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.

Diseases

The common diseases that affect capsicum are powdery mildew, damping off and anthracnose. These are all fungal diseases that can be easily controlled using fungicides. I recommend Absolute and Greencop.  You can also reduce the occurrence of diseases if you rotate crops annually, avoid overhead irrigation and practice good sanitation.

Profitability of capsicum farming in Kenya

Capsicum farming in Kenya is profitable and can potentially give you up to Ksh1.2 million per acre in sales and almost 1 million in profit.

The cost of buying seedlings is the highest capital item, which can set you back up to Ksh120,000 for seedlings enough for an acre. The other costs include irrigation, fertilisers, pest and disease control and labour, which vary from place to place. On average, the cost of setting up 1 acre of capsicum from land preparation to harvesting will cost you about Ksh250,000.

An acre of capsicum yields between 25 and 30 tons of fruit and a kilo sells for between Ksh40 and Ksh60 at the farm gate: retailers such as Zucchini and Naivas Supermarkets sell a kilo for Ksh200.

Also read:

1. Seven Crops That Can Make You Rich In 2023

2. Tomato Farming in Kenya: How To Do It Without Burning Your Fingers

What is the Recommended Spacing in Hass Avocado Farming?

At full maturity, that is in about 7 or more years, Hass avocado trees can grow really wide, covering up to 8m if well irrigated and fed. This size of the tree is what advices the spacing, so we would typically say 8x8m is the ideal spacing for Hass avocado. However, as I have mentioned, it takes a long time for the trees to get here – 7 years is indeed a long time bearing in mind that the trees start fruiting in the second year after transplanting.

2 years old avocado trees covering just just about 2m space per tree

What would you be doing with that space between the trees before that time? Well, if you choose to intercrop your avocado trees with shorter term crops, then that would be perfect. But if you are raising a pure stand avocado orchard, then that space is going to be a waste for a long time, exposing the ground to the open sun hence excessive evaporation, not to mention the weed menace. So, shall we make better use of that space by planting more avocado trees? Definitely! But is it wise to do so?

The commercial 3x4m spacing

Commercial farms actually start out their Hass avocado orchards with a spacing of 3m between the plants and 4m from line to line. There is absolutely no harm of doing this. It actually gives you a huge economic benefit.

Look at this; if you start out with the 3x4m spacing, you will be having 330 trees in one acre all bearing fruits from the second year. You enjoy the sales while the trees continue to grow. By the 3^rd year, the trees are forming a nice canopy bringing down the rate of evaporation and weed growth – advantage! In the meantime, the farmer who started out with the 8x8m spacing has only 60 avocado trees in an acre, giving the same number of fruits per tree as the trees in the other farm with 330 trees.  

The trees will compete for soil nutrients and caused reduced production!

Yes, that is true but only if you let it happen. It is paramount that you prepare for this from the very onset. The secret to solving this potential challenge is as obvious as it sounds: replenish the soil nutrients generously. A bucket of goat or cow manure for each tree every 3-4 months will make the trees so happy and productive. You can choose to be a better farmer for them and do regular soil tests to establish whether there is a particular nutrient that is draining faster and find ways of replenishing that specifically.

Hass avocado trees intercropped with beans: this helps to replenish nitrogen in the soil

But how do you control the trees from becoming too bushy and causing fungal diseases and reduced productivity?

The answer first lies in pruning. A Hass avocado farmer who has chosen to go commercial and use the 3x4m spacing must be keen on pruning to ensure that the free flow of air and the penetration of sunlight is not compromised. However, as you already guessed, the trees will soon outgrow the farmers effort of pruning as the branches widen. It is at this point that the second intervention becomes necessary: that is thinning.

What? Cut down fully grown fruiting trees?

Yes, why not? Your aim is to raise the most profitable Hass avocado farm. It would have taken you 3-4 productive years to get to this stage. During this time, each of these trees were giving you optimum yields and the money you pocketed from them has no comparison to the cost of planting and bringing them up. You have made a profit!

So, how’s the thinning done?

There’s no fixed formula for this since as the farmer, you will be able to observe the trees that are becoming overcrowded and less productive. Cut down the non-productive one. However, the cutting down shouldn’t also be done haphazardly. You should do this with an aim of achieving a specific kind of spacing. I would recommend removing the trees in the line so that we achieve a spacing of 6m from tree to tree. That brings us to a 6x4m spacing which can exist till full maturity.

However, if the trees grow rapidly, you may think of removing the centre lines so as to achieve a spacing of 8m between the lines. This brings us to the 6x8m spacing that I would recommend. All this while, never overlook the importance of testing and replenishing the soil nutrients through application of fertilizers and of course, giving the plants sufficient water.

Blueberry farming in Kenya: The New Gold in Agribusiness

Blueberry farming in Kenya is a highly profitable and sustainable venture, most probably owing to the fact that it is a new kind of farming in the country. The fruit is known for its high nutrient content and antioxidant properties, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. The demand for these berries has been higher than supply and it keeps growing as more people become aware of it.

Blueberry farming in Kenya

The blueberry consumers in Kenya have previously been buying imported blueberries from America and Europe. However, thanks to Kakuzi, the first blueberry grower in Kenya, farmers have now discovered that this expensive fruit can grow very well in Kenya and are going into it.  Today, we will teach you how to grow your own blueberries and get a piece of its high profit market.

Ecological Requirements

To grow blueberries successfully, farmers must pay attention to the soil, climatic conditions and water requirements of the crop.

Soil

Blueberries require well-drained acidic soil with a pH of between 4.5 and 5.5. Of course, you have to do your soil test to ensure that all other soil components such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are within adequate levels for healthy plant growth.

Climate

Blueberries require a cool climate with temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. The crop also requires relatively high amounts of water supply to sustain a healthy and productive growth.

Water and irrigation requirements

Sufficient amounts of water for growing blueberries can be described as that which will maintain the soils as consistently moist but not waterlogged. Remember, the bushes are sensitive to excess water and can develop root rot. Therefore, the crop requires regular watering either through irrigation or rainfall. This is best done through drip irrigation, which applies water directly to the roots, or through overhead sprinklers for the hotter areas to keep the leaves cool and reduce the risk of sunburn.

 

Areas Growing Blueberries in Kenya

In Kenya, the highlands of the Central and Western regions, such as the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya, provide the ideal conditions for blueberry cultivation in open fields.

Currently, blueberries are being grown in a few of these regions, mainly in Murang’a by Kakuzi limited. At the moment, Kakuzi grows the fruits in pots under a greenhouse covering 10 hectares. This is the largest successful blueberry farm in Kenya for now.

 

Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries are a highly nutritious fruit that offer a range of health benefits. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, including anthocyanins.

The king of antioxidants

One of the key benefits of blueberries is their antioxidant content. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Blueberries, in particular, have a high concentration of anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidant that gives the berries their blue color. These anthocyanins have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and improve brain function.

Rich source of vitamins

In addition to their antioxidant content, blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system, while vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Blueberries also contain a moderate amount of fiber, which can help to promote digestion and regulate blood sugar levels.

Protects you from Chronic diseases by their anti-inflammatory characteristics

Furthermore, blueberries have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. These anti-inflammatory effects may be due to the presence of compounds called flavonoids, which are also found in blueberries.

Weight management

Eating blueberries regularly can also aid in weight management, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.

Market and Price

The market for blueberries in Kenya is rapidly growing, with increasing demand from both local and international buyers. These fruits are currently available only in select supermarkets. The price of blueberries in Kenya is currently between Ksh1,600-2,000 per kilogram, depending on the quality of fruit.

How to Start Your Own Blueberry Farm

Starting a blueberry farm in Kenya at the moment might require you to dig a little deeper into your pocket, but it is worth it. Here’s what you need:

1. Choose the right variety: Different varieties of blueberries have different soil and climate requirements, so it's important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your growing conditions. Highbush blueberries are the most commonly grown variety and can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types, while lowbush and rabbiteye blueberries are a bit sensitive and not ideal for starters.
2. Prepare the soil: Blueberries prefer loam or sandy loam soils. The red volcanic soils of central Kenya are ideal since they are also slightly acidic, giving the required pH of 4.5 to 5.5. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you can amend it with animal manure, rabbit Urine or peat moss to lower the pH. Additionally, you should add compost manure matter to the soil to improve its fertility and structure.
3. Ensure recommended spacing: For highbush blueberries, a common spacing is 4-5 feet between plants and 8-10 feet between rows. This allows for proper air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can help to prevent disease and promote fruit production. For lowbush and rabbiteye blueberries, which are smaller in size, a spacing of 2-3 feet between plants and 4-5 feet between rows is recommended.
4. It's also important to note that blueberries can be grown in containers, in this case, the container should be at least 18 inches in diameter and deep enough to accommodate the plants root system. A spacing of 2-3 feet between plants is recommended in this case.
5. Plant at the right location: Blueberries should be planted on a location that gets full sun for at least 8 hours a day. Hence do not plant them under big trees that cast shadows on them.
6. Provide proper irrigation: Blueberries require regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist. This typically means providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either through irrigation or rainfall.
7. Prune and maintain the bushes: Blueberries require regular pruning to remove dead or diseased wood, and to promote bush growth. Prune the bushes just before the rains. Additionally, it's important to keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could damage the bushes.
8. Fertilize: Blueberries benefit from regular fertilization, especially with an acidic fertilizer that has a high percentage of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) such as: 5-10-10, 8-8-8 or 10-10-10.

 

Blueberry farming

Note: It is recommended to plant more than one blueberry variety on your farm to help in crosspollination which improves the quality of fruits. When planting multiple varieties of blueberries, it's important to ensure that they are compatible in terms of bloom time and pollination.

 

Profitability of blueberry farming in Kenya:

Blueberry farming in Kenya is highly profitable because of the low supply against a high and growing demand. An acre of land can accommodate approximately 2,000 bushes. The bushes start bearing fruits after 2 years and the yield keeps increasing to peak at 4 years when the plants fully mature.

At maturity, a single blueberry bush can produce 5kgs of fruits per year. That means you can get 10 tons of fruit from one acre. At the current price of Ksh1600, you would be making Ksh16 million in revenue if you sell directly to the end consumers.

Where to buy blueberry seedlings

There aren’t many blueberry seedlings for sale in Kenya. However, you can get high quality seedlings from Richfarm Kenya from time to time. You can reach them on +254724698357 or +254723213602 to order for your seedlings. You might need to wait in line for your seedlings to be produced.