Ginger Farming in Kenya: All You Need To Follow When Setting Up Your Ginger Plantation.

 The demand for ginger is on the rise due to its diverse uses in food, beverages, and medicines. In Kenya, ginger is commonly used in households and by food processing industries, with countries like India, China, and the Middle East being major importers. The economic viability of ginger farming is high, with good returns on investment due to the premium prices it fetches in the market.

Ginger plantation.

Climate and soil requirements for garlic farming

Ginger thrives in warm and humid tropical climates. The ideal temperature range for ginger cultivation being between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. They require moderate rainfall of 1500-2000mm annually, well distributed throughout the growing season. Areas with excessive rainfall may require proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Soil

Ginger grows best in well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH should slightly be acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Good soil aeration is crucial as waterlogged conditions can lead to rhizome rot.

Planting materials

Ginger is planted from small sections of the rhizomes known as sets. The rhizomes should be cut in to pieces, each with at least one or two healthy buds. The cut pieces are allowed to cure in a cool dry place before planting. It is advisable to get your rhizomes from a reliable/certified source so as to ensure they are healthy and diseases free.

Planting process

When it comes to planting ginger, timing is very important. Planting is typically done at the onset of the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture. In Kenya, this is usually between March and April or around November. The rhizomes are put in rows with a spacing of 20-30cm between the rows. They should be at a depth of about 5-8cm with the bud facing upwards.

Crop management

Ginger requires consistent moisture throughout its growth period. This means supplemental irrigation may be necessary during the dry conditions so as to maintain adequate soil moisture levels.

Weeding

Regular weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water. You can mulch with organic materials like straw or leaves to help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and improve soil fertility.

Pest and disease management

·      Pests

Nematodes- These microscopic worms damage ginger roots, often leading to stunted growth. In control of them, you can use nematicides and also practice crop rotation to manage nematode infestations.

Aphids and Thrips: You can control these using organic insecticides.

·      Diseases

Rhizome Rot- Rhizome rot disease is caused by fungi. To manage this disease, you have to ensure there is proper drainage in your farm.

Leaf Spot: This another fungal infection that causes leaf spots and can be controlled using fungicides while practising proper field hygiene.

Harvest and post harvest management.

Ginger is ready for harvest 8-10 months after planting when the leaves start to turn yellow and dry. When harvesting, carefully lift the rhizomes from the soil using a spade or fort to avoid damage. Once you have harvested your ginger, wash the rhizomes to remove soil and debris then you allow them to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for a few days before storing them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from spoiling.

Value addition

Value addition in ginger farming is basically enhancing the economic value of ginger through various forms of processing and packaging. This not only increases the profitability of ginger farming but also opens up new market opportunities both locally and internationally. Some of the value-added products of ginger are dried ginger, ginger powder, ginger oil, ginger paste, ginger tea, pickled ginger, ginger extracts and concentrates.

Value addition is important as it increases profitability, it brings about market diversification, extends the shelf life, it creates jobs and enhances market access.

Black Nightshade Farming in Kenya: A Complete Guide

 Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a popular leafy vegetable in Kenya, commonly known as “managu” or “osuga”. It is a highly nutritious leafy vegetable that has gained popularity due to its health benefits and relatively easy cultivation. Managu is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, Iron and Calcium.

Black Nightshade(Managu)

Climate and soil requirements for managu farming.

Black nightshade thrives in a warm climate with moderate rainfall, ideally between 600mm to 1200mm annually. The crop grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5

How profitable is managu farming in Kenya?

This is a question that is likely to bother any farmer or any person looking forward to venture into managu farming for commercial purposes. Managu farming in Kenya is proving to be a profitable venture for many farmers, largely due to the high demand for this nutritious leafy vegetable. Market demand for managu remains robust, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret. Farmers can sell their produce directly to wholesale buyers or at local markets, with prices per kilo ranging from ksh30 to ksh50 depending on the season and quality. The cost of managu production is relatively low with the basic requirements being seeds, fertilizers and labour. Managu is resilient and requires minimal maintenance compared to other crops, making it cost-effective to cultivate. In overall, managu farming offers a significant return on investment due to its low input cost and high market demand. With proper management and market research, farmers can achieve substantial profitability from this crop.

 Step by step process for planting managu

Planting black nightshade in Kenya involves several steps, from soil preparation to harvesting.

                        i.         Soil preparation

This step involves two major processes, one being soil testing and the other land preparation. Soil testing involves conducting a test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Managu thrives in soils with a pH of 5.8 to 6.6

Once the soil tests of the area are positive or they have been adjusted accordingly, you begin to plough and harrow the soil to create a fine tilth. You can apply well-composted manure about two weeks before planting.

                      ii.         Seed selection and nursery Preparation

In seed selection, use certified seeds to ensure diseases-free plants. In the case where you want to purchase ready to plant seedlings, make sure to get them from certified nurseries like Richfarm Kenya. You can contact them on 0724698357/0723213602 to place your order.

For those who choose to propagate the seeds themselves, you can use seeding trays, or you can germinate them from a nursery bed. When doing a nursery bed preparation, you prepare a seedbed by digging, levelling, and mixing the soil with well-rotted compost. Make shallow drills 10-20cm apart and sow the seeds, then cover them lightly with soil. Once they have germinated, water regularly and thin the seedlings after about 4-7 days. The seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach a height of about 10-15cm and when their stems look strong enough.

                     iii.         Transplanting

When transplanting, use a spacing of 30cm by 10cm. Once you have transplanted, ensure adequate irrigation until the seedlings are well established.

                     iv.         Irrigation

Drip irrigation is ideal for efficient water use. Overhead irrigation can also be used but it may increase fungal diseases risk. Regular watering should be practised to maintain soil moisture, especially during dry periods to avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

                       v.         Harvesting

Harvesting of managu leaves begins about 6-8weeks after planting. Tender leaves are picked by hand. It is important to ensure a consistent harvest so as to encourage new growth and also prolong the productive period.

Common pests and diseases that affect managu plants

Aphids- They cause curling, yellowing and distortion of leaves. They also give a symptom of sticky honeydew on leaves.

Spider mites- Common symptoms are stippling and yellowing of leaves, webbing on the underside of leaves.

Caterpillars- They cause holes in the leaves and defoliation.

White flies- It causes yellowing of leaves and the presence of sooty mold that is often caused by honeydew secretion.

Leaf miners- Common symptoms are irregular, winding trails on leaves.

Powdery mildew- Common symptoms are white powdery spots on leaves, leading to leaf curling and distortion.

Leaf spot- It causes brown, black or yellow spots on leaves leading to leaf drop.

Also Read:Amaranth( Terere) Farming in Kenya

Rosemary Farming in Kenya

If you listen to many people, they mainly know Rosemary for its culinary uses.  Rosemary, however, is also used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. In the recent years, there has been a high demand for herbs in the local and international markets. Rosemary is a herb and it has not seen the exception of the high demand for herbs in the recent years. Knowledge is one of the greatest tools you can ever equip yourself with. Let us learn on the climates and soil requirements for rosemary farming, planting, harvesting, marketing and all that entails rosemary farming in Kenya.

Rosemary plants

Ideal climatic conditions and soil requirements for Rosemary farming

Rosemary can be grown in a number of climatic regions, but it thrives best in warm places. Optimal growth occurs at altitudes ranging from 1200-2400 metres above sea level with ideal temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. On the soil requirements, rosemary prefers sand, loam soils that are well drained. Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, a common problem encountered in rosemary farming.

Propagation of Rosemary

Rosemary is mostly propagated from seeds or through cuttings.  Each method of propagation has its advantages and considerations.

For seed propagation, germination can be slow and erratic, taking up to 4 weeks. It requires patience and careful nurturing. Propagation from cuttings is termed to be faster and more reliable than that of seeds. Cuttings from healthy, mature plants, root easily and maintain the characteristics of the parent plant.

Planting/ideal spacing for Rosemary

Once you have your seedlings ready for planting, you should prepare your land just like it happens for other plants. When planting, space the plants 50cm apart within rows and 70cm between rows. The spacing is ideal to ensure air circulation and reduces the risk of diseases.

Which is the best time for planting Rosemary in Kenya?

The best time to plant Rosemary in Kenya is at the onset of the rainy season. This timing will ensure the plants establish well with minimal irrigation. Rosemary is drought tolerant once established but before then, during the initial growth stages, it requires regular watering. Drip irrigation is the most recommended to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.

Fertilization

For organic farmers, during this stage, you can use organic options like compost or well-rotted manure to promote healthy growth as you enhance foliage production. For farmers farming inorganically, you can apply balanced NPK fertilizers at planting and top dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season.

Rosemary Pests and Diseases

Rosemary is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, there are a few of them that are still very common. They include aphids, powdery mildew and root rot.

Harvesting

Rosemary can be harvested 6 to 12 months after planting, depending on the growing conditions. Harvesting can be done year-round but the best quality is obtained before flowering.

Marketing your Rosemary

Rosemary has a robust market in Kenya and beyond. Potential markets include;

Local markets: You can sell fresh or dried rosemary to local markets, supermarket chains, and restaurants.

Export markets: Explore opportunities in international markets where there is a high demand for dried herbs.

Value addition: You can process your rosemary into essential oils, herbal teas, and other products to increase profitability.

Also Read:Basil Farming in Kenya

Raspberry Farming in Kenya

We can all attest that there has been a significant increase in the demand for berries in the last 3 years. In Kenya, a variety of different berries are cultivated, each with its unique growing requirements and benefits. We can talk of the strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries, goji berries name them all but for today let’s discover more on raspberries. Raspberries are vibrant, sweet-tart berries that are not only a delight for the taste buds but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a hit among health-conscious consumers. This guide provides detailed insights in to raspberry farming in Kenya, covering everything from climate requirements, soil preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting and marketing.

Raspberry farming 

Climate and soil Requirements for raspberry farming

Raspberries thrive in moderate climates that have an altitude of between 1500 and 2,500metres above sea level which makes certain regions in Kenya particularly suitable for their cultivation. They prefer temperatures of between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 700 to 1200mm.

Raspberries grow best in well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. They require loamy soils enriched with organic matter and that have a good drainage to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

Site selection/preparation and planting of raspberries

Selecting the right site is crucial for successful raspberry farming. A good site for raspberry farming is that which has a full sunlight exposure and good air circulation that is known to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

It is advisable that you avoid planting your raspberries where tomatoes, potatoes, or other nightshade were previously grown to prevent soil borne diseases.

Once you have an ideal site where you want to farm your raspberries, the next step of course is preparing the land. Land preparation involves clearing the land off weeds, rocks, debris, it involves soil testing, a process that is very crucial to determine nutrient levels and pH. In this step you will also need to improve on the soil fertility and structure by incorporating well-rotted manure or compost into the soil depending on the pH test results.

Raspberries require a spacing of 60cm apart in rows that are 2m or 2.5m apart. When planting make sure the plant is at a depth that fully covers the roots. Once you have planted do a deep watering that will ensure your  roots settle in the soil and you can also apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and disease management

Common raspberry pests include aphids, raspberry beetles and spider mites. Diseases such as powdery mildew, botrytis, and root rot can also affect raspberries. Integrated Pest Management strategies, including regular monitoring, biological control, and appropriate chemical treatments are recommended.

Maturity Period/ Harvesting and Post- Harvesting Handling

Raspberries take about one year from planting to start fruiting. They are ready for harvest when they are fully coloured and easily detach from the plant. They need careful handling when harvesting and should also be stored in a cool dry place to extend their shelf life.

Market Opportunities

With the increasing consumer demand and diverse product use of berries, different market opportunities are available for farmers and entrepreneurs.

You can supply your raspberries to local markets, supermarkets, and specialty fruit stores. The demand for fresh, high-quality berries is strong, especially in urban areas where health-conscious consumers seek nutritious and fresh produce.  With proper quality control and certification, Kenyan raspberries can be exported to international markets.

Another lucrative and profitable market opportunity comes through value addition. Raspberries can be processed in to jams and jellies, juices, smoothies and flavoured drinks. Apart from being consumed fresh, they can also be frozen and used in baking, desserts, and as toppings for various dishes.

Raspberry farming is a great opportunity for farmers to make good income.

Also Read:Blueberry Farming in Kenya: The New Gold in Agribusiness

Giant Granadilla Farming in Kenya: The Biggest Passion Fruit Species

Giant granadilla also known as the giant passion is classified to be the biggest passion fruit species in the world. It bears large oval shaped fruits that have a thick green skin that turns yellowish as it ripens. On the inside, the passion contains a juicy, aromatic transparent pulp that has numerous seeds that are edible.

Giant granadilla fruit

Where is giant granadilla passion grown?

 Giant granadilla is grown in several regions across Kenya, particularly in areas with favorable climatic and soil conditions. But which are these areas? Granadilla is grown in regions such as Muranga, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Meru and Kakamega counties.

This giant passion thrives best in tropical climates where there is regular and well distributed rainfall of about 1,000- 2,000mm annually. For areas where the rainfall is below the expected, then irrigation would come in as a good substitute so as to help in the plant’s growth and fruit development. The plant prefers well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and that are well drained.

Propagation

Giant granadilla can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

Spacing

For commercial farmers, a spacing of 4 metres apart with holes of 60 by 60cm will be ideal so as to allow sufficient room for growth and air circulation. Spacing adequately will help prevent disease spread on your plants while ensuring they receive enough sunlight.

Trellising

Just like other passion varieties, giant granadilla is also a climbing vine. Its vines are vigorous growers and need sturdy support structures to manage their growth and maximize fruit production. It is important to construct strong trellises or arbours for the vines to climb. Properly trellising your granadilla vines will ensure you have a maximum production due to a number of factors that I have outlined in this article. Read :Increasing Your Passion Fruit Production Through Proper Trellising

Common Pests and Diseases affecting giant granadilla and their management

Common pests and diseases that attack giant granadilla are,

Aphids: They feed on the plant sap causing its leaves to curl, yellow and wilt. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and leads to sooty mold.

Mites: They cause stippling, discoloration, and premature leaf drop. Severe infestations can lead to reduced plant vigor.

Fruit flies: They lay eggs on the fruit leading to maggot infestation, fruit decay, and premature fruit drop.

Scale insects: They suck sap from plants leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold development.

Leaf spot: These are small, dark spots on leaves that may coalesce, leading to leaf drop.

Powdery mildew: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Fusarium Wilt_ This disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, vascular discoloration, and eventual plant death.

You can manage the pests and diseases biologically or chemically whereby you use the recommended pesticides and fungicides. It advisable to rotate the different modes of actions for chemical control so as to prevent resistance.

Also practise proper sanitation on your farm by removing and destroying diseased plant material and infested fruits.

Maturity/Fruit Development/ Harvesting

A ripe giant granadilla fruit

Giant granadilla plant takes about an year from planting to start flowering with its fruits typically taking 4-6 months to mature after flowering. The maturity of the fruit and the readiness for harvesting comes with a change in colour from green to yellowish and slight softening of the fruit. Once harvested ripe granadilla fruits need proper handling to avoid bruising or damage.

Read:Sweet Granadilla Passion Farming in Kenya

The fruits have a relatively short shelf life and that means they should be marketed or consumed quickly once harvested. Refrigeration can however extend their shelf life slightly.

Consumption/Value addition

The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into various products such as juices, jams and desserts. The pulp is highly nutritious and rich in vitamin A and C, making it a popular ingredient in many culinary applications.

Also Read: Sweet Yellow Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya

Anthracnose Disease: Understanding and Managing Anthracnose Disease in Fruit Farming

 One of the major challenges affecting fruit production in Kenya is pests and diseases. There are a number of common pests and diseases that affect fruit production among them being anthracnose.

A watermelon fruit attacked by anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal infection that affects a wide range of plants, particularly fruit crops. It attacks the leaves, flowers, fruits and stem tissues. Anthracnose can lead to significant yield losses and quality degradation in fruit farming. In this article, we will delve in to the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for anthracnose in fruit farming.

Anthracnose is primarily caused by several species of fungi, with Colletotrichum being the most common genus. These fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions, making tropical regions particularly susceptible.

How do you know that your plants have been affected by anthracnose?

Symptoms of anthracnose vary depending on the host plant and the stage of infection. However,

v Your plants will show symptoms of tan, brown or black blotched areas on leaves.

v

sunken lesions on pawpaw fruit

Your plants will have dark sunken lesions on leaves or fruits. These lesions expand and cause fruit rot.

v You will see distortion and curling of leaves on your plants.

v Your plants twigs and shoots will have dieback from the tips

v Your plant will start to wilt and may eventually die because the tissues will be dried up.

Impact of anthracnose on fruit farming.

The impact of anthracnose on fruit farming can be devastating. It affects both the quantity and quality of fruits. First, it leads to yield losses. Anthracnose causes lesions and rot on the fruits making them unfit for sale or consumption. This directly affects the yield and marketability as the affected fruits need to be discarded.

Management strategies

Effective management of anthracnose involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical treatments and biological measures.

1.    Cultural practices

Selectively remove and destroy infected plant branches, twigs or fruits to reduce the source of fungal spores. Apart from removing infected parts of the plant, it is also advisable to prune regularly to improve on air circulation and humidity which might highly attract fungus.

Another cultural practice that is important and we shouldn’t often overlook is crop rotation. If anthracnose is in the soil already, it will just give you a tough cause if you plant the same crop repeatedly. Rotate with non-host crops to break the disease cycle.

2.    Chemical treatments

Anthracnose is a fungal infection and therefore managing it chemically entails applying fungicides at critical times, such as before the onset of the wet weather and during periods of high humidity. Common fungicides include copper-based products, mancozeb, and systemic fungicides like azoxystrobin. You can also use the likes of Daconil, Ransom 600WP, Domain 250EC, Ducasse 250EC, and Chariot 500SC that are readily available in agrovets.

3.    Biological control

Controlling anthracnose biologically involves use of beneficial microorganisms to suppress the growth of anthracnose causing fungi and planting disease resistant cultivars.

Anthracnose disease poses a really big threat to farmers, especially fruit farmers but with an integrated approach, it can be effectively managed before it leaves you counting mega losses.

Pomelo Fruit Farming in Kenya

Did you know that pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family?

Pomelo known as mbalungi/balungi in Swahili is characterized by its large size, often reaching up to 30cm in diameter and weighing between 1 to 2kg. It has a thick, spongy rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow when ripe. Pomelo originated from Southeast Asia before spreading to other parts of the world.

Pomelo Farming

Pomelo farming requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. It thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Pomelo plants require long hours of sunlight for crucial fruit development.

Propagation of Pomelo

Pomelo is primarily propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is most preferred as it ensures the propagation of desirable traits such as fruit quality and diseases resistance.

Step by step process for planting pomelo.

1.    Land preparation

Select a site that has a good sunlight exposure and clear the land off weeds and debris. Prepare planting holes measuring 60cm in diameter and 60cm in depth with a spacing of 8-10metres apart.

2.    Actual planting

Get your ready to plant grafted pomelo seedlings from certified nurseries. Place the grafted seedlings in holes, ensuring the graft union is above the soil level. Backfill with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure.

3.    Watering

Water the plants immediately after planting and continue to provide regular irrigation, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation systems are efficient and as they help conserve water.

Pest and Disease

Common pests and diseases that are known to affect pomelos include citrus psyllids, aphids, fruit flies, citrus greening, anthracnose and root rot.

Maturity/Yield

Pomelo plant takes about 3 years from planting to start fruiting. A mature pomelo tree can produce up to 100-150 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1 to 2kg. With proper management, farmers can achieve high yields, translating to significant income.

Market demand/ Marketing strategies

The market demand for pomelo in Kenya is on the rise, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and the growing middle class with a taste for exotic fruits. Additionally, the fruit has potential export markets in the Middle East and Europe. You can market your pomelos through local markets, supermarket chains, and export to international markets. Establishing and joining cooperative societies can enhance bargaining power and access to better markets.

How profitable is pomelo farming?

The initial investment in pomelo farming includes the cost of seedlings, land preparation, and irrigation systems. However, the returns are substantial due to the high market prices for pomelo, ranging between ksh100 to ksh200 per kg. With an average yield of 10-15 tonnes per hectare, farmers can realize a gross income of ksh1,000,000 to ksh3,000,000 per hectare per year.

Value Addition

Apart from being eaten directly, pomelo fruit can be processed into juices, jams and marmalades. Doing this value addition will definitely increase its market value. The thick rind of pomelos can be used to make candied peels, and this further enhances its profitability.

Nutritional benefits of Pomelo fruit

Pomelo is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids digestion. The fruit is also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any diet.