Earn Ksh118,000 in 3 months from potatoes

Potatoes are a staple food in Kenya and are grown in many parts of the country. They are a relatively easy crop to grow and can be profitable if done correctly.

The Cost of Growing Potatoes

The cost of growing potatoes varies depending on the size of your farm and the inputs you use. However, you can expect to spend around Ksh 62,000 per acre on things like seed, fertilizer, and labor.

The Yield of Potatoes

One acre of potatoes can produce an average of 90 bags (100kg bags) per acre. With good management, you can even harvest up to 120 bags per acre.

The Market Price of Potatoes

The market price of potatoes varies depending on the time of year and the quality of the potatoes. However, you can expect to get around Ksh 2,000 per bag for potatoes of good quality.

The Profitability of Growing Potatoes

As you can see, the profitability of growing potatoes is quite good. With a production cost of Ksh 62,000 and an average market price of Ksh 2,000 per bag, you can expect to make a net profit of around Ksh 118,000 per acre.

Potato Seed Varieties in Kenya

There are many different potato seed varieties available in Kenya, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Asante: This variety is known for its high yield and resistance to pests and diseases. It is a good choice for farmers who want to produce a large amount of potatoes.
• Shangi: This variety is known for its good taste and texture. It is a good choice for farmers who want to produce potatoes for the fresh market.
• Kenya Mpya: This variety is a hybrid of two other varieties, Asante and Shangi. It is known for its high yield and resistance to pests and diseases. It is a good choice for farmers who want to produce a large amount of potatoes.
• Unica: This variety is known for its good taste and texture. It is a good choice for farmers who want to produce potatoes for the fresh market.
• Manitou: This variety is a late-maturing variety that is known for its large tubers. It is a good choice for farmers who want to produce potatoes for the processing market.

Other Great varieties include;

• Destiny: This variety is a mid-season variety with a high yield and good taste. It is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Markies: This variety is a late-season variety with a high yield and good taste. It is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Manitou: This variety is an early-season variety with a high yield and good taste. It is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Rudolph: This variety is a mid-season variety with a high yield and good taste. It is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Arizona: This variety is an early-season variety with a high yield and good taste. It is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.

When choosing a potato seed variety, it is important to consider the climate, soil type, and intended use of the potatoes. It is also important to consult with a local agricultural expert to get recommendations for the best variety for your specific area.

How to Grow Potatoes

To grow potatoes, you will need to prepare the soil, plant the seed potatoes, and water and fertilize the plants regularly. You will also need to protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Here are the steps on how to grow potatoes:

1. Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of at least 12 inches.
2. Add compost or manure to the soil to improve fertility.
3. Rake the soil smooth.
4. Plant the seed potatoes about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
5. Water the plants regularly.
6. Apply fertilizer every two weeks.
7. Mulch the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Hill up the soil around the plants as they grow.
9. Harvest the potatoes when the leaves turn yellow and die back.

Tips for Growing Potatoes

• Choose a variety of potatoes that is suited to your climate.
• Plant the seed potatoes when the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry weather.
• Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Hill up the soil around the plants as they grow.
• Harvest the potatoes when the leaves turn yellow and die back.

Pests and Diseases

Potatoes are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Colorado potato beetle
• Potato leafhopper
• Potato tuber moth
• Late blight
• Bacterial wilt

To protect your potatoes from pests and diseases, you can use a variety of methods, including:

• Crop rotation
• Planting resistant varieties
• Using pesticides and fungicides
• Practicing good sanitation

Conclusion

Growing potatoes can be a profitable and rewarding endeavor. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success.