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:
- Prepare the soil by tilling it to a depth of at least 12 inches.
- Add compost or manure to the soil to improve fertility.
- Rake the soil smooth.
- Plant the seed potatoes about 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart.
- Water the plants regularly.
- Apply fertilizer every two weeks.
- 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.
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.
Comments (178)
I want to start potato farming on 1 acre in molo region but am already late in planting season. Should i go ahead and plant potatoes or i should try a new crop.
Molo is a favourable region for planting potatoes because of its altitude. Its not too late to plant right now because they prefer cool weather and thats when you should try to get them into the ground.
Needs some satisfied shangi tubers in bomet…. connect me 0721973323
Hi, i have an interest in potato farming though am employed full time. Which area would you recommend that is conducive for growing potatoes? And do you know if there are any people in that area who lease land?
Thanks.
Potatoes mainly grow around Central, Rift Valley and Eastern provinces.There is land for lease available near timboroa forest area. Send us your contacts via email info@graduatefarmer.co.ke
please connect me with a potato seller in kinangop.0708505284
Dear Graduate Farmer,
My email address is ckgathuri@gmail.com
Interested in leasing upto 100acres for potato farming in Nyandarua or any other suitable area.
Its a good advise but can you connect me with any farmer doing patoto farming within Molo & Kinagop as im passionate but new to the areas so i can be assisted on how to get a land for leasing.
Send us your contacts via email and make sure your write down your inquiry.
Hi, am a kenyan willing to do potato farming in kinagop but i would like to be connected to a farmer who would give me his/her experience and help me in getting land for leasing.
Hello,can 40 thousands work in an acre?am interested in potatoes farming
Hello Judy. Are you still interested. Let’s interact am in trnsnzoia if you still have the interest.
Hi. I’m in Nakuru and I’m interested in potato farming. Which is the best (nearer area to hire land? I need two acres
Hi. Not sure sir, but you can inquirie neighbouring farm lands etc
Did u Start?
Good afternoon.Can Irish potatoes do well in Homa Bay county.The soil is loam . kachuroj@gmail.com
Yes it can
Hello where do you buy a high milk dairy cattle with low feeed consumpation per day
I am in Mombasa and would like to do some farming here.Which crops can I venture which needs little capital.
Hi,I also need more information on this potato farming business and places where land can be leased.i am in Nairobi
How much is a sack of potato costing in the market currently?
Hi. Kindly check market prices with http://www.mfarm.co.ke
Hi do you have gorofo potatoes for sell pls let me know
0724330832 my namba
hi i have 20 bags of potatoes am selling from Molo. any body interested contact me
Hi,
Im really interested in starting potatoes business. Kindly give me the quotations via my email address islahimwarabu@gmail.com
thanks
Hi George,
Do you have potatoes to sell now? Am interested, let me know on osano2008@gmail.com
am selling potatoes in nyahururu…at a cost of 3,000 per bag
Am intrsted in potatoe farming in Kinangop
I do potatoes farming but am usually stuck with them due to lack of market.Please advice.
Hi am a prospective customer I would like to buy and transport please keep In touch with me
hey Sara and Crispus! I am an end consumer as I own a chips shop in Nakuru town with a consumption of 40 bags/ month. we should get talking and work together! let me know!
Hello,
Can i supply the Potatoes to Nakuru? I am based in Kinangop
Hi moffat I need potatoes to supply in mombasa can I get from you?
yes please. contact me at moffahr5@gmail.com and we can get to talk….you know i cant give a number here. i will give it there
Hi. I am a farmer with crop maturing later in January all the way to April 2016. Call 0723713642 for uninterrupted supply during the dry months. I am based in Nakuru
Hey am Joseph in three weeks time I will be harvesting my potatoes at kipipiri.need market
Hi Joseph. Please post your products through this platform https://www.facebook.com/groups/254019644745036/
Your contact?
Do you still buy & transport
Hi.am a business man mainly dealing in Agriculture and would like for a constant supply of potatoes.get back at me please we talk business.
hi i buy potatoes on daily basis.Kindly let me know whether i can get from you. 0716287604
Call me on 0723713642 for potatoes supply from mid January to April 2016. Supply will be uninterrupted
Great
Hi sarah do have potatoes
Hi graduate farmer? i want to start potato farming in Molo. which variety is best suited here and can i be able to protect my crop from the common deceases that affects the crop in the region?
please advice whether i can be able to start my farming on a a land of 3 hectares with a capital of 100000.
Hi graduate farmer! i am looking for a farm to lease in kinagop can you help me out.
We will notify you if we know anyone leasing out.
Hi graduate farmer! i am interested in potato farming in narok.
Have you had your soil tested? Do you have available water?
hi, am planning to start potato farming in kinangop in a half acre leased land. how profitable will this be?
Hi I need a supplier of good potatoes from areas of molo with capacity of 50 bags or any please help
Hi, kindly let me know if Kitale is favourable for growing potatoes and advise on the best varieties to plant.
hi, I am prearing land in kinangop for potatoes production, I took the soil for testing in kari and they,recomended I use manure,since the soil is low on nitrogen, now geting manure arnd 5tonnes is proving to be a dounting task, should I ignore the recomendation and.use dap this one tym since the land is also,a 3acre virgin land
really need help,
I supply manure call 0721938594
Hi graduate ? farmer can I get someone who is selling potatoes from the shamba at good price.thank you.
Hi Graduate farmer. I live in Kikuyu constituency, Kiambu County. Where can I get certified seed of potato. I want to venture into potato farming
Hi graduate farmer. I have been interested in potato farming for awhile. Please can you send me the cost breakdown via mail, if it is not too much to ask. Thanks so much.
Hi Job. We are glad to hear that you are interested in serious agribusiness. We have laid down an average cost breakdown on this article. For detailed costs we would recommend that you visit your nearest agronomist/agrovet because prices of products tend to vary from time to time.
Hi graduate farmer,
I am interested in potato farming in Narok and have been trying to get lease land but have not found any yet. Could you help me in finding one
Hello Rachael. We will notify if someone is leasing in that area.
will i get good returns if i plant potatoes in January say a place like molo.
Hi graduate farmer. I lease land on behalf of my clients and plant in upper Narok then buy the produce at agreed fixed price.
0721644611
hi graduate farmer, please advice. i would like to plant potatoes in kisii. will it work?
Interested in starting of Potato farming from Next year, When do i start Land preparations and the other processes? Kindly advice.
hi graduate farmer i want to plant potatoes in molo in january will that be a good season to plant or the harvest will be bad.
thanks
Hie graduate farmer,i hv 1 acre f land in kinangop.how many bags of potatoe seeds do i need?
Hi, am a kenyan willing to do potato farming in kinagop but i would like to be connected to a farmer who would give me his/her experience and help me in getting land for leasing.
Hi graduate farmer want to start potatoe faming in eastern makueni county is it possible with the are
Potatoes do well in areas that have cool climate. You should practice it in such an area
I come from Kinangop ,nyandarua district where do i buy quality potato seedlings and which is the recommended variety.
Hi. You can get seeds by visiting your local agro store. You should get your soil tested first though before planting so that you know the best variety for you.
Thanks for the information. I plan to grow potatoes in Kabaluat (Keiyo ) where can I get certified seeds and more information?
Thank
Hi. Please visit your local agro store (agrovet) fore quality seeds
Thank you for your potatoes farming tips.
Hi I want to start potato farming in Kobujoi Nandi County which variety is suited for this area?
You should get your soil tested first though before planting so that you know the best variety for you.
I have potatoes to ready end of January to May 2016. 0723713642
hi graduate farmer,im in nandi north and want to plant irish potatoes
Hi graduate farmer,
I want to sow potatoes around kutus area of Kirinyaga county.. Planning to plant the asante variety since certified Shangi variety are out of stock.
How well do potatoes do in this area? Information from farmers around is not backing up, neither from KARLO offices in Embu.
Kindly assist
hi, i would like to plant potatoes in gilgil from thise season its a virgin land please advice me on variety
Hey am peter
My love kinagop and I have a small plot in flyover( junction).will you recommend me to build rental house
Thanks
Hello graduate farmer,
I want to start potato farming in Kinangop is June a good month to plant?
Hi graduates, I am in frosty area and I find it difficult to control it on my potato farm. please help
Hi am kenneth ,i do have 70 acres of land in kitale and i would love to lease it out or get someone who we can work together and make money.
Hello Kenneth,
Is it still available? If so, or if you know anybody leasing, kindly show me on email, amalowriters@gmail.com. Thanks and very much hope appreciated.
Sam
Hi Kenneth.. Is the land available, or if you know someone who has land to lease..kindly reach me on..kariukigeorge27@yahoo.com…Thankyou
Hello…i jzt started farming potatos this year…will be due in mid may or early june…am asking wherr can i get market and are the prices preferred during these months?
You can try approaching fast food restaurants in your area for market
Thank you…wanted to enquire on how to prepare certified potato seeds n after how long should obe grow potato in the same piece of land b4 crop rotation,and again which are the preffered crop to rotate with potato?thanks
Hi, i want to do potato farming in ndaragwa. Ps give me the cost breakdown and ps advice on requirements coz am doing it for the first time.
Hi,MY NAME IS FRANCIS,I HAVE HALF AN ACRE IRISH POTATOES READY FOR SALE(SANGHI)AT THE SLOPES OF MT KENYA(Narumoru-jst opposite narumoru girls)KINDLY CONTACT ME THROUGH THIS NO,0720560743
Hello, am interested in doing agribusiness especially potato farming and Chamomile. Where can i get land for leasing? I already have export market for Chamomile. Kindly let me know where i can get land to plant this two products. You can as well contact me on 0722802774 Elizabeth
Any one leasing his/her land in an area suitable for potatoe growing? contact 0738366011
Hi Graduate Farmer,
I would like to start Potato farming and kindly may i know where land for lease is available.
thanks
i would like to lease 1 acre of land in molo or mau narok so that i can plant potatoes.may yu assist plz
Hi ,I have ready market for shangi potatoes in Nairobi .any one interested please call me on 0713648509 .
to add on to that i ment i have shangi potatoes in nairobi town any one interested call that number for delivery
Hi I have 27acres worth of potatoes ready for harvesting in three weeks. Any interested buyer should please call me on 0790308179.
Hello,Am preparing to plant potatoes in Narok,where can I get certified seeds?is it the right time to plant?and If I use seeds from other farmers what is the effect as opposed to certified ones?
I have shangi potatoes ready for harvesting in Keiyo Marakwet. They are very nice, as I planted certified seeds in a virgin land. Would recommend the potatoes even for seeds due to their quality. my contact is 0722631048
hi graduate farmer i am interested in potato farming and i am asking about how much does it cost to lease a land for planting potatoes
Hi graduate farmer please assist to get certified seeds email grachel11@gmail.com
Hi, did you ever get potato seeds?
hey I would like to venture into potato farming in Nyahururu, which type of potatoes do well that are?? .
how do I got about while looking for a market for potatoes both in Nyahururu it’s environs and in Nairobi as well.??
hi, am interested in potato farming and from western kenya, can you please the conditions and varieties that thrive well in the region and where i can buy certified seeds from.
Hello Flo,
Did you get the information? Thanks
hi I am interested in planting potatoes n I have a farm.in timboroa its 5acres how much will I need to do the farming .please give me a guide through my mail i l prefer frequent newsletters
Hi,i want to plant potatoes in eldama ravine.how is the soil in that area?i have one acre of land,please advice me how much i will need for capital to plant the potatoes. thanks
I want to plant potatoes one acre for a start in mau narok. Which is the best variety of seeds for this place? Where can get ready seeds immediately before the end of the month? What is the price of the seeds and how many bags do I need,?
Hi, we do sell quality potato seeds.
you need 5-6 sacks..the best variety is sianghi and touch
cheers
good work
Hie im impressed by this article.I would like to venture into potato farming i have 1 ha of land,Please help with the necessary information through my mail?
Millipedes affecting potatoes farmers any fumigant to control?
Any fumigants to control millipedes
Hey, guys thanks for the great article. I would love to farm potatoes starting next year in Elburgon .. Would you kindly inform me on all the planting seasons.. (best months to plant)
Hi, after mulching my potatoes with fertilizer, can I use D.I Grow Red on them during flowering?
Hello. Can potatoes do well in semi-arid areas like lower embu, mbeere?
Hello I have planted potatoes in a 1.5 acre land in Transmarra Narok county. I am expecting to harvest by in december.Kindly call me for supply during december season. 0719267511
Any potato farmer in Elburgon to contact me.I am a potentail farmer come January 2017
We do sell Quality Potato Seeds
How much, do you do transport?
I have ready sweet potatoes in Bungoma how can i obtain market for my produce
Hi Mary.
Please contact me on osano2008@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Hi Graduate farmer,
I have one acre of potatoes ready for harvesting in Narok,Can I get any buyers?
Hi Angelyn.
Get in touch on osano2008@gmail.com. I am interested.
Thanks.
Hello
Am not a buyer but would like to start potatoes farming in narok,it is my first time.
how is the potatoes farming project doing in Narok.
This is a great site for farmers to market their produce.Thanks Graduate farmer.A renown agricultural extension officer but now a sub county administrator
Anyone selling sweet potatoes, contact me on osano2008@gmail.com or 0721 554 849.
Hi,graduate farmer and fellow farmers! I am from Nyandarua County in Ol-Kalou area and interested in doing potato farming in that area.My question is whether the soil around that area is good for that venture and what amount of potato seed do i need for 1 (one) Acre of land??….Also which is the good month to plant depending on prices? Thanks in advance!!
Fidel
hallo how do i get a direct market for my potatoes to avoid the brokers who has spoiled the market. Am from Molo Muchorwe, please help. Get in touch with via email fidexkyago@gmail.com
i want to start potatoes in timau 35 acres , need tractors and ploughs and a bore hole , is it possible to get a agri loan to start please advice
Check out e-tinga.com
iwant to start potatoes planting in eldoret where can i get sertified seed
Check with KALRO
HI,
I am interested in venturing into onion growing in kitui region, a place along one of the seasonal rivers. When is the best time to grow onions?
helloh i would wish to start planting of potatoes and onions somewhere in elgeyo marakwet but dont know which is better with the considerate of market and climate need your advice and if possible would wish to contact you personally for more information
help me out
can you connect me to a reliable person around there, elgeiyo marakwet who can lease me 2 acres shamba we walk with you together in the planting. That is one way in which people learn, in this case you will learn
Hi,
I am a farmer in timboroa and am looking for customers to buy my potatoes. If interested, contact 0734477715
Hi, I am a farmer i have been farming watermelons from last year. I now want to start farming potatoes in Limuru, please advise on the best variety for that area and i would like to contact you for more advice and information. Looking forward to hear from you.
hello, I have certified potatoe shangi seeds. anyone interested can contact 0727410878 Carolyn.
hallo, i am a farmer planting potatoes in narok county.. i got some potatoes which will be harvested in mid april. if your are intrested please contact me kweldonkibetkoech@gmail.com 0715243650
what kind of potatoes seed do we plant in Eldoret Uasin Gishu…?
Did you ever get andwer to that question? i laso want to get into that
You can grow shangi potatoes
i want to venture into potato farming preferably near Nairobi but i don’t know where to find a good farm. any help? email me please cliffmoryaseegmail.com
I have a lot of potatoes to sell plz call 0700837162.at a cheaper price
Hello. We have posted your message on our facebook page to increase reach.
Hi graduate Farmer. Thank you for the good work but the figures are quiet exaggerated. The average production in Kenya per acre is approximately 10 tonnes per ha though the “ideal” production is 20-25 tonnes . Kindly re do the Gross margins and take in to considerations the opportunity costs of capital, labor and fixed costs. Also use 18 tonnes per ha and not 22.5 tonnes.
Kelvin
Hi graduate farmer. Can you please send me some esitimate cost values via email to start potato farming in kinangop on a one acre land.
Hi am charles i want to venture in potato farming in kinangop am looking for any land that is being leased and is it suitable for me to plant my potatoes around december is the area condusive around that time
Hi I want to venture into potato farming.Av a land in kinangop Murungaru area but based in Nairobi kindly take me through the whole thing as am a first timer farmer.
Hello,I have ready orange organic sweet potatoes around karatina- nyeri highway ready for market.on a two acre farm,may you please connect me to ready bulk buyers of the sweet potatoes. Thank you
Philip
Also intrested in potato farming looking forward to start a bussines. So kindly contcat me if you have some seeds and will to sell them… 0700396730
Hi amJohn from njoro willing to plant potatoes next year any one interested to buy please book on 0715033166.
Hello Sir, where can I get two bags of certified Potatoe seeds by March to Early April in Cheptiret- Uasin Gishu County or in Lessos – Nandi County. Please contact me through email –
ranouskurgat@gmail.com. Thanks
Hi. Please call 0724450816 for an order
kindly i need your advice on potato farming from land preparation to harvesting especially on( shangi )
and insecticides and pesticides used and time of application
fertilizers used during planting and weeding
time it takes to germinate and grow flowers
what i require to harvest quality and quantity potatoes
Hi. Please read this http://training.graduatefarmer.co.ke/kb/potato-farming/
Macr Wangila.
I am looking for land to lease for potato farming around Molo kindly assist, my no. is 0721776991. email address macrwangilawamayeku@gmail.co.ke
Thanks in advance.
Which potatoes grow best in Mau Narok?
you are really helping a lot
Thank you
Hi I need advice on planting Potatoes around Ngoliba/Kilimambogo area in Thika, how much seed per acre, which variety, any other information will be highly appreciated.
Wakiru
Hi. You need around 16 bags of 50kg each per acre. Check http://training.graduatefarmer.co.ke/kb/potato-farming/ for more tips.
Hello am prestley from hamisi vihiga, would like to know if hamisi is a suitable area for planting potatoes and wich type to plant.
Patrick
Hallo graduate farmer, i am a potato farmer in south kinangop, based in Nairobi, i want to concur with you regarding the figures you have given here. The results though are dependent on the individual inputs from land preparation to potatoes growth. Potatoes farming is a lucrative business and it has low risks.
I have one request please, i want to expand my farming and am planning to go to Mau Narok, can you please direct me to the best area plus the lease cost per acre. I will sincerely appreciate
Hello can you help me get shamba to lease kindly ….my no is 0758624091
this is it
Am interested in potato faming around limuru. Can you advise me whether the area is condusive and where i can get the piece of land?
I am interested in potato farm around ndhiwa, Homabay county. I have a very deep fertile soil and I want you to advise me on how I can get certified seeds around here in ndhiwa.
My phone number is 0707395124
hello? I interested in potatoes farming, am in nanyuki…advice please
Am based in keringet. I lke farming
Hello I’m interested in potato farming. where can i find land to lease and at what price?
I am from nyeri and I am interested in potato farming,where can I get land to lease in naromoru
I want to try this in siaya County, specifically in the area around ugunja but i don’t know how to get sides and other requirements. Is there a seed variety that will do well there
Hello I have two acres of shangi ready to be sold in Molo any buyer or anyone who knows a buyer here who can buy potatoes in bulk kindly email vennynduta@gmail.com.Thank you.