Kenya has serious tomato shortage .This problem creates a business opportunity for farmers in Kenya to venture in tomato farming. The tomato fruit is the most consumed fruit eaten by millions of Kenyans every day. It's mostly all Kenyan dishes and remains a regular ingredient in many delicacies and dishes across the country and continent. Sadly, despite its demand in Kenya, Kenya does not produce enough tomatoes to satisfy its needs, thus creating a business gap that Mr Evanson Kirera whose farm is based in Nyeri is trying to close the gap. Kireri's half acre farm is located in Nyeri, on your way to mukwer-ini from Othaya
Town road. He grows 800 Malkia tomato plants and says every plant produces an average of three kilograms and harvests twice a week. The current market price for one kilogram of tomato is sixty shillings. Mr Kirera stresses that, despite the good numbers, Tomato farming is not a walk in the park and that he faces numerous challenges every season. Some of the challenges are diseases like late blight, blossom end rot and tomato yellow leaf curl. He has partnered with local extension agricultural officers, who he closely consults to help him solve the challenges he has. Another challenge is the high cost of pesticides, skilled labor and access to water. He is planning to solve the water problem by digging a water pan worth KES 200,000. Other than Tomato farming Mr Kirera also farms dairy farming, cabbages, spinach, and poultry with plans of doing fish farming in the future. Mr Kirera believes farming is the easiest way to get out of poverty but must exercise patience.
It's shocking, how is it that Africa is the biggest producer of Tomatoes and is also the biggest importer of tomatoes and its products? This means there is a lot of potential in the tomato business in Kenya and Africa at large, says Mr Kirera
“Last year Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote formally opened 20 million dollar tomato processing factory in Nigeria. It’s often said that if you want to know where real business opportunities are watch n follow where the rich are investing their money.” He continues
This article was written by Lordrick Githua Wangui, an agribusiness writer and blogger.
Company brings machine learning intelligence to rural emerging markets at rapid pace
Wefarm , the world's largest farmer-to-farmer digital network, today announced that it has reached over 300,000 farmers across East Africa, namely in Kenya and Uganda. There are over 180,000 farmers in Kenya using Wefarm at present.
Wefarm is a free mobile and online service that enables farmers to connect with one another around the world to solve problems, share ideas and spread innovation.
Approximately 500 million small-scale farmers provide over 70% of the world's food. However, up to 90% have no access to the internet and are often isolated from basic agricultural information and new ideas. Wefarm enables farmers
to share crucial livestock and crop information online and via SMS – without needing the internet and without having to leave their farms.
Wefarm's key innovation is the creation of the world's first crowdsourced peer-to-peer network for offline communities. According to the GSMA, by 2020, 168 million more people will be connected to mobile services in Africa alone. This represents an immense opportunity for rural connectivity. To take advantage of this, Wefarm, as announced earlier this year, has partnered with nano satellite technology company Sky & Space Global, a leading global player in both narrowband connectivity services and advanced underserved area communications (AUAC).
One of the first users to sign up to Wefarm two years ago, Presley Jonah Lang'at, a retired government agricultural officer from Kenya, said "I have answered over 100 questions on Wefarm since joining. Farming is a difficult job and it's important to share our knowledge together as a world community. Wefarm's network has provided me with information that I could not find elsewhere. It has helped my cattle heal faster from disease and has provided me with remedies that optimise milk production for my livestock – I will be a user for life."
Kenny Ewan, CEO of Wefarm, said "We are the first business in the world to have launched an SMS network enabling farmers to access crucial agricultural information from within the global farming community itself. The popularity of our peer-to- peer model proves that farmers are hungry to connect with each other and to share their insights, innovations and challenges. We are proud that Wefarm is providing a service that responds to the needs and wants of the world's small-scale farmers and have made it our mission to connect every farmer in the world who needs information --- online or off. But we won't stop there. Our vision in the coming years is to create a new digital ecosystem of products and services for the 400 billion GBP small-scale agriculture market, made for farmers by farmers."
Saul Klein, Founder of LocalGlobe and seed investor in Wefarm said, "Wefarm is exactly the type of domain-specific network that adds real value to its users. Just as Stack Overflow built a community for the 18.5 million developers globally to share their programming knowledge, Wefarm is building a community – and, soon, a new digital ecosystem of products and services – for the world's 500 million small-scale farmers. Growing the community to 300,0000 farmers, made up of dense localised clusters in key counties in Kenya and Uganda, is a significant accomplishment. We are excited to see the team now implementing lessons from Kenya in Uganda, which is showing dramatically faster user growth. 300,000 farmer is an important milestone and we look forward to seeing continued growth in the months ahead."
In addition to this milestone, Wefarm has also announced several new partnerships this quarter. Rural Outreach Africa (ROP), Heifer International and TechnoServe have all partnered with Wefarm to bring their farmers into the network, thus extending the benefits of farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing to their brands.
Wefarm is currently seeking its next round of funding. Current investors include LocalGlobe and Accelerated Digital Ventures (ADV). For more information please see below.
About WeFarm
Wefarm, the world's largest farmer -to -farmer digital network, lets small-scale farmers connect with one another to solve problems, share ideas and spread innovation. Utilising the latest machine learning technology, Wefarm's service works both online and over SMS. Knowledge shared on Wefarm can help farmers to produce higher quality product, increase yields, gain insight into marketing pricing, tackle the effects of climate change, source the best seeds, fertiliser and loans, diversify agricultural interests, and much more.
Since its founding in 2015, Wefarm has been named one of Africa's Most Innovative Companies by FastCompany and has won Google's Impact Challenge Award, TechCrunch's Europas-Tech for Good Award, and the European Union Commission's Ideas from Europe prize, among others. The company is headquartered in London with field presence in Nairobi and Kampala. For more information see http://wefarm.org. follow Wefarm on Twitter @we_farm and connect with Wefarm on Facebook and LinkedIn
As the world’s population surges towards 9 billion by midcentury, food production has failed to keep pace, creating rising food shortages and a global food crisis ahead, according to the United Nations. To avoid mass starvation, the world needs to produce 70 per cent more food by 2050.
The greatest potential to deliver that growth exists in Africa. The African continent is home to 25 per cent of the world’s agricultural land. Yet it produces just 10 per cent of the world’s food. That compares with China, which has just 10 per cent of the world’s agricultural land, but produces 20 per cent of the global food supply.
If Africa can now rise to the challenge of upgrading its agricultural output, it will open the way to a takeoff in GDP, greater youth employment, and the potential of positive trade balances and rising currencies.
Yet, the continent faces two profound issues in delivering its own agricultural turnaround, with its agricultural industry both rural and fragmented, and built upon smallholder farmers. It is the continent’s rural areas that have been most deprived of resources and investment: with the straight-line consequence that the continent’s core industry continues to underperform, and underperform badly.
The allure of city living has left rural areas neglected and strained Africa’s urban infrastructure and services, including health, water and sanitation, creating rising social problems and competition for city space. Indeed, Africa is now the fastest urbanizing continent in the world, with 60 per cent of all Africans forecast to be living in cities by 2050, according to UN Habitat.
But urban areas are dependent on rural populations for food. Moreover, agriculture holds more power in creating youth employment than any other sector, at a time when 10 million youth are entering the labor market each year in Africa, according to the 2015 Africa Agriculture Status Report (AASR).
In late April this year, at the G20 Conference in Germany, panelists at the ONE World no hunger meeting powerfully demonstrated the importance of attracting youth to the agricultural sector.
Rural youth are the future of the sector, with the capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship. Yet their participation has been hindered by the perception that the sector is unattractive due to risks, costs, low-profitability and agriculture’s labor intensive nature.
Additionally, rural youth have limited access to educational programs that provide agricultural skills, often limited access to land, and a lack of financial services tailored to their needs, as well as poor infrastructure and utilities.
The outcome of the ONE World no hunger meeting was the Berlin Charter, which seeks to create opportunities for the younger generation and women in the rural world by mapping out a model for rural development to achieve food security, long-term jobs and improved livelihoods.
It calls on governments to put in place agricultural, nutrition and anti-poverty policies to “lift at least 600 million people out of hunger and undernutrition” and “cut youth underemployment at least by half” by 2025. The Charter with a core focus on smallholder farmers, was presented to the G20 leaders at their meeting in July in Hamburg.
Agriculture accounts for 32 per cent of Africa’s GDP and employs more than 60 per cent of the continent’s total labor force. But in order to realize its full potential, the political and economic environment needs to be conducive for smallholder farmers, who make up 70 per cent of the sub-Saharan Africa population. With smallholder output hampered by insecurity of land tenure and unequal access to land, land policy formulation and reforms are critical in Africa to in order to boost agricultural production. Rwanda has provided a benchmark in this, with over 10 million land parcels now titled and owned individually.
Other problems smallholder farmers face include limited access to markets, finance, high-yielding seeds, farm inputs and mechanization, which, invariably, lead to low levels of productivity. External shocks such as climate change have further hampered agricultural production.
African countries urgently need to support smallholder farmers in order to capture the continent’s $300bn food market - projected to be worth US $1 trillion by 2030. At present, only five per cent of Africa’s imported cereals come from other African countries, with intra-African trade running consistently at around 15 per cent of Africa’s total trade – which is amongst the lowest intra-regional trade levels in the world (UNECA). In fact, African governments have stepped-up efforts to transform agriculture over the last decade, delivering often exceptional results.
Ethiopia, for instance, has invested in extension workers, rural roads and modern market-building enabling cereal production to increase and increasing the number of calories its rural people consume by roughly 50 per cent. As a result, Ethiopia is now reducing poverty at the rate of four per cent a year (ONE.org, 2014).
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country, has also made remarkable progress in poverty reduction and food security with government investment in the sector averaging 17 per cent of total expenditure for the past 10 years (ONE.org, 2014). Ghana’s agricultural transformation agenda has, likewise, remained a top priority for successive governments, spurring reforms and heavy investment.
Yet as these early investments now move these particular economies up the growth ladder, other African governments have been slower to prioritize agriculture, despite the demonstrable financial gains and growing consequences in protest on food shortages.
As the G20 now reviews its strongest commitment yet to African agriculture and rural development, African governments and investors, likewise, need to heed the clarion call to action, and move agricultural reform and smallholders to the center of the continent’s political and economic debate.
By Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, AGRA
Watermelons do well on sandy loam soils which are well drained and slightly acid. When planted on very heavy soils, the plants develop slowly, and fruit size and quality are usually inferior.
Temperatures
They do well at temperatures between 22 and 28 degree centigrade. Stagnation of growth occurs at temperatures less than 15degree centigrade.
Rainfall
Optimum rainfall requirement per cropping season is 600 mm and 400 mm is considered minimum. Excessive humidity may favor leaf diseases and also affect flowering.
Propagation
Watermelon is propagated by: Seeds, directly planted in the field. Seeds is the most preferred method if you are in a warm region in Kenya.
Transplants
Instead of planting directly in the field and have 3 weeks of accumulated weeds germination and insect attacks to battle with, planting of seeds in seed trays in a protected area for later transplant into the field when at least 2 permanent leaves have developed, is a very viable option. Watermelon is grafted in some production areas
Planting
Watermelons in Kenya are grown throughout the year in lowland areas but peaks of rainy season should be avoided. The holes are dug at a distance of about one meter within the row and about 2 meters between the rows. Plant 2 seeds per hill, placing them 3 to 4 cm (1.5 inches) deep into the soil.
Pollination
Watermelons produce separate male and female flowers. Male flowers are produced initially, followed by production of both sexes usually at a ratio of 1 female to 7 males. Watermelon flowers are viable for only one day hence important to have pollinating insects.
Weeding
To be done regularly to keep the field clean. Avoid injuring the plants when weeding.
Fruit pruning-Remove blossom-end rot fruits to promote additional fruit set and better size of the remaining melons. If a market demands larger melons, remove all but three or four well shaped melons from each plant. To avoid disease spread, do not prune melons when vines are wet.
Harvesting
Harvesting usually begins 3-4 months after planting. Maturity is sometimes difficult to determine. Useful maturity indicators are listed below. Maturity indicators include:
The change from white to cream or pale yellow of the skin area where the melon has been resting on the soil
A dull hollow sound when the fruit is tapped with the knuckles
Storage
Ensure minimum handling of melons, as extra handling is expensive and may harm the fruits.
Rotation-Watermelons can be rotated with cereals, legumes or cabbages
Cabbage farming is a common agricultural activity in Kenya, with the crop being grown in both small-scale and large-scale farms across the country. The favorable climatic conditions, availability of suitable land, and high demand for the crop locally and internationally make cabbage farming a profitable venture. In addition to providing income for farmers, cabbage farming also creates employment opportunities for transporters, traders, and other service providers. Crop rotation is also a common practice among farmers, as cabbage is a good crop for improving soil fertility and reducing soil-borne diseases. With its high nutritional value and low-calorie content, cabbage is a healthy food option that contributes to food security and improved nutrition for the population. Overall, cabbage farming is an important agricultural activity in Kenya that plays a significant role in the country's economy and food security.
Why is Cabbage Farming in Kenya Important?
Cabbage farming is an important agricultural activity in Kenya for several reasons:
Economic Importance: Cabbage farming is a profitable venture that provides income to farmers and generates revenue for the country through export. Cabbage is in high demand both locally and internationally, making it a viable cash crop for small-scale farmers.
Nutritional Value: Cabbage is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is also low in calories, making it a healthy food option for people of all ages.
Employment Opportunities: Cabbage farming creates employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor. It provides income for farmers, transporters, traders, and other service providers.
Crop Rotation: Cabbage is a good crop for crop rotation as it helps to improve soil fertility and reduce soil-borne diseases. It can also be intercropped with other crops such as maize, beans, and potatoes.
Food Security: Cabbage farming contributes to food security by providing a source of fresh vegetables for local consumption and export. It also helps to diversify food production and reduce dependence on imported vegetables.
Overall, cabbage farming is an important agricultural activity in Kenya that contributes to economic growth, food security, and improved nutrition for the population.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6j-MzxhRes
Cabbage Farming Agronomical Practices in Kenya
Land preparation for Cabbages in Kenya
Land preparation is a crucial step in ensuring a successful cabbage farming operation in Kenya. To start, it is recommended to practice crop rotation for your cabbages to ensure that the soil's nutrients are not depleted in a single growing season. This practice involves alternating cabbage farming with other crops, such as legumes or maize, to give the soil time to replenish its nutrients.
Before planting the seedlings, it is essential to prepare the land in advance. This process should be done some weeks before planting to allow enough time for the soil to settle and nutrients to be absorbed. The land should have access to plenty of sun and be well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
To prepare the land, it should be well tilled to a depth of at least six inches. This process helps to break up any clods of soil and improves the soil's texture, making it easier for the seedlings to establish roots. The planting bed should be loosened, and a two-inch layer of compost should be mixed into the soil. Additionally, it is recommended to apply a balanced organic fertilizer or manure to the soil, following the manufacturer's instructions.
The addition of compost and fertilizer ensures that the soil is nutrient-rich and provides the seedlings with the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and strong. It is important to note that the type of compost and fertilizer used should be carefully selected, as too much of either can lead to nutrient imbalances or damage to the plants.
In summary, proper land preparation is critical to the success of cabbage farming in Kenya. By following best practices such as crop rotation, tilling the soil, adding compost and fertilizer, and ensuring adequate sunlight and drainage, farmers can establish healthy cabbage plants that yield high-quality crops.
Cabbage Seed selection and Seedlings
Cabbage farming is a popular practice in Kenya, but many beginner farmers fail at the stage of selecting the right variety of seed. Choosing the best cabbage seed variety is crucial to ensure a successful harvest. It is essential to consider factors such as climate, soil type, and expected yield when selecting seeds.
Once the seeds are selected, the seedling process becomes the most important part of cabbage growing. If starting with seeds, farmers should begin the process about seven weeks before the last expected frost. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are 4 to 6 weeks old to ensure proper growth.
How to Grow Cabbages in a Nursery
The process of seed germination is crucial for successful crop production. Seeds need optimal conditions to sprout and grow into healthy plants. One important factor that influences seed germination is the temperature. The optimum temperature range for cabbage seed germination is 25-30°C. This means that the seeds will sprout and grow best in temperatures within this range.
To ensure optimal conditions for seed germination, it is advisable to raise seedlings in a nursery. In the nursery, the seedlings can be carefully monitored and provided with the necessary care to ensure their healthy growth. The seedlings typically stay in the nursery for 21-30 days, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
Using germination trays with coco peat planting media is a recommended approach for raising cabbage seedlings. Coco peat is an organic planting medium made from the husks of coconuts. It is an excellent alternative to traditional soil-based media as it is lightweight, sustainable, and has excellent water-holding capacity. However, it is important to properly treat the coco peat by washing it to remove excess salt and other impurities that may inhibit seed germination.
When using germination trays with coco peat planting media, cabbage seeds have been shown to have a 100% germination rate. This means that all the seeds will sprout and grow into healthy seedlings, which is an impressive result. In contrast, when using traditional soil-based media, there may be lower germination rates due to variations in soil quality, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity.
In summary, raising cabbage seedlings in a nursery using germination trays with coco peat planting media can lead to excellent results in terms of seed germination rates. Properly treating the coco peat by washing it is important to ensure optimal growing conditions for the seeds. With the right approach, it is possible to produce healthy and vigorous cabbage seedlings that will eventually grow into productive plants.
How to Wash and Treat Coco Peat Planting Media
Coco peat is an organic planting medium made from the husks of coconuts. Although it has many advantages as a planting medium, it needs to be treated before use to achieve optimal results in plant growth.
Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to treat coco peat:
Soaking in water: Start by soaking the coco peat in water for 15 minutes to hydrate it. This helps to loosen it and make it easier to work with.
Add Calcium Nitrate: After the coco peat has been soaked, add calcium nitrate to the mixture solution at a rate of 1 spoonful for every 5 kilograms of coco peat. Stir the mixture well and then leave it for 24 hours. During this time, a displacement reaction will take place.
Wash coco peat 5-7 times with clean water: After 24 hours have elapsed, drain the water and wash the coco peat 5-7 times with clean water. This is done to remove any traces of sodium salt that may be present in the coco peat.
Measure pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC): Once the coco peat has been washed, measure its pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels. The ideal pH range for coco peat is 5.6-6.5, while the ideal EC range is 1.6-2.0.
Potting of the media on seed trays or planting bags then sowing: After the coco peat has been treated and its pH and EC levels have been adjusted, it is ready for use as a planting medium. Pot it into seed trays or planting bags and then sow your seeds.
Commencement of nutrition regime: Two weeks after germination, begin your nutrition program for the plants. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Overall, properly treating coco peat is essential for achieving optimal results in your plant growth and crop production. Following these steps can help you prepare your coco peat for use as a planting medium, ensuring that your seeds germinate and grow well.
Transplanting Cabbages in Kenya
During the transplantation process, it is crucial to ensure that all cabbage plants are started in the same fashion for proper growth. Transplantation is recommended when seedlings are 3 inches tall, and plants should be planted deep in holes fed with loose soil. It is important to leave about half the seedling visible above ground level, and the soil around the plant should be tamped down.
Spacing is also essential, as cabbage plants can grow quite large, and a single head can weigh up to 6 kilograms. A spacing of 18 inches between holes and 2 feet between rows is ideal. Regular watering and protection from insects through timely spraying of pesticides are highly recommended.
As the plants grow, a layer of mulch or grass clippings, straw, and chopped-up leaves should be applied around the plants to keep the soil cool and moist. This layer also discourages weed growth around the cabbages. After harvesting, the applied organic materials can be tilled into the soil to add nutrients to the garden.
Cabbage plants need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, and most varieties take between 45-100 days to harvest after planting. Larger cabbage head varieties take longer to mature. Ideal temperatures for the crop range between 60-70 degrees Celsius, although an established crop can endure temperatures dipping into freezing levels at night. Prolonged daily temperatures of over 35 degrees Celsius may cause the crop to stop growing.
Regular weeding is also important to ensure that undesirable weeds do not compete with the cabbage plants for nutrients. By following these tips, cabbage farmers in Kenya can grow healthy, high-yielding crops.
What is the Best Fertilizer for Cabbage Farming in Kenya?
The best fertilizer for cabbage in Kenya depends on the nutrient requirements of the crop and the fertility level of the soil. Generally, cabbage requires a balanced fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients such as calcium and magnesium.
Before applying any fertilizer, it is recommended to conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient status of the soil and the appropriate fertilizer application rates.
Some of the commonly used fertilizers for cabbage in Kenya include:
Compound fertilizers: These are fertilizers that contain a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). They are preferred by farmers as they provide a balanced nutrient ratio that promotes overall crop growth and development.
Organic fertilizers: These include manure, compost, and other natural sources of plant nutrients. Organic fertilizers not only provide essential nutrients to the crop but also improve soil structure and fertility.
Foliar fertilizers: These are liquid fertilizers that are applied to the leaves of the cabbage plant. Foliar fertilizers provide a quick source of nutrients to the crop and can be used to correct nutrient deficiencies.
It is important to follow the recommended fertilizer application rates and timings to avoid overfertilization, which can lead to nutrient leaching and environmental pollution. Proper irrigation practices should also be employed to ensure that the nutrients are efficiently absorbed by the crop.
Fertilizing and Watering Cabbages in Kenya
Cabbage is a crop that requires a lot of attention and care to grow well. As a heavy feeder, it needs plenty of water and fertilizer to thrive. A lack of proper nutrition can stunt the growth of cabbage, resulting in undersized heads. Additionally, water plays a critical role in allowing the cabbage to absorb nutrients from the soil. Since cabbage is primarily composed of water, a lack of sufficient watering can cause its head to dry out and become bitter.
If the area does not receive enough rainfall, it is essential to ensure that the cabbage is watered heavily at least once a week. However, the water pressure should be kept low to prevent soil erosion. It is also important to avoid watering the top of the cabbage head, as this can encourage pests and diseases. Watering early in the morning is advisable, and it should be noted that cabbage is a thirsty plant that needs plenty of water to thrive.
Since cabbage is a heavy feeder, it is recommended that plants receive regular doses of fertilizer throughout the growing season. Fertilizer can be added to the soil just before transplanting cabbage seedlings and then sprinkled again on the area where the seedlings are to be planted. It is crucial to work the fertilizer well into the soil to ensure that the cabbage can absorb it properly.
When the plants are about 6 inches tall, it is time to fertilize them again with water-soluble fertilizer. Granular fertilizer should be avoided, as it can burn the cabbage plant if it comes into direct contact with the leaves. Another dose of water-soluble fertilizer should be applied when the seedlings start developing a cabbage head. This will help energize the plants and encourage the production of large, well-formed heads. With proper watering and fertilization, cabbage can grow healthy and strong, providing a bountiful harvest.
Best Way to Irrigate Cabbages in Kenya
The best way to irrigate cabbage farming in Kenya is through drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of the plants through a network of pipes and emitters.
Here are some reasons why drip irrigation is the best way to irrigate cabbage farming in Kenya:
Water conservation: Drip irrigation is a highly efficient method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing water waste due to evaporation and runoff. This helps to conserve water, which is especially important in regions where water is scarce or expensive.
Precision watering: Drip irrigation allows for precise control of the amount of water delivered to each plant, ensuring that each cabbage plant receives the right amount of water for optimal growth. This can help to improve crop yields and quality.
Reduced weed growth: Drip irrigation delivers water only to the plants, reducing the amount of water available for weed growth. This can help to reduce the need for manual weeding and herbicides, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Reduced disease risk: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots of the plants, reducing the amount of moisture on the leaves and stems of the plants. This can help to reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases that thrive in moist environments.
In summary, drip irrigation is the best way to irrigate cabbage farming in Kenya due to its water conservation, precision watering, reduced weed growth, and reduced disease risk benefits. By using drip irrigation, farmers can improve crop yields and quality while reducing water usage and the need for manual labor and herbicides.
How to Install a Cabbage Drip Irrigation System in Kenya
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install a drip irrigation system for cabbage farming in Kenya:
Bed making: Start by making your beds 1 meter wide to allow for three rows of drip lines. The beds should be 30cm high to ensure good drainage, which is important for preventing root rot in cabbages. Make sure to level the beds and remove any rocks or debris.
Drip irrigation tapes laying: Next, lay two rows of drip lines per bed. Each drip line row should be 20cm apart, and the line should be 20cm from the edge of the bed. If you're not using beds, space each row of drip lines 30cm apart.
Connect the drip irrigation system to a water source: Install a water filter to remove any impurities in the water. Connect the drip irrigation system to a water source, such as a water tank or borehole. Make sure the water pressure is at the right level for your drip irrigation system.
Install a pressure regulator: A pressure regulator helps to regulate the water pressure in the system. Install a pressure regulator to ensure that the water pressure is at the right level for your drip irrigation system.
Install a timer: A timer is used to control the frequency and duration of irrigation. Install a timer to automate the watering process and ensure that your cabbages receive the right amount of water at the right time.
Flush the system: Before using the drip irrigation system, flush it with water to remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated during installation.
Drip Irrigation Kit Layout
By following these steps, you can install a drip irrigation system for your cabbage farm in Kenya. A drip irrigation system is a cost-effective and efficient way to water your cabbages, and it can help to improve crop yields while conserving water.
Harvesting Cabbages in Kenya
When it comes to cabbage farming, knowing when and how to harvest is crucial. Before you start harvesting, you must first determine if the cabbage is ripe. A ripe cabbage head will be firm to the touch and won't give in much to applied pressure. It's best to test a few heads to ensure they are all ripe before you start harvesting.
Once you've determined that the cabbage is ripe, you can use a sharp knife to cut off the head from the stem. Be sure to make the cut just below the cabbage head and leave the stem in place. If the weather is favorable, another cabbage head can develop on the stem, which is a bonus for the farmer.
How Long Does it Take for Cabbages to Mature in Kenya?
The time it takes for cabbage to mature in Kenya depends on several factors such as the variety of cabbage, climate, soil fertility, and management practices. On average, cabbage takes about 80 to 120 days from planting to maturity. However, some varieties may take as little as 60 days while others can take up to 150 days to mature.
In Kenya, the most common varieties of cabbage grown is the Gloria F1 variety. This variety between 80 to 90 days to mature. It is important to note that the maturity period may vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions, soil fertility, and proper care and management practices such as weed control, pest and disease management, and proper irrigation.
What is the Most Popular Cabbage Variety in Kenya?
The most popular cabbage variety in Kenya is the Gloria F1 cabbage. This variety is a hybrid that was introduced in Kenya by the East African Seed Company. Gloria F1 cabbage has gained popularity among farmers due to its high yield potential, uniformity in size and shape, good disease resistance, and ability to grow in a variety of soil types.
One of the main reasons why people like Gloria F1 cabbage is its high yield potential. This variety can produce up to 25 tons per acre, which is significantly higher than other cabbage varieties. The heads are also medium to large-sized, round, and firm, making them suitable for both fresh market and processing.
Gloria F1 cabbage is also known for its uniformity in size and shape, which makes it easy to package and transport. This has made it a popular choice among traders and exporters who require a consistent and high-quality product.
In addition, Gloria F1 cabbage has good disease resistance, which reduces the risk of crop loss due to diseases. This is particularly important in areas where cabbage diseases are prevalent, such as black rot, clubroot, and downy mildew.
Overall, the popularity of Gloria F1 cabbage in Kenya can be attributed to its high yield potential, good disease resistance, and suitability for both fresh market and processing. These factors have made it a profitable and reliable crop for farmers, and a valuable commodity for traders and exporters.
How Many Cabbage Heads Can You Get on One Acre?
It's important to note that the yield of your cabbage farm will depend on several factors such as soil fertility, climate, and proper care. On average, the recommended seed rate for cabbage farming is 120g per acre. With proper care and management, you can expect a yield of 10,000 to 15,000 heads per acre, which translates to around 20 tons.
After harvesting, the remaining plant can be uprooted and turned into compost. This will help to enrich the soil with nutrients and prepare it for the next planting season. With proper harvesting and composting techniques, you can ensure the long-term success of your cabbage farm.
What is the Best Method for Growing Cabbages in Kenya?
The best method for growing cabbage depends on various factors such as soil type, climate, and availability of resources. However, some general best practices for growing cabbage are:
Soil preparation: Cabbage grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be deeply tilled, and organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure should be added to improve soil fertility and structure.
Seed selection and planting: Select high-quality cabbage seeds that are suitable for your region and growing conditions. The seeds should be planted in seedbeds or nursery beds and transplanted to the main field after 4-6 weeks. The recommended spacing for cabbage is 45cm between rows and 30cm between plants.
Irrigation: Cabbage requires regular and adequate irrigation to maintain soil moisture levels. Overhead irrigation or drip irrigation can be used, depending on the availability of resources and soil type.
Fertilization: Cabbage requires a balanced fertilizer that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients such as calcium and magnesium. The fertilizer should be applied based on soil test results and crop nutrient requirements.
Pest and disease control: Cabbage is susceptible to various pests and diseases such as cabbage aphids, diamondback moths, and black rot. Integrated pest management practices such as crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and use of biological control agents should be employed to control pests and diseases.
Harvesting: Cabbage heads should be harvested when they reach maturity, which is around 80-120 days after transplanting (This you have to confirm with the variety you are planting). The heads should be firm, compact, and have a uniform shape and size.
Overall, proper soil preparation, seed selection, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and harvesting techniques are essential for successful cabbage farming.
What is the Best Month to Grow Cabbages in Kenya?
The best month to grow cabbages in Kenya depends on the specific region and climate. However, in general, cabbage can be grown throughout the year in Kenya, except in areas with extremely low temperatures. You will need a reliable irrigation system to enable you to grow cabbages all year round.
In areas with high rainfall, cabbage can be grown in two main seasons: the long rain season (April to June) and July to September. In areas with low rainfall, cabbage can be grown during the dry season (October to December) with proper irrigation.
The timing of cabbage planting also depends on the variety of cabbage and the expected harvest time. Some cabbage varieties such as Gloria F1 and Green Challenger can be harvested within 80-90 days after transplanting, while others may take up to 120 days or more.
In general, it is recommended to plant cabbage during a period of relatively stable weather conditions with moderate temperatures and adequate soil moisture. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are between 4-6 weeks old and have developed 3-4 true leaves.
To ensure successful cabbage farming, it is important to consult with local agriculture experts and use region-specific farming practices.
What are the Profit Margins of Cabbage Farming per Acre in Kenya?
The profit margins for cabbage farming in Kenya can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the farm, cost of inputs, market prices, and yield per acre.
On average, a well-managed cabbage farm in Kenya can yield between 10,000 to 15,000 heads per acre, which can translate to approximately 20 tons of cabbage. The average market price for cabbage in Kenya ranges from Ksh 10 to Ksh 50 per head depending on the season and location. Therefore, a farmer can earn between Ksh 200,000 to Ksh 750,000 per acre.
To get a premium price of Ksh 50 per head, you have to sell directly to consumers. This means that you will need to market and sell the cabbages yourself at the market. You can consider renting a pickup truck and parking it at a strategic location to attract customers. It is important to note that during the dry season, cabbages tend to sell quickly, so it is essential to have a good marketing strategy to maximize your profits.
However, the best way to sell cabbages in Kenya is to negotiate a price with buyers at the farm and avoid all the hassle of selling at the marketplace. This will help you focus on the next season and avoid losses that might arise. Selling at Ksh 30 per head is not bad. Then the buyer can resell at 20 Ksh.
However, it is important to note that the profit margins can be affected by various factors such as pest and disease attacks, input costs, and market fluctuations. To maximize profits, farmers should adopt good agricultural practices, minimize production costs, and explore various marketing channels such as selling directly to consumers or supplying to supermarkets and wholesalers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cabbage farming in Kenya can be a profitable venture if proper care and management practices are followed. With the right seed rate, adequate soil fertility, proper care, and management practices, you can expect a high yield of 10,000 to 15,000 heads per acre. Additionally, composting the remaining cabbage plant material after harvest can help to improve soil health, leading to improved crop yields in the future.
We have reached 7000+ LIKES on our #GraduateFarmer Facebook Page… amazing!!!
We couldn’t have reached this social media milestone without all of you so THANK YOU to everyone who has liked, shared, commented, posted and messaged. Keep up the great work everyone! :-)
Mercy Kimallel Popularly known as chepkuku, is the proprietor at Soti kuku. She starts her business right from the rearing of the chicken to getting the product to the consumer; a complete value chain. She is a renowned agripreneur and admired business woman who is respected for her professionalism.
Sotikuku farm started in October 2013 with only 200 chicks with its proprietor Mercy Kimallel as the only employee. As of October 2016, the farm comprised of 10 farm houses with a population of 3200 birds, complete with a slaughter house and a cold room which are catered to by three permanent employees.
Additionally, the farm also has three other satellite farms with a combined population of 12,000 Sotikukus.
Sotikuku’s greatest challenge so far has been meeting market demands, while its greatest achievement is its brand: it isn't a kuku if it's not a Sotikuku.Sotikuku is in the process of acquiring a 300 per hour semi-automatic chicken slaughtering machine that will be stationed at KIE, Eldoret.
As Kenyan households come to terms that the once ubiquitous ugali flour is now an expensive and often unavailable exotic commodity, it is a double blow for the livestock farmers because since mid-2016 they have been in an acute shortage of livestock feed.
As pointed out in the article of BD on June 19th titled “Farmers urge manufactures to reduce cost of animal feeds”prices of animal feed have risen to levels that are out of reach to many farmers and even to those who can afford the feeds, they can hardly break even in the dairy business.
How did we get to the crisis in the livestock feed supply: Is it due to drought or is it a flawed policy in the livestock sector?
The easy to blame the drought, a fair point as we have now had two nearly failed rainy seasons. But since prior to this we have had other droughts, it would only mean that we do not learn from history and our livestock policy is not in tune with times, therefore leaving livestock producers exposed it any hic ups livestock the feeds markets.
To understand where we are, we need to roll back to 2013, when we ushered in the new devolved government. There was a big hype about how the dairy sector was going to be the big game changer in rural economies and we witnessed a competition of newly elected county officials and farmers, taking bench marking trips abroad so as to learn how to quickly put Kenya in that coveted list of top dairy nations e.g. Israel and Netherlands.
Without being seen to undervalue the learning experience that can come from bench marking trips and indeed any learning from peers – what these trips gave was a utopian quick fix in buying exotic dairy breeds which are feed guzzles and they need ICU type of management if they are to produce and maintain the record breaking milk yields they are known for. An example of such a breed is the much beloved Friesian, which is kept by many small scale farmers.
It is a human trait that we display only the positive things to our visitors and with this, delegations that mainly went abroad failed to factor in or were conveniently not informed that in most developed countries dairy farmers are highly subsidized by the state, they have on-the-call extension and veterinary services and availability of quality of animal feeds is guaranteed.
For the bus loads of small scale farmers who visited and continue to visit leading dairy farmers locally, what they fail to consider is that most of these farmers do value addition on their milk and they retail direct to consumers. So their earnings per litre of milk are much higher than for the card carrying dairy cooperative member.
As a result of the above euphoria coupled with easy access to credit from financial institutions that were giving "cow-loans", the 2016/2017 drought found dairy farmers who were over stocked with breeds they could hardly feed and whose milk production had plummeted to levels way below the touted yields that they were expecting when they bought the cows. No wonder there is a surplus of high yielding breeds in the livestock market and few farmers wanting to buy.
Seeing how we got here, it is safe to opine that our decisions in dairy have more or less been ad hoc and not based on livestock policy that is workable for the small scale zero-grazing or semi zero-grazing farmer.
Any intervention that the government can offer to alleviate the current feed crisis is welcome, but long term it will require policy change in the following areas:
The laissez faire attitude in livestock production needs to stop via a government directive. If farmers expect the government to bail them out when they have problems they must accept that the government can and should put its foot down on; type of cattle breeds they keep, zones they are kept and number of animals a farmer can keep depending on the resources in the farm. This should not be a haki yetu debate and I doubt that this idea would have found its way into the manifestos of political parties because it would be a guaranteed vote looser. But after August can we reform the dairy sector, the same way that Sacco's were streamlined and how the matatu industry was brought to order. There will be resistance but it can be done. It is is policy, period.
Devolve research: Most of the things that farmers and county officials were going to learn abroad e.g animal feeding and housing, are available with Kenyan research and learning institutions such as KARLO, Ministry of Agriculture Centres, ADC Farms and public universities, with the added advantage that they have been tailored to suit the Kenyan small scale farmer. However, as long they are not brought to mashinani in form of demonstration farms in every division, local research will remain academic and we will always seek to go abroad for learning trips.
Fund Extension services: At this age of "consultants", livestock farmers need the old school livestock hands-on extension workers. Not that we don't need new ideas but we can't Google our way to a successful livestock sector. Funded extension services go hand in hand with devolved research and these two are lacking in the rural set ups. Through extension services farmers should be taught about feed consumption vs milk production. This will hopefully wean them off from the desire to keep high feed consuming breeds e.g Fresian in preference of efficient feed convertors such as Fleckvieh.
Use of ASALs ( Arid and Semi Arid Lands) as the main producing areas for conserved fodder ( hay) . At 83% of Kenya's total area, we can't continue to look at ASALs as a desert. With population pressure on the high potential areas, conserved fodders can best be grown in areas which are not in competition with human food. Admittedly most land in ASALs are denuded from overgrazing but with good will and respect to private property, North Eastern, Laikipia, Kajiado and Machakos counties, are regions that can supply hay and alleviate the livestock feed crisis in Kenya.
What is now needed is short term solutions to see the farmers through the feed crisis but at the same time we need to revise our livestock policy and implement it with the aim of getting long term solutions and growth in the livestock sector. The spill effect of a collapsed dairy sector is too grave to contemplate and we are so near edge that only good policy can pull us back.
Written by Anne Munene,- Manager Lukuai Hay Farm, Nanyuki.
Contact: 0725 520627
via Standard Media
Online retailer Jumia will offer a 50 per cent discount on a 2kg packet of maize flour on its platform between July 3 and 9. The offer, which is a partnership between the online retailer and Tuskys Supermarket, will be part of activities to mark the Jumia Anniversary Week. Jumia Vendor Relations Manager Benard Kimutai said the offer will go a long way in alleviating the ongoing maize flour crisis in the country.
