Category: Agribusiness

Kenya is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. The country has a diverse range of agricultural products that are exported to other countries, which means that there are opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to start their own farming business.

One type of farming you might consider starting is red creole onion farming.

Most red creole in Kenya originate from the neighboring country Tanzania.But farmers in Kenya are now starting to produce more and more of it.

In this article will discuss how you can get started with this particular type of farming so that you have all the information necessary before investing your time or money into it.

What Are Red Creoles?

Red Creoles originate from Louisiana but were first grown in Kenya by an American missionary back in 1918. They have become popular across East Africa because they tolerate extreme heat and drought, which means they are more resilient to climate change.

Red Creole onions have a distinctive deep red color that is partly caused by the soil in which they grow. Because of this,their flavor is sweeter than most other types of onion.

Red creole farming conditions in Kenya

Below are the appropriate growing conditions for this type of onion;

Climate

This type of onion can grow in tropical and sub-tropical climates, which means it is perfect for Kenya.The climate should be warm but not too humid for these onions to blossom into maturity.

The ideal time to plant them is between September and November as this is when we have the short rains.

Harvesting is done in January when it is dry and when prices are high.

Soil

Red Creoles thrive on sandy soil that does not have a lot of clay content.

The soil needs to be well drained so that the water doesn’t pool around the roots .

The soil PH should be between 5.5 and 6.5,

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for these onions is between 18 and 33 degrees Celsius.

Temperature below this can cause the plants to die or flower prematurely because of frost.

If they are planted outside, mulch should be used in order to keep moisture levels constant.

Height

Cucumbers are a popular food around the world, but there is not enough supply. This means there is opportunity for farmers like you to make money from growing them.

There are many benefits to cucumber farming, but it can also be hard work. It takes time and effort to make sure that your farm thrives and provides you with the best returns.

This blog post will teach you how to get started with cucumber farming in Kenya so that you can reap the benefits of this lucrative business!

Cucumber growth conditions

Cucumbers are highly nutritious vegetables that can be grown in most climates. If you want to try growing them, there are many factors which need to be considered before planting the seeds.

Below are the ecological conditions required for optimal growth;

Soil

They grow well in drained loamy soils that have a PH range of 6.5-7.5.

If the soil is too acidic, it will lead to stunted growth.If the soil is too alkaline, it will lead to an increase in nitrates that can harm plant growth.

Water

They require a lot of water so you must pay attention to the weather and keep irrigating when the need arises.

One of the risks associated with farming this crop is drought; if your area suffers from this, then it’s best not to plant them at all.

Pests and diseases

The plants are prone to aphids which can be controlled by using ladybugs.

The plants also have a high vulnerability to powdery mildew which can be avoided with good hygiene practices.

Temperature

They do well in places whose temperature is 15 degrees to 30 degrees.

How to plant cucumbers in Kenya

1. Prepare and plough the land that you are going to plant the crops in.
2. Dig holes that are 90 cm by 30 cm apart.
3. Mix the soils with manure and DAP fertilizer to ensure that the soil is fertile.
4. Plant the seeds at a depth of 45 cm and top dress them with CAN after 3-4 weeks.
5. Weed regularly to avoid competition for nutrients.
6. Water and irrigate often to prevent drought which can lead to stunted growth of the plants.
7. If you are growing them in an open field, apply mulching to conserve moisture.
8. If growing in a greenhouse, ensure you expose them to sunlight for 6- 8 hours.

Capsicum farming in Kenya is a significant economic activity that brings in large revenues for the country.

The majority of farmers plant Capsicum on small plots of land, with the average farm size being 1-2 hectares. With increased demand for this crop, more and more people are turning to this crop as a way to earn an honest living and provide food security for their families.

There are many types of capsicum and every type has a specific use. The most popular in Kenya is the cayenne pepper which is used to spice up dishes like fish, curries or potatoes. Other varieties include bell peppers (used for salads), paprika (used as seasoning) and habanero chili peppers (spicy).

How to farm capsicum in Kenya

You can grow this crop in an open farming or in a greenhouse.

The greenhouse is the most preferred option as farmers get better yields because they are grown in a controlled environment.If you do not have the finances to set up a greenhouse you can opt for open ground farming.

Below is the process of farming capsicum in a shamba and its ideal growth conditions;

Growth conditions for Capsicum farming

Climate

They need a warm and humid environment.For optimal growth, the temperature should be between 18-30 degrees.

Soil

It is important to maintain a PH level of 6 as this will ensure that it has optimum conditions for growing in Kenya.

If you have acidic soil levels then it is necessary to add lime

Water

It is important to water them periodically because if they are left dry for longer periods then it might affect their growth rate.

The answer, of course, is yes. But the question is not so simple and straightforward as it might seem at first glance.

Here’s what you need to know about mushroom farming in Kenya.

• They are high in demand in the culinary industry and you’ll find them often served at upscale restaurants. They are often sold in grocery stores as well.
• Mushroom farms are easy to set up .You can start this type of farming by building a hut or constructing a makeshift mesh structure.
• Its farming is an inexpensive venture, which makes it one of the best options for people who have limited funds or want to start their own business without spending too much cash upfront right away.
• They are relatively simple plants .They don’t need to be irrigated and can be grown in any part of Kenya.

Types of mushrooms grown in Kenya

Mushrooms are the edible fresh part of fungi that may be grown in the wild or under cultivation. Below are the different types of varieties;

White button

They are one of the most common and popular types grown in Kenya.

They grow on a shelf-like structure called a substrate which is made up of sawdust or straw, and then inoculated with spawn.

They’re very easy to grow at home because of their few growth requirements but can easily be killed when exposed to too much light.

Oyster

Oysters are grown indoors under controlled conditions with low levels of light coming through at various intervals.These are generally found at upscale restaurants and they taste a bit like an oyster because of their texture.

Maitake

Maitake has been documented to have cancer prevention properties among other health benefits as well. It’s also high in vitamin D.

Chanterelle

Chanterelle is popular and edible. It is very versatile as it can be cooked in many different ways.

Porcini

Porcini is found mostly all over the world.They are often used for their flavor as well as texture when cooked. They have a strong earthy taste which is why they’re more common in Italian cooking .

How to start a mushroom farm in Kenya

Mushrooms are planted in substrates which is a growing medium for its production.

Substrate is prepared from wheat straw or saw dust which is then added urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, mono-phosphate, lime and effective microorganisms to increase the mushrooms nutritive value.

Below are the steps of establishing a mushroom farm in Kenya;

1. Prepare the substrate for a period of 14 days to allow for decomposition. Decomposition allows the crop to spread its roots to absorb nutrients as they grow.
2. Keep turning the substrate regularly to aerate and oxygenate so that all its ingredients decompose uniformly.
3. Once the substrate is ready, package it in industrial plastic bags in order to conserve moisture  and keep it from drying out.
4. Spread the spawn evenly in the substrate.
5. Store them in racks in a shelter that is built from either mud, stone , brick or iron sheets to ensure that the temperature stays regulated to  between 17 degrees and 20 degrees Celsius.
6. Ensure the light is minimal as the crop grows well in the dark.
7. They take 40-50 days to mature.

Challenges of mushroom farming in Kenya

It can be a risky business if one does not know what they are doing. There are many challenges that come with its farming which need to be taken into account before venturing into this venture as it can prove costly and ultimately fail.Some of this challenges are;

Low yield

Production in Kenya can be as little as a kilogram per hectare. This means it can take many years for a farmer to recoup their investments.

It also needs an initial investment which may not be within the reach of most people.

High cost of production

This is a result of both the high initial investment and low yield, which means that in order to be profitable, one needs to produce at least two metric tons per hectare annually as opposed to Kenya’s average annual output of about 400 kilos per acre.

French beans farming in Kenya has been on the rise for years now.

A lot of farmers believe that they can make more money by growing french beans than any other crop because they are easy to grow and require less water than some other crops. They also do not need to be replanted every year, which saves both time and money!

Commonly known as ‘Mishiri’ , it is a crop that is mainly exported to other countries due to its low consumption here in Kenya.

Many farmers who grow French beans in Kenya have entered into contract farming with companies who export the crop to European countries as they cannot single-handedly meet the capacity required to fill a container of produce.

Farming this crop can be a lucrative venture if only one follows the right farming procedures to avoid their produce from being rejected and thus incurring losses.

Growth conditions of French beans

Soil

The first thing you should consider before planting is the soil conditions necessary for this crop to grow well.

They do well in soils with a pH level of between 6.0-8.0.If the soil is not within this range,you should consult your agricultural extension officer for advice on how to increase the acidity levels and decrease those alkaline levels .

The soil should have good drainage and be well-drained with a loamy texture.

Sun

They are light-sensitive plants, meaning they depend heavily on sunlight to grow.

Therefore, it is essential that they be planted in a place with good exposure to the sun.

You need at least six hours of direct sunshine each day for them to get enough light and start growing optimally.

Temperature

They grow well in temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius.

If the temperature falls below this range,the plants will start showing poor growth and may eventually die off.

Water

They need adequate levels of water for the plants to grow optimally.

Water should be applied at least twice a week on average, but not too close to harvest time as this can cause rot and other diseases in beans .

How to plant French beans in Kenya

1. Spray the land with a weed herbicide to control grass weeds.
2. Flatten the land with a fine plough and make furrows and ridges where you will plant the seeds.
3. Mix the soil with DAP at a rate of 80 kg per acre along the planting rows.
4. Drop two seeds in each holes with a spacing 60 cm * 20 cm and cover the seeds with loose soil.
5. Once the crop produces 3 leaves and when it starts to flower , top dress by applying CAN at the ratio of 50 kg per acre.CAN fixes nitrogen in the soil which helps to make food for the plant.
6. Perform weeding to avoid the crop from competing for nutrients with the weeds. Don’t weed when the crop is flowering as this will result to shedding of flowers.
7. Support the pants with trellis or poles to avoid the leaves from touching the ground as they might contract diseases hence leading to flower abortion.

French beans are prone to diseases such as rust,bacterial  blights,mildew and angular leaf spots.To keep diseases at bay, use the recommended herbicides, perform crop rotation, plant health certified seeds and varieties that are disease tolerant.

Harvesting French beans

French beans take a period of six to eight weeks to mature.For your produce to be accepted for export, ensure the pods are picked with the stalk attached to them.

Kenya has a tropical climate which is perfect for growing passion fruits thus making passion fruit farming relatively easy and lucrative.

The plant is hardy, tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and climates, and drought resistant making it an ideal agricultural crop for developing countries with unstable environments.

Passion fruit farming in Kenya has been proven to be profitable with the average annual income being around Ksh 200,000 per acre.

In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of growing passion fruit in Kenya as well as how to get started.

Benefits of growing passion fruits

• Passion fruits are succulent fruits that have many health benefits. They have the ability to lower blood pressure and increase bone density, among other things.
• They can be grown in cold climates like Limuru because of their hardy nature!
• The plants grow well even on steep hillsides so you don’t need to worry about it being too much of a hassle.
• They also have an amazing flavor and can be used to make juice, jams and candies.
• It is a sustainable, organic fruit that can be grown on small plots of land.
• Passion fruits are filled with nutrients which make them excellent for people who want to live healthier lifestyles as they have antioxidant properties.

Conditions for growing passion fruits

• Passion fruit is a tropical plant, so it needs to be grown in warm climates. The regions where the climate allows for this type of farming are Nyanza Province and Eastern Province.
• They grow best in moist soils that have a PH range of between five and eight.
• They require full sun in the morning and a shade in the afternoon from about 12:00 to 18:00 hours daily.
• The best temperature for its growth is about 18-27°C (65-80 °F).
• The plant is intolerant of frost, but can withstand a light frost if it’s not prolonged.
• Passion fruits can’t grow in places that have a lot of wind.

Steps for planting passion fruits in Kenya

1. Start by performing a soil test to ensure that it is within the preferred PH range and to check which nutrients are lacking in it.
2. Plough the land two months before planting to ensure that all the weeds have dried up
3. Dig holes at a spacing of 60cm x 60cm.
4. Apply manure or compost at a rate of about 22.68 kg per acre before planting. Apply only when the soil is moist enough in such a way that if you form a ball with it, it will maintain the shape.
5. When planting apply 130g DAP fertilizer in each hole.
6. Place the passion fruit vine in the hole with a 45 degree angle upwards and cover it up with soil.
7. Pour water to ensure that there is no dryness around the roots of your seedling and then mulch them for protection from weeds while they grow.
8. After two weeks of planting top dress by applying 130g of CAN fertilizer in each plant.
9. Regularly weed to ensure they don’t compete for nutrients with the crop.
10. Support them by tying them to a tree or stake when they grow.
11. Prune them by removing the flower clusters of passion fruit as soon as they appear, this will ensure that there is more room for fruits which are harvested.

Passion fruits take about four to six months to mature.

Harvesting of Passion fruits

Harvesting of passion fruits is done when the fruits are ripe.

The fruits are harvested by cutting them off from the stem with a knife or sharp shears. Once they have been harvested, they must be placed in a cool place to produce the best quality fruit.

The market for passion fruits is all year long, but the peak season begins in April and ends in October when prices can be as high as Ksh 35,000 to 40,000 a box (15 kg). The average price is around 20,000 per box.

Passion fruit pests and diseases

Passion fruit, like most other crops, can be afflicted by pests and diseases.

Insects that attack the plant come in all shapes and sizes: from beetles, caterpillars (larvae), thrips to bugs such as aphids. These insects cause damage by sucking on sap or chewing the leaves of plants.

To control the infestation of these insects, farmers should do the following: