Tomato Farming In Kenya
Tomato farming in Kenya is a profitable business. There are a number of factors that make tomato farming in Kenya a successful business.
One of the most important factors is the weather. Kenya's climate is perfect for growing tomatoes. The country has a hot and humid climate, perfect for growing tomatoes. Kenyan soil is also perfect for growing tomatoes. The soil is fertile and contains a good amount of nutrients.
Another important factor is the availability of agricultural inputs. In Kenya, the availability of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers is good. This is good news for tomato growers because it means they can get the inputs they need to be successful.
How Much Can You Earn From An Acre Of Tomato In Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Tomato farming in Kenya for success: deciphering tomato production and the income potential of 1 hectare of land...
Tomato farming in Kenya is one of the most profitable agricultural activities. It is an excellent choice for anyone wishing to harvest a commercially important crop four times a year. Although tomato is grown all year round in almost all seasons, a farmer can get high and good yields if grown in winter or spring. During the rainy season the best time to grow is from June to July, in the spring it is grown from October to November; and in summer, tomato cultivation takes place from January to February.
In this article, we'll decode the economics of growing a one-acre common tomato.
How Many Days Does It Take To Grow Tomatoes - Tomato Farming In Kenya
The total duration of commercial cultivation of tomato is about 110 to 140 days. However, yield starts after 50-60 days from sowing. Collection can be done every 10 to 15 days from the date of the first collection. A farmer can harvest about five times until the last harvest. The farmer can obtain a total yield of 8 to 12 tons/ha.
How Long Does It Take Tomatoes To Grow In Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Tomatoes take anywhere from 60 days to over 100 days to harvest, depending on the variety (see more about varieties below). Due to the requirements of the relatively long growing season (and late planting date), most gardeners plant small "starter plants" or transplants instead of seeds after the weather warms up in the spring. Many gardeners purchase their transplants from a garden center or nursery, but you can certainly grow your own seeds indoors.
It will be about 30-45 days after sowing. Clear the field of weeds before planting. If the previous crop belonged to the tomato family, e.g. potatoes and eggplants, treat the soil to eliminate soil insect pests and soil fusarium wilt. Then you need to plant the tomato seedlings at a distance of 45 cm by 60 cm.
How To Start Growing Tomato In Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Ecological Requirements - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Before planting tomatoes, the following factors should be considered:-
Place to Plant - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Water proximity should be as close to the planting field as possible to avoid additional water pumping costs. Although water tanks can be used, this is particularly suitable when using a drip irrigation system.
Crop Rotation - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Tomatoes should not be planted immediately after potatoes or peppers, and a 3-month break should be observed. This is to minimize the risk of disease and reduce the costs of disease management.
Topology - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Slightly sloping ground is preferable as it facilitates drainage during periods of rain, especially for the outdoor method.
Soil; Farming Tomatoes in Kenya
The soil should be deep and well drained. The soil should be well prepared and loose and well broken. The ideal pH for tomatoes is around 6-7.5. A soil test can be done to determine this and help you find the list of fertilizers needed to prepare the soil. If the pH is low, lime can be used to raise it, and if it is high, gypsum can be used to lower it.
How Long Do Tomatoes Take In The Nursery - Tomato Farming In Kenya
The nursery is prepared by raising the ground about 15 cm high and leaving spaces for walkways of about 30 cm or more between the boards. The soil should be fine and composed of small particles. This makes it easier to separate the small seeds from the tomatoes. The seeds should not be buried deep in the ground, but planted at a depth of about 1 cm. Tomato seeds should be lightly covered with soil. The space between the lines should be about 15 cm. To increase the humidity level, mulch should be added to the bed. It also reduces the splash effect when watering.
It is best to water in the morning and the seeds should start to sprout in about 8 days. Watering should continue until a week or two before transplanting, where it is reduced to harden the seedlings. It takes about a month before the transplant is needed.
Transplant; Farming Tomatoes in Kenya
The nursery is well watered before transplanting to facilitate the start of seedlings. Transplanting is done with a garden trowel. It is good practice to ensure that the roots have a soil ball when transplanting to increase the success rate after transplanting. It should be done early in the morning or in the evening.
Planting; Farming Tomatoes in Kenya
The seedlings are then planted in holes spaced about 60 by 45
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Tomato Plants - Tomato Farming In Kenya
You should have already worked compost into the soil before planting and added bone meal to the planting hole when transplanting.
Cover the plants by applying a liquid seaweed or fish emulsion or organic fertilizer every 2 weeks, starting when the tomatoes are about 1 inch in diameter (some people say they are the size of a golf ball ). If using an organic granular formula like Tomato-Tone Foam (4-7-10 or 3-4-6), pull back the mulch a few inches and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer around the drip line of the plant. Water and replace the mulch.
Continue to fertilize the tomatoes every 3 to 4 weeks until frost.
Note: Avoid quick release fertilizers and high nitrogen fertilizers. As noted, too much nitrogen will result in lush foliage, but few flowers and little or no fruit.
Irrigation; Farming Tomatoes in Kenya
It is important to ensure that the plants receive an adequate supply of water. However, excess water is not good for plants as it can lead to nutrient leaching.
Tomato Support - Tomato Farming In Kenya
This is done by tying a plant vertically using twine and poles. Two poles are connected by a cable, and the plants are suspended by ropes attached to them. This method increases the productivity of tomatoes. The plants grow vertically with several fruit clusters along the stem. Support should be done soon after transplanting, when the plant is still young, to avoid damaging or breaking the stem later.
Pruning; Farming Tomatoes In Kenya
Pruning should be done on side shoots, old leaves, diseased leaves and sides. This should be done weekly to eliminate side shoots before they develop. Remove the suckers that grow at the junction between two branches. These suckers will never bear fruit, but will only take energy from the plant. This can also be done on the other parts of the plant, but be careful not to remove the productive parts.
As the plant begins to mature, the lower leaves naturally begin to turn yellow and wilt. This is perfectly normal, so remove them from the plant when they appear. This will keep the plant fresh, beautiful and help prevent disease.
Weeding; Farming Tomatoes In Kenya
Weeding should be done regularly as weeds compete with plants for nutrients.
Tomato Diseases; Farming Tomatoes In Kenya
Blossom End Rot
Blossom end rot causes dark, sunken spots to develop on the underside of the tomato, due to a calcium imbalance from irregular watering. See link for remedies and prevention.
Downy Mildew.
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes leaf drop. In July, pest risks increase, due to the combination of high humidity and warm days and nights. It begins as concentric dark spots (brown to black), about 1/2 inch in diameter on the lower leaves and stems. If you catch it early and destroy the infected leaves, your plant may survive. The best defense for outdoor tomatoes is good ventilation and the removal of lower leaves as the fruit develops. It also helps in the ripening process, as the tomatoes receive maximum exposure to sunlight.
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes gray, moldy spots on leaves and fruit, which later turn brown. The disease spreads and is favored by persistent wet weather. Unfortunately, once your tomato has late blight, there really is no solution. Check out our blog on "Preventing pests with the right tomato".
Tomato Mosaic Virus
The mosaic virus creates deformed leaves and makes young shoots narrow and twisted, and leaves yellow spots. Unfortunately, infected plants must be destroyed (but do not put them in your compost pile).
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt begins as yellowing and wilting of one side of the plant and increases as the fungus spreads. Unfortunately, once this disease attacks, the plant must be destroyed.
Powdery Mildew .
Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that leaves white spots or a white coating on the leaves. It can be managed. See link for more information.
Cracks:
Cracks: When the fruit grows too fast, the skin cracks. This is usually due to irregular watering or uneven humidity due to weather conditions such as (very wet periods mixed with dry periods). Maintain consistent humidity levels with consistent watering and mulching.
Pests Affecting -Tomatoes Farming in Kenya
Pests cause a lot of losses in terms of quality and quantity of crops. Tomatoes are attacked by a variety of pests, the most common being;
Red Spider Mites
These appear as oval, reddish-green with eight legs that infest tomato leaves. They weave silken threads that help anchor their eggs under the leaves. A mite infestation is characterized by;
It damages the leaves of the plant, causing it to show white to yellow spots, which then turn bronze.
Smaller and lighter fruits produced by the plant.
To control the mite, pesticides such as spiromesifen and amitraz should be used. Spider mites quickly develop resistance to pesticides when used continuously. Therefore, you should use acaricides with different modes of action and active ingredients and use only the recommended dose.
African Worm
This is a type of yellow to brown butterfly that lays its eggs near or on flowers or berries.
The eggs hatch into larvae which damage the fruit. An African Fall Armyworm wound characterized by;
Floral abortion by the plant and sunken necrotic spots.
Bacteria and fungi attack through the holes left by the larvae, causing the fruit to rot.
To control FAW, you must till and till old tomato fields to expose the pupae to desiccation and natural enemies.
You can also plant trap crops like maize and African marigold, which attract the pest before it attacks the tomatoes. You can also use selective pesticides such as microbial control agents.
Thrips
They are fine-winged insects that adults and nymphs feed on the underside of leaves, buds, flowers and also fruits.
Thrips are also responsible for transmitting tomato wilt virus disease. Thrips damage is characterized by;
Spots and small necrotic spots on the leaves.
Premature death and retardation of leaf development. In addition, thrips cause distortion of young shoots.
Floral abortion in cases where thrips attack the buds.
To control thrips, insecticides such as Lambda-Cyhalotrin can be used. You can also plow and sweep the farm before transplanting to kill the pupa hiding in the ground.Harvesting;
Tomatoes should be ready to harvest from day 70, depending on the variety planted.
How Much Do I Need To Start A Tomato Plantation In Kenya?
We all cultivate to earn money. At Xaxa-Farms Kenya, our main objective is to enable farmers to earn money from their agricultural activities. Most of our customers have requested cost analysis for different crops. For this article, we'll take a look at growing tomatoes. It is also good to specify that everything is possible on the field, that is to say 100% gain or loss.
|
# |
Item/Task |
Item/Task |
Quantity |
Cost (Kshs.) |
Total Cost (Kshs.) |
|
1. |
Leasing |
Land |
1
Acre/3 Seasons |
10,000.00/3 |
3,333.33 |
|
2. |
Inputs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fertilizer |
D.A.P |
200kg |
70.00 |
14,000.00 |
|
|
|
N.P.K |
200kg |
70.00 |
14,000.00 |
|
|
|
C.A.N |
200kg |
70.00 |
14,000.00 |
|
3. |
Chemicals |
Score |
1Litre |
|
920.00 |
|
|
|
Redomil
Gold |
1kg |
|
900.00 |
|
|
|
Thunder |
1Litre |
|
6,000.00 |
|
|
|
Dynamic |
1Litre |
|
1,200.00 |
|
|
|
Calmax |
5Litres |
|
3,500.00 |
|
|
|
Omex |
2.5Litres |
|
3,000.00 |
|
4. |
Farm
Yard Manure |
Manure |
8
Tones |
600.00 |
4,800.00 |
|
|
|
Transport |
|
5,000.00 |
5,000.00 |
|
|
Stakes |
Stakes |
11,0000
Pcs |
2.00 |
22,000.00 |
|
|
|
Transport |
|
4,000.00 |
4,000.00 |
|
5. |
Capital
Investment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2”
High Pressure Pump |
– |
1pc |
15,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
|
|
2”
Pvc Pipes + Connections |
– |
20pcs |
1,500.00 |
30,000.00 |
|
|
Harvesting
Crates |
– |
6pcs |
600.00 |
3,600.00 |
|
6. |
Labor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ploughing |
– |
– |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
|
|
Planting |
– |
– |
6,000.00 |
6,000.00 |
|
|
Weeding |
– |
2
Times |
5,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|
|
Fertilizer
Application |
– |
– |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
|
|
Chemical
Application |
– |
– |
5,000.00 |
5,000.00 |
|
|
Staking
And Pruning |
– |
– |
4,000.00 |
4,000.00 |
|
|
Irrigation |
– |
– |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|
7. |
Fuel |
– |
– |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|
8. |
Transport |
– |
– |
10,000.00 |
10,000.00 |
|
9. |
Consultancy |
– |
– |
45,000.00 |
45,000.00 |
|
7. |
Other Costs |
– |
– |
15,000.00 |
15,000.00 |
|
TOTAL COST |
=
268,253.33 |
Is Tomato Business Profitable in Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
The figure can be MORE THAN OR EVEN LESS THAN the figure. This is due to;
The capital investments are there or not?
Is land leased or not?
Source of water and are there pandemics like hailstones ,flooding or even landslides
Availability of manure
Are seedlings raised at the farm or outsourced?
Profit;
To calculate profit we take the worst case scenario on dry and rainy seasons
Each plant bears maximum 4kg
The maximum farm gate price is Kshs 10.00 per Kg
Now;
Total Harvest =11,000 Plants * 4kg = 44,000 Kgs
Revenue = 44,000kgs *Kshs 10.00 = Kshs 440,000.00
Profit= Total Revenue-Total Cost
=Kshs 440,000.00- Kshs 268,253.33= Kshs 181,746.67 ±50,000.00
Which Is The Best Tomato Variety In Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
There are many varieties of tomatoes in Kenya. Some varieties ripen faster and produce larger fruits. They are more resistant to common tomato diseases. Some tomato varieties in Kenya need a warmer climate. Planting the wrong variety of tomatoes will harm your agro-industry.
You can make money in Kenya growing tomatoes if you plant the right variety of tomatoes. The best tomato variety will help increase the profits of your tomato crop. Tomato fruits are one of the most common vegetables in Kenyan meals and are always in high demand. Growing tomatoes in greenhouses has increased the rate of tomato production in Kenya
Type of Tomatoes - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Tomato Anna Variety F1 - Tomato Farming In Kenya
This tomato variety is a Monsanto hybrid. The Anna F1 tomato costs a bit more than regular tomato seeds, but it's worth it. The Anna F1 has been tested and found to perform best in the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya regions. It is one of the best tomato varieties in Kenya and is grown in small greenhouses in East Africa.
The Anna F1 tomato variety offers very high yields, requires less labor and is quite resistant to tomato diseases. This is a fresh market tomato variety that performs best when grown in a greenhouse. Anna F1 has firm, oval dark red fruits. It is one of the tomato varieties in Kenya resistant to Alternaria stem canker, nematodes and Fusarium wilt.
Anna F1 matures relatively quickly: within 75 days of transplanting. Its ripening period depends on the climate. As with most tomato varieties in Kenya, the first crop of Anna F1 gives lower yields than later crops. Anna F1 has an average tomato yield of 74 tons per acre and 35 kg per tomato plant over its lifetime.
Faulu Tomato - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Faulu is one of the fastest growing tomato varieties in Kenya, reaching maturity 60-70 days after transplanting. The Faulu variety produces firm, oval tomato fruits, weighing between 85 and 95 grams. Faulu is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt.
Mavuno Tomato Variety F1 - Tomato Farming In Kenya
The Mavuno F1 tomato variety ripens about 70 days after transplanting, and its fruits are heavier, weighing 100-130 grams. Mavuno F1 is one of the tomato varieties in Kenya with the longest shelf life of up to one year. Its fruits can stay fresh for 3 weeks at room temperature and are resistant to bacterial wilt, fusarium, tomato mosaic virus and nematodes.
Money Maker Tomatoes - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Money Maker is one of the most popular tomato varieties in Kenya. It is a fresh market variety that requires little maintenance. The money maker does well on poor soils. It is weather resistant and needs a warmer environment to mature well.
The plant grows to about 5 feet and requires trimming. You can easily grow the Money Maker variety of tomatoes outdoors. As with most tomato varieties in Kenya, you need to protect your Money Maker plants from frost and keep temperatures warm; do not plant them during cold seasons.
Marglobe Tomato - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Marglobe tomatoes are also very popular in Kenya. It is a fresh market variety whose fruits weigh between 170 and 180 grams. Marglobe is one of the earliest maturing tomato varieties in Kenya, with an average maturation period of 67 days. It can yield up to 50 tonnes per hectare. It is marketed by the Kenya Seed Company and Simlaw Seeds.
Tomato varieties in Kenya by Regions (Source Kalro.org)
|
|
Area |
Tomato varieties - |
|
|
Mwea
East |
Kilele F1, Safari F1, Rio grande, and Rambo |
|
|
Mwea West |
Rio
tinto, Safari F1, Faloria, Kilele F1, Rio grande, Africa Best |
|
|
Subukia |
Rio Grande, Asila F1, Cal J, Safari F1, African |
|
|
Kitengela |
Eva,
Eden F1, Rio grande, Galtana, Money-maker, Asila F1, Cal
J, Honex, Corrazone, Monetta and Anna F1 |
|
|
Bungoma |
Rio Tinto, Safari F1, Faloria, Kilele F1, Rio grande,
Africa best |
|
|
Kajiado |
Field
– Assila F1, Rambo F1, Kilele F1, Tylka F1, Shanty F1, Monica F1, Greenhouse
– Anna F1, Tylka F1 |
|
|
Makueni |
Field – Assila F1, Rambo F1, Kilele F1, Tylka F1, Shanty
F1, Monica F1, Greenhouse – Anna F1, Tylka F1 |
|
|
Machakos |
Field
– Cal J, Rio Grande, Roma, Greenhouse – Zawadi, Eden F1, Anna F1, Tanzanite
F1, and Tanya |
|
|
Kiambu |
Greenhouse – Anna F1, Corazon, Chonto, Tylka, Prostar Field – Cal J, Eden, Rionex, |
|
|
Trans Nzoia |
Greenhouse
– Anna F1, Field – Rio grande,
Cal J. |
How Profitable Is Tomato Farming In A Green House - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Greenhouse Tomato farming in Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Growing tomatoes in greenhouses in Kenya has resulted in a huge increase in tomato production. Most tomato growers in Kenya practice small-scale greenhouse cultivation of popular greenhouse tomato types, including Anna F1. He could make easy money in Kenya by growing tomatoes in a greenhouse.
Growing plants in greenhouses allows less complicated implementation of good agronomic practices and lowers the production prices of tomatoes. Peppers and onions are the other crops in Kenya that are usually grown in a greenhouse. With almost any type, growing tomatoes in a greenhouse is more interesting than growing tomatoes in the open.
It is easier to control the temperature in a greenhouse and much less water is used when the proper irrigation method is used. Most farmers in Kenya use drip irrigation for their greenhouses. Excess nutrients in a tomato farm will cause weed growth to the detriment of tomato growth, resulting in smaller, lighter fruits and sunken tomatoes that will quickly perish.
Growers are advised to provide liquid fertilizer with drip irrigation kits to avoid supplying tomatoes with additional nutrients. Tomatoes are a popular vegetable and are continually in high demand.
Tomatoes grown in a greenhouse take less (months) to ripen, while tomatoes grown outdoors take no less than three months.
Advantages Of Greenhouses Farming in Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
Thanks to irrigation and controlled temperatures, tomatoes have a continuous production of flowers and fruits, all at different levels.
A plant has a potential of up to 15 kg at the start of harvest, reaching 60 kg when it completes its full cycle, recommended at 365 days.
Assuming you have 2,000 plants, each gives you 60 kg per year, or 120,000 kg of tomatoes. If you sell at the door for KSh30, you can get at least KSh3,600,000 per year. This translates to KSh 120,000 per month.
The vines of the plants are supported inside the greenhouse with sticks and ropes, and grow up to 5 meters in height. If properly maintained, the smallest piece of greenhouse can produce up to 25,000 tons of tomatoes.
Tomatoes are often very vulnerable to diseases that require heavy application of insecticides, but with greenhouse growing strategies that come with simple hygiene training, the most common infections are easily controlled. Insects and other pests considered invasive to crops, as well as weeds, are also kept at bay.
In addition to huge savings on crop safety chemicals, which account for a large portion of production costs, far less labor is required in a greenhouse, while exposure to chemical toxins associated with application is reduced. minimize or eliminate altogether. It is also accurate for the environment.
Challenges of Growing Tomatoes in Kenya - Tomato Farming In Kenya
When we look at the challenges facing tomato farming in Kenya, we must make an effort to look at the small details involved, from planting tomatoes to harvesting.
While a farmer may have experience planting crops in general, that doesn't mean they can go out and start planting tomatoes.
In fact, applying general planting knowledge to planting tomatoes is where most growers go wrong. To make sure it stands out, below I describe the main mistakes made by farmers when planting tomatoes.
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