Watermelon farming in Kenya is one of those short-term farming projects that one can invest in for a quick return. You only have to wait for less about 3 months and your investment starts paying off. And the good thing is that the market for watermelons is ever ready.
Watermelon is so much loved by Kenyans and you will find nice beautiful chops of the fruits on people's tables be it for breakfast, lunch or even supper. In fact, there is no wedding, birthday party, baby shower, ruracio or any other celebration that is complete without watermelons. All this demand makes the watermelon market not only available but also highly rewarding.
But can anyone farm watermelon and make a profit? Let me take you through the requirements for a successful watermelon farming venture in Kenya.
Best places for growing watermelon in Kenya
Kenya
has a favorable climate for growing watermelons, with temperatures ranging from
20 to 30 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of between 600mm and 1,200mm.
These conditions are ideal for the growth of watermelon, which requires a lot
of sunlight and water.
Watermelon farming in Kenya |
As such, the areas in Kenya that experience hot climate such as Baringo, Narok, Kajiado, Machakos and Makueni are the leading producers of watermelon.
Best soil conditions for watermelon farming
Watermelon
requires well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adequate soil moisture is also important, as the plant
requires consistent moisture throughout the growing season to produce
high-quality fruit. Additionally, it's a good idea to add a balanced,
slow-release fertilizer to the soil prior to planting to ensure that the plants
have the necessary nutrients to grow and produce fruit. Ample sun exposure is
also crucial for watermelon growth, as the plants need at least 8 hours of
direct sunlight per day to produce sweet and juicy fruit.
Watermelon
farming in Kenya is done mainly by small-scale farmers, who grow the crop on
small plots of land. The crop is planted in raised beds to ensure good drainage
and to prevent waterlogging. Watermelons are often grown together with other
crops, such as maize and beans, which helps to optimize the use of land and
increase yields.
Watermelon intercropped with other fruits and vegetables in Embu |
How to plant watermelon
Watermelon
is a warm-weather crop that is best planted during the warm weather periods. To
plant watermelon, prepare a sunny location in your farm with well-drained soil.
Rows should be spaced 3 to 6 feet apart, with individual plants spaced 3 to 4
feet apart within the rows.
- Dig holes for the plants that are about twice
as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
- Add a few inches of compost or well-rotted
manure to the bottom of each hole.
- Place a seedling in each hole and backfill
the soil, tamping it down gently around the roots. You can get ready-to-plant
seedlings from Richfarm Kenya nurseries in Embu and Naivasha.
- Water the seedlings thoroughly to help them
settle into the soil.
- As the plants grow, keep the soil
consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watermelons require about 1 inch of
water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation.
- (Optional) Provide support for the plants as
they grow, such as using a trellis or staking them to prevent the fruit from
dragging on the ground.
How to increase watermelon yield
To
improve yields, farmers in Kenya use a variety of techniques, such as crop
rotation, proper soil management, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Irrigation is also commonly used, especially in areas where rainfall is
inadequate.
Watermelon market
Kenya's
watermelon production has increased in recent years due to increased demand for
the fruit both domestically and internationally. The country exports
watermelons to several countries in the region, including Uganda and Tanzania.
Additionally, the country's supermarkets and street vendors also sell large
quantities of watermelons, especially during the hotter months when the fruit
is in high demand.
Profitability of watermelon farming in Kenya
Watermelon
farming in Kenya has the potential to be a profitable venture for farmers. The
cost of production for watermelon farming in Kenya is relatively low, as the
majority of the inputs needed, such as seeds, labor, and land, are readily
available. The cost of seeds is around Ksh11,000 for half a kg which is enough
to plant 1 acre.
Watermelon
farming requires adequate irrigation, which can be costly to install, but it
can also increase yields and improve the overall quality of the fruits. The
cost of labour can vary depending on the size of the farm and the methods used
to cultivate the watermelons. The average cost of labour in most parts of Kenya
is around Ksh500 per day.
In
terms of returns, watermelon farming in Kenya can yield high returns. The
average yield per acre is around 15,000 - 20,000 kg and the average price for a
watermelon is around Ksh30/kg. With proper management and optimal weather
conditions, a farmer can expect to earn a gross income of around Ksh450,000 to Ksh6,000
per acre.
It's
important to note that this can change according to the local markets,
climates, pests and management practices. Also the prices of watermelon in
Kenya can be fluctuate with the season. It's also important to conduct thorough
research and due diligence when considering watermelon farming in Kenya.
Challenges facing watermelon farming in Kenya
However, watermelon farming in Kenya is also faced with some challenges. Diseases, pests, and weather-related issues can lead to significant losses for farmers. Additionally, small-scale farmers often lack access to modern farming techniques, which can limit their yields.
Therefore, efforts are being made by various organization and government agency to support farmers to improve their yield by providing training and resources such as improved seed variety, appropriate farming techniques, and mechanization of farming activities. Richfarm Kenya is one of the organizations helping small scale farmers by doing training and providing extension services. You can reach them through 0724698357/0723213602
Overall,
watermelon farming in Kenya plays a crucial role in providing food and income
for many small-scale farmers, and efforts are ongoing to improve yields and
ensure a sustainable and profitable industry.
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