Chili Farming in Kenya.

 Did you know that chilli is a fruit and not a vegetable as you may think?

Someone might wonder why people choose to farm chilli, a fruit with such a fiery flavour. One of the reasons are due to its high demand. Chilli peppers are a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world, making them high in demand in both local and international markets. This consistent demand offers farmers a reliable source of income. Another reason is it profitability. Chilli farming is highly profitable, especially when grown in optimal conditions and marketed effectively. With proper cultivation practices, farmers can achieve high yields and command competitive prices for their produce. Another compelling reason why someone would choose to farm chilli is due to its adaptability to various climatic conditions. Its adaptability makes them suitable for cultivation in a wide range of agro-ecological zones, providing farmers with flexibility in crop selection.

Beyond fresh chilli peppers, farmers can also explore value-added products such as chilli powder, sauce and flakes among other products. This means more profitability and market opportunities. One last thing among many other that I will not mention in this article is its health benefits. Chilli peppers are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants among other health benefits including boosting metabolism, improving digestion, and enhancing immunity.

For farmers seeking to maximize their potential in the agricultural sector, chilli farming is a good choice.

Once you have decided to get into chilli farming, you probably will be wondering on the best varieties you can farm. There are four most common chilli varieties in Kenya that are considered to be the best. They include, Bird’s Eye, African Bird’s Eye, Cayenne chillies and Habanero. You can choose to specialise on one or all by considering factors such as the maturity period, growing conditions and the target market as well.

Ideal growing conditions for Chilli

Chilli thrives in various climatic regions, but it thrives best in warm, sunny climates that have well-drained soil. This means Eastern, Coastal Kenya and some parts of Rift Valley  can provide ideal climatic conditions for chilli farming.

Planting Chilli

Chilli plants need to be planted in a clean and fertile ground where ploughing has been done and organic matter has been incorporated into the soil. Chilli seeds or seedlings are planted in rows with adequate spacing of about 40-45 cm apart  to allow for proper growth and airflow. You can consider using a drip irrigation system to optimize water efficiency and minimize water wastage.

Pests and Diseases

Like any other crop, chillies are susceptible to pests and diseases like anthracnose, phytophthora leaf blight, fruit rot, aphids, mites, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt and cucumber beetle. You can manage pests and diseases on your chillies by use of the right pesticides and insecticides like Score 250 EC, Pearl 500 SC for anthracnose, Colonizer 440 WP and Greencop 500 WP for fusarium wilt. You can use Loyalty 700 WDG, Pentagon 50 EC to control aphids and Fortress Gold 720 WP for blight.

Maturity and Harvesting

Chillies typically mature within 60 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. When it comes to harvesting, ripe chillies should be carefully harvested to avoid damaging the plants and ensuring maximum yield. Already harvested chillies should also be handled with care to minimize bruising and extend their shelf life. Once they are harvested, they can now be sorted cleaned and packaged ready for marketing.

Market for Chilli

Kenya’s chilli industry opens up a wide range of market opportunities, both locally and internationally. You can explore fresh chilli markets, food processing industries and export markets to capitalize on the demand for quality chilli products. You can also establish partnerships with local cooperatives, retailers, and exporters to access wider markets and secure competitive prices for your produce.