Uncover
the promising world of Bixa farming in Kenya locally known as ‘Mrangi’ or ‘Lipstick
tree’. With the demand for natural colorants and flavorings soaring, Bixa
Orellana, commonly known as achiote, presents a golden opportunity for farmers.
This plant is not only beautiful but also serves as a lucrative cash crop,
making it ideal for everyone from smallholders to large-scale farmers. Let’s
learn about the potential of Bixa Urellana in Kenya, its cultivation practices,
and the financial aspects of entering this rewarding market.
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| A Bixa Plant |
Bixa
has traditionally been one of the main sources of livelihood for coastal
regions and is cultivated in Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties. The crop
bears pods containing seeds coated with a red pigment on the waxy arils that
are commercially extracted to produce a natural dye called annatto.
Things
you need to know about Bixa;
- The crop is disease and pest-free and is drought resistant. As they ripen, the fruits dry and harden into red capsules.
- The fruit is harvested for its seeds, which contain bixin, used for coloring cheese, fish, salad oil, margarine and cosmetics like lip sticks.
- Bixa seed waste and chicken droppings are mixed to produce organic fertilizer that is given to farmers.
Climate and Soil Requirements for Optimal Growth
Bixa
plant does well in warm humid areas with temperatures of between 32 and 38
degrees Celsius.
This
wild-looking plant does not require high fertile soils and is resistant to most
pests and diseases. However, the soils should be well drained with a pH of 5.5
to 7.5. It does well in areas with an altitude of 2,000m and annual rainfall of
1,250 mm-2000 mm. Farmyard manure of about 10 tons per acre is sufficient. Farmers
should assess soil quality and ensure an adequate water supply for successful
growth.
Bixa Varieties
Choosing the right variety is crucial for maximizing yield. Some popular varieties suitable for Kenyan climates include:
- Bixa Orellana Achiote: Known for its vibrant red seeds and the variety mostly grown in Kenya.
- Bixa Orellana Trinidad: Produces high antioxidant levels.
You
need to select varieties based on adaptability and their yield potential.
Propagation Methods
Propagation
can be done through seeds or cuttings. Each method has its advantages:
- Seeds:
Generally, more common and can produce a large number of plants.
- Cuttings:
Offer quicker establishment and can maintain desirable traits.
Choose
the method that best fits your farming strategy.
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| A Bixa Plant |
Propagation
Propagate
from either seed or using stem cuttings. Sow seeds in the nursery at a spacing
of 25cm by 10cm and a minimum depth of 2.5 cm because of their long taproots.
Germination
occurs within eight to 10 days. Transplant seedlings after four months, when they
are 15-25 cm tall preferably at the onset of the rains.
Pepino Melon Farming in Kenya.
Transplanting
Dig
one-foot pits, at a distance of three meters between plants and three meters
between rows. On average, 250 seedlings are planted per acre.
Site Preparation and Land Management
Prepare
your site by clearing weeds and debris. Plow and till the soil to create a good
seedbed. Ensure proper spacing for airflow and growth:
- Spacing:
5 meters by 5 meters apart for optimal growth.
Ensure
a proper density for maximum light penetration and nutrient access, essential
for strong plant development.
Weeding
Weed
as often as possible, ensuring that your young trees’ roots are not disturbed.
Pruning
Prune
to produce a canopy that is easy to harvest.
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| A Bixa Pod |
Flowering and Fruiting
Plants
start flowering in the first or second year of planting. Pluck off flowers in
the first two years to encourage good vegetative growth and for better
performance of the plantation in subsequent years. The plant continues to yield
flowers for 15 to 20 years.
Though
the time of flowering differs with the species, plants that bear fruits three
years after planting are of good quality.
About
30 days from the start of flowering, capsules will appear on the trees and 90
days later they mature and dry. The dried capsules make a rattling sound. They
also form a crack at the stigmatic end of the capsule.
Irrigation
Effective
irrigation is vital, especially during dry spells. Implement drip irrigation or
rainwater harvesting techniques to secure water for the plants.
Common Pests and Disease
Pests
Bixa
plants face threats from various pests, including:
- Aphids:
Suck sap and weaken plants.
- Whiteflies:
Transmit diseases and reduce yield.
Regular
monitoring and intervention are essential.
Pest Management
1.
Cultural control:
Rotate crops and practice good sanitation.
2.
Biological
control:
Introduce natural predators of pests.
3.
Chemical control:
Use pesticides as a last resort.
Diseases
Diseases
like leaf spot and root rot can impact productivity. Preventative measures
include:
- Crop rotation
- Resistant varieties
- Maintaining proper drainage
Harvesting
You
should begin harvesting three years after planting. The plants can keep
producing for eight to 20 years under good management.
The
dried capsules should be harvested when they make a rattling sound, failing
which, they will burst and result in heavy loss of seeds.
Yield
On
average, a three-year-old plant will yield about half a kilogram to one kilogram
of seeds in the initial years. The maximum yield is obtained from four to 10
years and it can be as high as 15kg per plant per year.
Post-Harvest Handling and Processing
After
harvesting, the capsules are sundried to reduce the moisture content and then hit
or beaten with sticks to remove the seeds. After that, the seeds are also
sun-dried, cleaned, and packed in gunny bags. They are then stored in a cool,
dry place to maintain quality.
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| An Open Bixa Pod |
Market
Kenya
is among the major exporters of Bixa in the world. Peru leads the list of Bixa
exporters globally. Kenya exports to Denmark, the USA, Japan, China and the UK.
One
kilo of Bixa goes for between Ksh. 45 to Ksh. 70 earning a farmer about over
Ksh200,000 per harvest.
Future Outlook
As
demand for natural products continues to grow, Bixa farming holds significant
promise. With the right practices in place, farmers can thrive in this emerging
market.
By
following this guide and reading extensively on this kind of farming, farmers can tap into the rich potential of Bixa farming
in Kenya, creating a sustainable and profitable agricultural venture.
- Seedlings per acre: 200-250 per acre
- Spacing: 5m by 5m
- Market price: Ksh. 45 – Ksh. 70 per kg
- Yield: 15kg per plant annually
- Common pests: Aphids, Whiteflies
- Common diseases: Leaf Spot, Root Rot
- Lifespan: Perennial
Frequently Asked Questions
- How profitable is Bixa farming in Kenya?
- How much is Bixa in Kenya?
- What are the uses of Bixa crop?
- What are the ecological requirements for Bixa farming?
- Where is Bixa grown in Kenya?
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