Pawpaws Make You Money While Asking For Very Little Input From You

The more I travel and visit farms in different parts of our beautiful country, the more I fall in love with pawpaw farming in Kenya. I specifically love the small red-flesh Solo Sunrise variety growing in the hot areas of ukambani and parts of Embu and Meru. I recently tasted some fruits from Vihiga in Western Kenya and I was thrilled! The climate and soils there are also perfect for a pawpaw farming business and the locals are taking up the opportunity.

Now talking about a business of growing pawpaw makes the deal even sweeter. Despite all the health benefits and the sweetness that these fruits offer, they are some of the easiest crops to cultivate commercially.

Mountain pawpaw farming in Kenya

In February this year (2018), I visited a pawpaw farm in Marigat, Baringo County. Yes, that’s right; Baringo County. This place is one of the most hostile parts of Kenya in terms of climate. It was my first time to experience real heat waves with temperatures rising to about 40°C.

You would expect nothing meaningful to come from such a place. I was surprised to find a thriving pawpaw plantation right at the heart of this place. The 2-acre Solo Sunrise pawpaw farm had all the trees still fruiting.

“Production has really gone down since we last had rains in October last year. We are currently getting just about 250kg from each acre in a week.” Said Robert. I later learned that he was selling a kg of the fruits at Ksh.80 due to the low supply.

I noted that the trees are not irrigated, and they had not been weeded for the longest time save for the slashing of the grasses. I wondered how they survived the dry spell and still produced that much.

Later in March, we were called to Matuu to supply seedlings. It is here that I found another pawpaw farm right at the middle of an arid area but still producing well.

Philip, the manager of the farm told us that they were not tending to the pawpaw trees at all since they were old and the owner of the farm was planning develop a 2-acre commercial farm.

“So you are not harvesting any fruits from these old trees?” I asked Philip.

“We are harvesting. Every tree gives us about 2 fruits every two weeks. We supply a small market comprised of friends of my boss.” He told me.

Since then I have visited several other successful pawpaw farms in Kenya especially in Meru and Baringo. A few farmers have the crop at a commercial scale but the much they do is to weed twice a year and water about once a week. Those who do this can tell you that an acre of solo sunrise pawpaw can yield up to 40 tons in a year.

An acre of solo sunrise pawpaw can produce 40 tons per year

Pawpaw farming is best done in places with warm or hot climate. In such places, farmers who have access to irrigation water make a kill since the price of pawpaw in Kenya is never less than Ksh.30 per kg.

Pawpaws grow very fast and in the hot areas, you get your first fruits in 6 months from planting the seed. This is the case I found in Marigat, Baringo County and Matiliku in Makueni County.

In these dry places, the pawpaws are also not frequently attacked by pests and diseases. In fact, several of the farmer I visited were growing pawpaws purely organically, even using animal manure as the only fertiliser.

The maintenance cost of a pawpaw orchard can be as low as Ksh.10,000 for an acre in a year since only labour during weeding and application of the manure is needed. This one acre then produces about 20 tons of fruits in a year – that is without irrigation. Check out the current market price of a kg of pawpaw in your local supermarkets or open air market and just find out how much you are able to make from one acre of pawpaw with this minimum input.

Pawpaw farming guide for kenya
(PDF)

Now you know what you can do to invest that extra cash you have. Also ensure that you get this papaya farming guide that will guide you right from planting of the seeds through the growth period to harvesting and marketing. 

Request for your copy through the Farmer's Resources Page.

Chia Seeds Farming in Kenya: New Herb Rich In Oil Has Great Income Potential

The brown cover of wheat on several farms along the busy Njoro-Elburgon Road stretch yonder, giving one an impression of how dominant the crop is in the region.

However, some 2km from Njoro town in Kenana village, the dominance of wheat is challenged by luxuriant purple-flowered plants.

The farm, a head-turner, belongs to Stephen Gatimu and he grows chia (Salvia hispanica), whose seeds have become popular due to their immense benefits.

We find Gatimu strolling on the farm, which is one of the several on which he grows chia.

He farms on a total of 10 acres on different farms around Nakuru, with each hosting the crops at various stages of growth.

He carefully cuts the apex of an already dry plant, rubs it in his hands and winnows the brown chaff. He puts the tiny black seeds in his mouth.

“Chia is one of the most nutritious foods you will ever come across. It is rich in proteins, Omega 3 fats and a dozen of other nutrients that include calcium, manganese, and phosphorus,” says Gatimu, who has leased the farm at Sh5,000 per acre.

During our visit, he had just completed planting the crop on one of the farms around Kenana. Two days earlier, he had harvested 300kg of Chia from two acres in Rongai, Nakuru, from which he hopes to pocket at least Sh400,000 as the current market price is Sh500 for a 250g pack.

Gatimu, who sells herbal medicine and grows herbs like rosemary, ginger and lemon grass in Molo, ventured into chia growing in 2014 after attending an exhibition in Zanzibar.

“I met a farmer from Rwanda who was exhibiting chia and engaged him. I then researched more and realised how beneficial the crop is.”

Chia seeds farming in Kenya is easy

He purchased 2kg of chia seeds at the exhibition and returned home to sell a portion to one of his patients who had pain in the legs and was confined to a wheelchair.

After two months of consistent use, the patient’s mobility improved. Seeing what the little known chia seeds had done, he planted a kilo on an eighth acre and harvested 30kg.

He later replanted the seeds on quarter-acre, harvesting 70kg and sold 10kg to his clients making at least Sh10,000.

“I planted the rest on two acres from which I harvested 700kg that I sold some 100kg to various people, including at exhibitions, earning Sh200,000. This success made me lease the several pieces of land to grow the crop for commercial purposes,” says Gatimu, who employs at least 15 casual workers to assist him with planting, weeding and harvesting.

To plant the crop, the farmer ploughs the land and levels the ground. He then drills rows 2ft apart and plants.

Chia sprouts after about two weeks and germinates faster when there is good rainfall, taking some three months to mature. One must weed at least thrice before harvesting.

Gatimu grows the crop organically, as he does not apply fertiliser during planting and avoids application of pesticides, noting they destroy the quality of seeds.

“The crop is resistant to diseases and pest attack, making its organic farming easy. Some farmers dry the chia seeds using electricity, which destroys the nutrients. Majority of those who buy insist on organic seeds, which is why I process mine organically,” notes Gatimu, adding he is one of the biggest farmers of the new crop in the country.

Another advantage of the crop is that it is not prone to birds’ attack. On the edge of the pods are spikes that make it difficult for the birds to peck and break the hard brown cover to reach the seeds.

Chia is easy to grow but it has a set of challenges, especially during harvesting.

“Harvesting is labour intensive as I use a sickle to cut the plant at 4 inches from the ground at the point where it begins to branch.”

The next step is sorting the harvest to remove any unwanted materials, including weeds. The seeds are then left to dry for at least three days.

Marketing chia seeds in Kenya

“Besides my herbal business, I market the seeds through social media sites including Facebook and WhatsApp through the help of my son, an engineer, and people buy,” says Gatimu (66), who was licensed by the Ministry of Culture in 2007 to practice herbal medicine.

He is also a member of National Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association.

He attends numerous exhibitions, farmers’ trainings and seminars to learn and promote the crop.

Chia seeds can be eaten whole, ground into flour, pressed for oil or even prepared as a drink if soaked in hot water.

Monica Mburu, a food science lecturer and researcher at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, says chia farming in Kenya is still new and few farmers are aware of the crop.

“Those who are growing the crop are doing it on trial and error basis relying on information from the internet,” she notes, adding that the crop has a high nutritional value and can be a good money-maker.

Prof Richard Mulwa, a horticulture expert from Egerton University notes that chia is an annual herb that grows up to a metre high with purple or white flowers produced in numerous clusters in a spike at the end of each stem.

It is grown commercially in the US, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Australia and Mexico for its seeds that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

The seeds yield 25 to 30 percent extractable oil that includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Soaked seeds develop a mucilaginous gel-like coating that gives chia-based beverages a distinctive slimy texture.

“This crop has not been officially introduced in Kenya and, therefore, finding quality seeds may be difficult,” he says.

Benefits of Chia seeds

·         Chia seeds farming in Kenya is done for its seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

·         The seeds yield 25–30 percent extractable oil, including alpha-linolenic acid.

·         Chia seeds are small ovals, mottle-coloured with brown, gray, black, and white varieties.

·         The seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked.

Chia seeds farming is easy and you can do it even on a quarter an acre and earn good returns after three months. 

To start, it is important that you have this guide at hand. It gives you all the information you need including contacts of where to get seeds. 

You can now request for it from our Resources Page. 

At 25, I am Making Big Cash With My Tree Tomato Farming and Chicken Keeping

Nothing could beat the fulfillment that comes with earning a livelihood from doing what one truly loves and for one young man Dennis, tree tomato farming and keeping chicken is what makes his heart beat. This kind of farming, unlike most young people in Kenya would imagine, has become more of a delight and less of a chore for him.

Tree Tomato farming in Kenya

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Masinde Muliro University in December 2015, Dennis Kanyugo was buoyant about finally putting his skills to practice. He got placement as an intern at the Nyeri Provincial General Hospital (PGH), as he sought his footing in his dream career. Kanyugo interned here for a year, earning Sh30,000 a month.

Today however, his interest in public health is not as much as it is in farming. At 25 years, Kanyugo has a newfound interest: he grows Red Oratia, the best variety of the tree tomato in Kenya so far, and rears chicken in the family farm in Mathari, just outside Nyeri town.

So how did his interest in tree tomato farming grow? During a visit to Embu with a friend, he met a farmer who grew the fruits. He was impressed.

“He had 300 trees of grafted red oratia on his small farm, from which he was making almost super-normal profits while also training other farmers on the various techniques of grafting. I was fascinated and inspired,” Kanyugo recalls.

After days of evaluation, he concluded that farming tree tomatoes would be a worthy go, one worth walking away from his career eventually. Though his parents were taken aback by his drastic move, they allowed him to use two acres of their three-acre parcel of land in Nyeri County.

“With the Sh100,000 I had saved, I was ready to kick-start this project - most people disregard the little money they earn from their first jobs, yet little as it is, spent prudently, it is enough.”

At first, he juggled the internship with his farming endeavours with some ease. Soon, however, it became difficult to offer the attention each deserved, and so he quit to concentrate on farming. Like with all startups, the ride sometimes gets bumpy. For instance, when he was starting off, he lost Sh75,000 after he was tricked into buying the wrong seedlings.

After that costly mistake, Kanyugo was wiser. “I visited the farmer that inspired me to plant this fruit and he taught me the basics of tree tomato farming. I learned many things that I had overlooked right from raising my own strong seedlings, proper preparation of the planting holes, farm maintenance and most importantly crop protection.”

He explains: “I learned the importance of starting off with healthy seedlings as that determines the growth vigour of the plant and how long it will take to mature.”

RED ORATIA TREE TOMATOES DUE FOR HARVESTING

In May 2016, he planted 2,000 trees which by the time we were meeting him had matured and were due for harvesting.

“The trees produce between 20 and 25 kgs of fruits annually. A kilo of tree tomato fruits sells at between Sh60 to Sh80 depending on the demand in the market.”

He also keeps poultry – at any given time, he has 1,000 birds.

“Broilers take about six weeks to mature. I have split my birds into three groups, such that when I introduce new chicks, another batch is three-weeks old and the third one ready for sale. I transport 500 birds for sale at the City Market in Nairobi after every three weeks. This stargered production ensures a regular supply of income.”

The young farmer has three farmhands who work both in his tree tomato farm and in the chicken section. He spends between Sh40,000 and Sh70,000 every month on labour.

For potential poultry farmers, he advises: “The secret to successful poultry farming in Kenya is getting the right breed of chicken, having the right feed, establishing a proper feeding schedule and proper housing with adequate ventilation. Broilers are tougher than layers and sleep after feeding. They are the best breed for starters because of their fewer demands.”   

With decent success in poultry and a massive fruit harvest in the offing, one may be tempted to imagine that Kanyugo is now content. Except that these accomplishments have only whetted his appetite for more success in agribusiness. 

“In two years, I plan to put up a fruit juice and jam processing plant on the farm. Value addition of the fruits will boost my income while creating more jobs,” he says.

Further Training on Tree Tomato Farming in Kenya

Tree tomato farming guide for kenya

Did you notice that Dennis had to go back to his mentor for information on his new venture? Just like I have always said, success in farming starts with information. Gather as much information as you can before engaging in a new farming project. 

Visit farmers who have done it, engage agribusiness professionals and decide on your best methods of marketing beforehand. If you can afford to hire skilled people to help you in managing your investments in farming, that would be a great step in the right direction.

We also have this comprehensive tree tomato farming guide. It is in pdf form so you can even read it from your phone while at the farm. You can now request for it from our Resources Page.

Neofresh Pawpaw Farm Is a Mind-blowing Inspiration

At Rich Farm Kenya, our pawpaw farming endeavours are still at the crawling stages but the future shines bright, especially gauging from companies with a similar vision that started their steps earlier in time. Our largest inspiration coming from a South African company,  Neofresh, our dreams and aspirations are renewed every single moment we look at their conquest and success.

Neofresh was established 20 years ago by Tim and Brian Chennels. From the outset the core business of the company was the production, value-adding and marketing of Papaya.

In 2011 Neofresh merged with one of its competitors, Low’s Creek, adding 40% to its production area and consolidating retail market share in South Africa. Before the merger Neofresh hired all its farms but owned the packing facility in Hectorspruit. Its assets were mainly intangible in nature, consisting of Intellectual Property with regards to varieties and trademarks, as well as substantial market share amongst South African retailers. The merger strengthened the balance sheet to enable Neofresh to acquire its flagship farm, Kenworthy Estates.

Today Neofresh produces papaya on four farms and litchi on three farms in South Africa. Production of papaya in Mozambique commenced in 2016. Today it is the biggest supplier of Papaya to the Retail market in South Africa.

The journey of success of this South African pawpaw giant is founded on specific principals, which have become our strong pillars at Rich Farm Kenya. Neofresh understands that a properly funded Research and Development Department gives them the competitive edge regarding new exclusive varieties, post-harvest treatment methods and unique growing methods.

They also understand that producing fruit in different areas gives them the advantage of stabilizing production and finding niche marketing windows. This is the very reason we moved to Naivasha after establishing our first orchard in Embu.

The company also invests and participates in the complete value chain.

Through conventional breeding Neofresh has developed exclusive papaya cultivars which are perfectly suited to South African conditions and taste. A great deal of emphasis has gone into the development of taste as opposed to only yield and external appearance.

By spreading their production units around different areas, the company is now able to supply papaya to South African consumers on a twelve month basis.

This is the reflection of our dream in Kenya. We applaud all the successful pawpaw farmers in Kenya and hope that we join hands in developing our very own pawpaw industry in Kenya and have our children and citizens enjoy not just enough but sweet pawpaws.

If you would like to join us be sure to call us on 0724698357. 

We have compiled this pawpaw farming guide for kenya to help you with information on the go. 

It is now available in PDF so you can even carry it in your phone and refer any time. 

You can now request for it from our Resources Page. 

Grape Farming in Kenya: How Meru Farmers Are Making Crazy Money

Grapes Farming in Kenya is Possible and Profitable

Grapes farming in Kenya sounds like an impossible dream to many. But you would be pleasantly surprised if you visited Meru and witnessed how farmers there have cultivated this rare crop in Kenya. Rows and rows of over 5,000 grape plants line up an expansive piece of land at Liliaba in Igembe Central with vines well supported by wires tied across the pilot farm established over 20 years ago.

To most people, vineyards are only synonymous with bible stories but the Liliaba Vineyard has been in Meru for two decades after grapes were introduced by Father Adol Celestino from Italy in the 1980s. 

Grapes farming in Kenya

Located about 20 kilometers from Kangeta town, the Liliaba Vineyard is now run by Catholic Fathers the Diocese of Meru where over 80 farmers have now adopted grape farming.

According to Father Mbiko, Grape farming has also been introduced at Murera near Meru National park, Rwarera in Buuri and Ngarendare.

“We already have a wine press and processing plant at Mukululu in Igembe Central. We produce over 1,000 bottles of table wine, church wine among other brands. The demand for the wine is higher than supply hence we are encouraging more farmers to start grape farming,” Fr Mbiko says.

Is Grapes farming in Kenya profitable?

When we spoke to Fr. Mbiko, the father in charge at the time, he said that he buys grapes from out growers at Sh80 per kilo on self delivery and Sh70 gate price while those who sell fresh fruits to supermarkets and streets can make up to Sh300 a kilo.

He notes that grapes farming require very little water and are often referred as ‘camel fruit’ hence can be grown even in the hot and dry parts of Kenya.

We have actually highlighted the conditions suitable for grapes farming in Kenya in the article "How to Make Money With Grapes Farming in Kenya". 

“We train farmers on how to grow grapes, supply them with seedlings and buy fruits for processing. Many farmers are losing crops to drought but if they venture into grape farming, they are assured of harvest,” he explains.

Grapes start yielding very early; within a year after transplanting but reach the highest yield in take four years. They are harvested twice a year and with one grape plant capable producing over 15kgs of grapes per year which translates to Sh1, 200 per plant.

Fr Adol notes that farmers who have embraced the production of grapes in Kenya have benefited greatly from the farming as Liliaba is mostly prone to rain failure.

What is the main challenge with grapes farming in Kenya?

The main challenge in grape farming, Fr Mbiko says, is keeping off birds hence a watch tower has to be built in the middle of the farm for a good view of the farm

“Birds like feeding the grape fruits when they are ripe. The farmer has to keep watch throughout the day to secure a good harvest.

However, the returns are too good to be barred by the challenges. We cannot meet the demand for wine in Meru only,” he advises.

He notes that other seasonal crops can be planted in between the grapes making the land more productive.

About four varieties of grapes are grown at Liliaba vineyard and the fruit has been attracting interest from many people including former Provincial Commissioner Peter Kiilu who has a vineyard in Kitui.

Grapes farming guide for Kenya

Fr Mbiko is calling on more farmers to venture into grape farming so as to increase production of Mukululu wine production plant. 

However, for you to be successful in grapes farming, you need proper information. That is why we compiled this grapes  farming guide for kenya to help you with information on the go. 

It is now available in pdf so you can even carry it in your phone and refer any time. You can now request for it from our Resources Page. 

You Too Can Grow Grapes In Kenya and Make a Good Profit

As you approach Naivasha town from Nakuru, a canopy of yellow back acacia trees line both sides of the busy highway, forming a cool shade that has defied the scorching sun that welcomes you to this otherwise dusty town.

It is hard to believe that in this seemingly dry environment, a venture such as grapes farming could be thriving. After all, the only form of farming we are used to in Kenya is maize and beans and that also only thrives in rather wet areas. Now let us surprise ourselves and visit a farm doing something people have thought is impossible in this country. 

“Welcome to Morendat Farm vineyard situated in the heart of Africa’s Great Rift Valley overlooking the scenic Mt Longonot,” says Venter as he stretches his left hand past a wire mesh that rings the fruits and picks a bunch of ripe grapes to taste. You can already feel your mouth wet with anticipation, as you can't wait to taste the purple berries looking so juicy.

Grapes farming in Kenya

Venter, the general manager of the 2,500-hectare farm, is actually a South African national and a horticulturist. He leads one of the few companies that brew wine on Kenyan soil.

According to Venter, Kenya produces a high quality of berries that are ideal for wine making. The sugar levels in ripe grapes must be between 23 and 25% for the grapes to produce sweet commercial wine, like the one they produce at their Rift Valley winery.

“What helps us produce quality wine is that we grow our fruits near the equator,” he adds.

ALSO READ:

Yes, Grapes Can Grow In Kenya And Fetch You Over Ksh.400 Per Kg

Does grape farming in Kenya need a lot of water?

To get the required sugar levels, Venter, who has been the farm manager for the last two years, says that the water consumption must be controlled.

“We are situated near the equator and since Kenya has no winter season which is used as dormancy stage for the grapes to rest and grow, then water must strictly be controlled to avoid an overgrowth of grapes,” explains Venter.

“Why should Kenya be proud of stocking wine brands from other countries while it enjoys volcanic soils, cool nights and warm days which combine to ensure slow maturation of grapes that allow us to produce fulsome wines of a unique character?” poses the 41-year-old.

Morendat Farm, which is part of the Kenya Nut Company, is the producer of the Leleshwa brand wines.

The farm produces 150,000 bottles of wine annually but has plans to do a million by the end of next year, according to Venter.

On the farm, they use machines to remove all the weeds and when planting the seedlings, “we always make sure the rows run from North to South to avoid the plants having direct contact with the sun.”

He says the seedling holes must be half a metre deep and the roots must sharply point to the centre of the hole to make sure they grow upright. The distance from one seedling to another must be 1.5m while the rows should be 2.7m apart.

ALSO READ:

Grapes Farming: How to Produce the Best Grapes in Kenya

They are then watered using a computerised drip irrigation system that makes sure each plant consumes at least two litres of water per hour twice a week.

Why Grapes farming in Kenya is best done on drips

Urea, a soluble fertiliser is also applied using the drip irrigation system. This is supplemented with compost manure from the more than 3,000 beef bulls for which Morendat Farm is also famed for. After watering, the ground around the grafted seedlings is covered with a polythene paper to ensure there is little evaporation and to suppress weeds.

Besides South Africa, the farm also imports seedlings from Israel.

After the third month, the plants are ringed with a wire mesh to keep off birds which can decimate acres if not checked.

“We normally plant between June and July and they are ready for harvest after three years. We like harvesting at the end of January or early February because that is the warmest season of the year which is crucial for better sugar levels.”

The vines, once planted, can stay in the farm for up to 30 years before they are uprooted and fresh seedlings are planted.

ALSO READ:

Grape Farming in Kenya: How Meru Farmers Are Making Crazy Money

“These current vines we’re harvesting were planted in 1995 and in the next 10 years, we shall replace them with fresh vines as they will have reached their optimum.”

One hectare under grapes has between 2,000 and 3,000 vines and a good harvest yields between 10 to 15 tonnes of grapes.

YOUNG VINES

Currently, the farm has 12 hectares of mature grapes and another 12 has young vines which are supposed to produce fruits in the next two years.

“Our target is to plant another 36 hectares to cope with the increasing demand of our wines in the shops and hotels,” says Venter, who trained as a horticulturist at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

“We have invested in irrigation with equipment imported from South Africa because water is the heart of any grape farming,” adds Venter, whose day starts at 5am until 8 or 9pm.

The farm also has a reservoir which is used as a backup whenever there is a sign of water levels going down. “I have a soft spot for horticulture as I come from a farming family. My parents, brothers, uncles are all farmers,” says the father of two boys and two girls, who has been farming for the last 25 years.

Although he is reluctant to disclose how much the farm is making, he was quick to point out that there is good money in grape farming.

However, one of the major challenges is the downy mildew disease and weevils which can be devastating if not managed.

Keep Your Grapes Farm Clean

Dr Lusike Wasilwa, the Assistant Director in-charge of Horticulture and Industrial crops at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), says a number of diseases which attack the grapes can be contained by keeping the field clean.

“Don’t let the leaves and uprooted weeds lie idle on the farm as they are alternative hosts for pests.”

Grapes seedlings are available at Kalro Horticulture Research Centre in Thika, Kiambu County.

According to Dr Wasilwa, the best soils for grapes are loam  and volcanic but clay soil is also be appropriate so long as it has enough manure. “The crops should be grown in areas with soils that do not retain a lot of water. One should also ensure they grow the correct variety.”

She added that the berries flourish in  temperatures ranging from 0 degrees  Celsius up to 40 degrees but are best harvested during hot season.

Grapes farming guide for Kenya

Grapes farming in Kenya is possible and relatively easy. However, for you to be a successful grapes farmer, you need proper information. 

Here is a booklet we wrote to give you detailed information on what you need to do to bring up great vines and sweet fruits.  

You can now get this copy from our Resources Page. You can also call or WhatsApp us on 0724698357 if you have any question. 

We also have grapes seedlings ready  for transplanting. You simply need to call us on the same number 0724698357 to make your order and we shall deliver to where you are as we guide you through on how to do the establishment of your own vineyard.