EggPlant Farming in Kenya: Step by Step Guide

Eggplant, known as biringani in Swahili is a member of the nightshade family. Eggplant is a glossy, purple skinned fruit though there are those that come in green, white or stripped colours depending on the variety. It is a warm season fruit that is suitable for cultivation in many regions of Kenya and the world in general.

Egg Plant Fruit.

Variety Selection

Choosing the right eggplant variety is crucial for successful farming. Varieties differ in fruit size, shape, colour, and maturity time, allowing farmers to select those best suited for their growing conditions and market preferences. Some of the popular eggplant varieties include;

• Black beauty

This variety produces large, dark purple fruits with a smooth glossy skin. It has an excellent flavour and is also very productive. It takes 100 days from transplanting to harvesting. It has a longer shelf life.

• Long Purple

As the name suggests, this variety produces elongated, slender fruits with a deep purple colour. It takes about 70-80 days from transplanting to harvesting. It is well suited for grilling and roasting.

• White egg

This variety produces small to medium-sized eggplants with a creamy white colour. It has a mild flavour and tender texture.

Soil Preparation

Eggplants thrive in well-drained, fertile soils that have a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged animal manure to improve soil structure and fertility. It is important to take a soil test before getting into the farming as it helps you determine nutrient and pH levels, allowing you to make any necessary amendments before planting.

Planting and Ideal Spacing for Eggplants

Eggplants can be propagated from seeds or transplants. When propagating from seeds, start the seeds for about 6-8 weeks before transplanting them. When planting the eggplants, space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows with 24-36 inches between rows to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to increased pest and disease pressure and reduced yields.

Watering and Fertilization

Eggplants require consistent moisture throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and fruit development. You can water deeply at least twice or thrice a week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.

Fertilize eggplants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production. Side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support vigorous growth.

Common Pests and Disease in Egg plant farming and their management

Like many crops, eggplants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect yield and quality if not properly managed. Some of the common eggplant pests include flea beetles, aphids, spider mites and tomato horn worms. Diseases such as bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew can also pose challenges.

Regular scouting and early intervention are key to preventing pest and disease outbreaks and minimizing damage to the crop.

Harvesting and Post-harvest egg plant handling techniques

Eggplants are typically ready for harvest 60-80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest the fruits when they are firm, glossy, and fully mature before the seeds become hard and bitter. Cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle your harvested eggplants with care to avoid damage. Store them in a cool place to extend their shelf life.

Eggplants are best consumed fresh but can also be stored up in refrigerators for longer-term storage.

“Where do I sell my eggplants?”

The market for eggplants can vary depending on factors such as location, consumer preferences, and market demand. Here are some potential markets where you can sell your eggplants, however.

• ·      Grocery stores and Supermarkets

Many grocery stores and supermarkets source their produce locally or regionally to meet consumer demand for fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. You can contact local grocery stores or supermarket chains to inquire about selling your eggplants through their produce department.

• ·      Restaurants and Food service providers.

Restaurants, catering companies, and other food service providers often purchase large quantities of fresh produce to use in their dishes. Establish relationships with local chefs and food service businesses to supply them with fresh eggplants for their menus.

• ·      Online Marketplaces

E- commerce platforms are a good market space to sell your produce directly to consumers. Make use of them accordingly.

• ·      Food Processing companies

In addition to selling your fresh egg plants, you can also consider selling processed eggplants products such as pickled eggplant, eggplant spreads, or frozen eggplant slices. Establish connection with food processing companies to supply them with quantities of eggplants for processing into value-added products.

Popcorn Maize Farming in Kenya: Making Higher Returns From Popcorn Than Regular Maize

Popcorn as the name suggests is a type of maize that pops when heated. Its unique popping ability has made it a cherished snack enjoyed by people all around the world.

Traditionally, maize farming has been a staple in Kenya and in the quest for diversification and higher returns, we have farmers who are turning their attention to popcorn, a variant of maize specifically cultivated for its popping quality. The rise of popcorn farming in Kenya can be attributed to factors such as its growing demand both domestically and internationally, its low-calorie and high fiber content and its adaptability to Kenya’s conducive climate and fertile soils.

Popcorn Snack

In Kenya, several varieties of popcorn are cultivated, each with its own unique characteristics suited to different agro-ecological zones. Some of the popular varieties of popcorn cultivated in Kenya include butterfly, mushroom, and rice popcorn. These varieties vary in kernel size, shape, and popping characteristics, allowing farmers to choose the most suitable option based on factors such as soil type, climate, and market demand.

Popcorn farming in Kenya typically follows similar cultivation practices to traditional maize farming. Its planting entails ploughing the land followed by planting the seeds either manually or using mechanized equipment such as planters. Adequate spacing between rows and proper control are essential to optimize crop growth and yield. In regions with irregular rainfall partners, supplementary irrigation may be necessary to manage the issue of moisture stress.

Harvesting

Harvesting of popcorn usually occurs when the kernels have reached physiological maturity. Unlike field corn, which is harvested for grain, popcorn is harvested for its dried kernels. The ears of popcorn are typically handpicked from the stalks and allowed to air dry in the field or in well-ventilated storage facilities.

Benefits that come with popcorn farming.

Popcorn farming offers numerous benefits to the farmers like,

·      Higher Returns

Popcorn generally commands a higher price in the market compared to regular maize, providing farmers with increased income potential.

·      Employment opportunities

The expansion of popcorn farming has created opportunities along the value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and distribution.

Market opportunities.

The demand for popcorn in Kenya is driven by both domestic consumption and export markets. Locally, popcorn is a popular snack enjoyed in households, cinemas, and entertainment venues. Supermarkets and malls are offering the greatest local markets in Kenya by supplying the popcorn seeds and snack as well. At the moment, one kilogram of popcorn seeds is going for about ksh400-ksh500 in local supermarkets in Kenya.

Internationally, Kenyan popcorn has gained recognition for its quality and flavour, opening export opportunities to markets in Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Chili Farming in Kenya:Making Huge Amounts of Cash From Chili Farming.

 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.

Chilli Farming 

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.

Benefits Of Using Chicken Manure For Farming: A Hidden Treasure You Should Know About in 2024

Your 2 or 3 chicken are a potential wealth to your agricultural practices. Chicken manure often seen as a humble by product of poultry farming is a rich and hidden treasure that can boost agricultural practices greatly. Beyond its role as a fertilizer, chicken manure holds untapped potential for enhancing soil health, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable farming methods. In this article we shall explore more about the benefits of using chicken manure.

Chicken manure, a treasure for farming

1.    Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer.

Chicken manure is a potent fertilizer rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). These are nutrients that are very crucial for plant growth and development, providing a natural boost to soil fertility. Additionally, chicken manure contains secondary nutrients and a trace of elements that are often lacking in synthetic fertilizers, promoting balanced nutrition for crops.

2.    Slow-Release Nutrient Source.

One of the most outstanding things about chicken manure is its ability to release nutrients gradually overtime. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can leach into the soil or cause nutrient imbalances, chicken manure breaks down slowly over time providing a steady supply of nutrients to plants. This slow-release mechanism not only sustains crop growth but also reduces the risk of nutrient run off, protecting water quality and ecosystem health.

3.    Microbial Activation

Chicken manure is a hotspot of microbial activity, hosting diverse communities of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. These microbes play crucial roles in soil nutrient cycling, decomposition, and disease suppression. When applied to the soil, chicken manure inoculates the ecosystem with beneficial microbes, enhancing soil biodiversity and resilience to environmental stressors.

4.    Soil Structure Improvement

Beyond its nutrient content, chicken manure improves soil structure.  Its high organic matter content enhances soil aggregation, leading to better water infiltration, aeration, and root penetration. Soils amended with chicken manure exhibit improved water retention, reduced erosion, and increased resistance to compaction, creating optimal growing conditions for crops.

5.    Ph Balancing

Chicken manure contains alkaline compounds that can help balance soil pH, particularly in acidic soils by buffering the soil pH. Chicken manure creates a more hospitable environment for plants roots, improving nutrient uptake and overall crop health.

6.    Disease Suppression

Studies show that chicken manure contains antimicrobial properties, which can suppress soil-borne pathogens and pests. When incorporated into the soil, these compounds inhibit the growth of harmful fungi, bacteria, and nematodes, reducing the incidence of crop diseases.

6 Simple Steps To Overcoming Stunted Growth In Your Plants

Having plants with stunted growth can be very frustrating for any farmer or gardener. Seeing your plants not thriving as they should be is a bit disheartening. However, understanding the reasons behind stunted growth and implementing appropriate solutions can help your plants flourish once again.

Causes of Stunted Growth.

1.    Poor Soil quality

Poor soil is that which lacks essential nutrients that can hinder plant growth. The only way you can know about the quality of your soil is by carrying out a soil test to determine its pH level and nutrient content. If the soil is less of nutrient, you can improve on the soil fertility by adding organic matter such as compost or manure to encourage continuous growth.

2.    Improper Watering

Both under watering and over watering can stunt your plants growth. A plant should be watered with the right amount of water, that which is able to meet their specific needs. To avoid stunted growth, it is important to consider factors such as soil drainage, plant type, and environmental conditions when developing a watering schedule.

3.    Insufficient Light

Plants require adequate light for photosynthesis, a process by which they produce energy for growth. Insufficient light can result in weak, stunted growth. If potted, you can position your plants in an area that receives maximum artificial lighting, or you can consider supplemental lighting. If planting on a field, choose an open area that receives maximum sunlight.

4.    Pests and Diseases

Pests such as aphids, mites, and diseases like fungal infections can weaken plants and stunt their growth. It is important to regularly inspects your plants for any signs of pests and diseases and take the appropriate management strategies on time.

5.    Temperature Stress

Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can negatively impact plant growth. Providing adequate insulation or shading during extreme weather conditions can help protect your plants. Mulching around the plants can help regulate the soil temperatures as well.

6.    Root bound

When plants outgrow their containers, their roots become crowded leading to stunted growth. Transplanting them into larger pots or dividing them can alleviate this issue.

Understanding the reason behind stunted growth in plants is the first step towards implementing effective solutions. By addressing the reasons, you will have helped your plants overcome stunted growth and thrive once again.

My Oranges Are Splitting Terribly: How Can I overcome Orange Splitting?

 Encountering splitted oranges on your tree is one of the most disappointing things you will come across as you take a walk in your farm. Your mind will get rolling wondering what reason that could be. Worry not! In this article, I will explore a number of possible causes why your oranges could be splitting and suggest ways on how you can stop that. Keep reading!

A photo of Splitted Oranges

Causes of orange splitting.

The main cause of fruit splitting is often attributed to fluctuations in environmental conditions, particularly.

• Inconsistent watering-Fluctuations in watering, particularly irregular deep watering followed by dry periods, can cause oranges to split. When the soil becomes overly dry and then suddenly receives a large amount of water, the fruit may expand too quickly, leading to splitting.

Management: Maintain a regular watering schedule to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the tree also helps retain soil moisture.

• Temperature fluctuations- Rapid changes in temperatures, especially during the ripening period, can stress the fruit and result in splitting. This is particularly common in regions where temperatures vary greatly between day and night.

Managing temperatures to reduce the risk of fruit splitting involves implementing practices that help moderate temperature extremes and minimize stress on the fruit. They include mulching whereby organic mulch is applied around the base of the plant to help regulate soil temperature and moisture. Maintaining consistent and adequate irrigation is also necessary to help regulate and provide moisture to the trees during hot weather.

• Varietal susceptibility – Certain orange varieties are more prone to splitting than others. Varieties with thinner or more delicate skins are generally more susceptible to splitting under adverse conditions. Navel oranges are more associated with splitting though other varieties may split as well.
• Nutritional deficiency- Nutritional deficiency, particularly minerals like boron and calcium can weaken cell walls and affect the fruit structure making the fruit prone to splitting as it expands.

Managing fruit splitting due to nutritional deficiencies involves addressing the underlying nutrient imbalances. This is only made possible by conducting soil tests to determine the nutrient levels and adjusting fertilization accordingly. You can also use foliar sprays that contain the deficient nutrients to provide a quick uptake for the plants, especially during critical growth stages.

• Pests and Diseases – Damage caused by pests or diseases, such as citrus borers or fungal infections, can weaken the fruit’s skin and make it more prone to splitting.

Management: Prune trees to improve air circulation and reduce humidity which can prevent fungal diseases. Apply the ideal insecticides or fungicides as recommended by your farm expert.

Urban Farming: Farming Fresh Produce Out of Our Urban Spaces

You do not have to own a land for you to be a farmer. The most important bit is to have the willingness, passion, and readiness to be one. For those leaving in urban areas, a balcony, a rooftop, public spaces such as parks, sidewalks etc are enough for you to actualize your dream of being a farmer. The practice of growing food and other crops in urban areas such as cities and towns is what we refer to as urban farming.

Urban farming involves a number of techniques that include,

1.    Rooftop gardens

This involves utilizing rooftop spaces on buildings to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even small fruit trees. Rooftop gardens transform unused rooftops into productive green spaces that help in mitigating the urban heat by absorbing it and providing natural insulation for buildings. Setting up of rooftop gardens require careful planning and consideration to ensure the building can support the additional weight of soil, plants, and infrastructure. It is important that a structural engineer assesses the building before setting up your rooftop garden.

2.    Vertical farming

This practice involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often indoors using hydroponic or aeroponic systems. This is a technique that maximizes on the space efficiency and allows for year-round production.

3.    Hydroponics

It involves cultivating plants without soil, instead using nutrient-rich water solutions. Hydroponic systems are best and popular in urban areas due to their space saving nature and ability to be implemented indoors. They can be designed by vertically stacking growing trays or utilizing compact growing structures.

4.    Window farms

In window farming, plants may be grown in soil or hydroponic systems that are installed indoors near windows or other sources of natural light to grow herbs and vegetables. Window farms are very ideal for apartments and small living spaces that have limited outdoor access. Window farms typically consist of stacked or hanging containers that hold plants and growing medium. The containers are often made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles, jars, fabric pockets etc. They are normally arranged vertically to optimize on the space.

5.    Green walls

Vertical structures covered with vegetation, often using hydroponic or soil-based systems. Green walls generally improve air quality, provide insulation, and add aesthetic value to urban environments.

6.    Container gardening

Growing plants in pots, containers, or other vessels instead of planting them directly into the ground. The containers can be placed in balconies, rooftops, and windowsills etc.

What can I grow in my urban farm?

Depending on the available space, sunlight, and climate conditions, urban farmers can experiment with a wide variety of crops that include, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce, herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley etc, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, strawberries, radishes, carrots, flowers etc.

Why urban farming?

• It gives access to fresh, nutritious food- Urban farming allows individuals to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, providing access to nutritious produce without relying solely on grocery stores. It contributes to healthier diets and reduce reliance on processed foods.
• Environmental sustainability- By growing food locally, urban farmers can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution. Additionally, many urban farming practices prioritize sustainability by using organic growing methods, conserving water and promoting biodiversity.
• Green space enhancement- Urban farming brings greenly into urban environments, improving air quality, mitigating the heat island effect. It beautifies neighbourhoods, enhances property values, and creates spaces for relaxation and recreation.
• Food security and resilience-By cultivating local food systems, urban farming contributes to food security by reducing reliance on fragile global supply chains. It empowers communities to take control of their production and build resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and economic uncertainty.

Urban farming offers a multitude of benefits for individuals, communities, and the environment. By engaging in urban farming practices, it contributes to healthier, more sustainable and more resilient communities while enjoying the rewards of growing their own food.