Lentil ( Lens Culinaris) Farming in Kenya

Lens culinaris, the lentils plant, has many different names. The term "lentil" is a direct reference to the word "lens", which not only references its botanical name but its shape. The legumes resemble small lenses.

A Lentil Harvest

Lentil crops are annually grown and belong to the Fabaceae plant family. The pods contain edible seeds, each pod producing at least two seeds that can be split if desired. The vine itself is quite slender with hairy, erect, branching stems.

In Kenya it is popularly known as kamande, best grown in hot areas with sandy loamy soils that drain water fast. Due to its tolerance to drought conditions, areas of Ukambani, Garissa, Wajir, Siaya, Kisumu, Narok South, Kajiado and the entire coastal region would be ideal.

Kamande Framing in Kenya: How to Successfully Grow Lentils for Sale in 21024

Economic Value

Lentils are a valuable human food, mostly consumed as dry seeds. In India it is mostly consumed as ‘Dal’ by removal of outer skin and separation of cotyledons, snacks and soup preparation et cetere. It is easy to cook and easily digestible with high biological value, hence also referred to patients. Dry leaves, stems, empty and broken pods are used as valuable cattle feed. Bold seeded, attractive shaped grains have high demand for export at premium prices.

Lentil Varieties

1. Red Chief: This is a popular variety that is known for its high yields and drought tolerance. It matures in about 90-110 days and can produce up to 2000 kilograms per acre. It is a medium-sized lentil with a red-brown color. It is resistant to a number of diseases, including fusarium wilt and ascochyta blight. 
2. Richlea: This variety is also known for its high yields and is resistant to diseases such as fusarium wilt. It matures in about 100-120 days and can produce up to 1800 kilograms per acre. It is a large-sized lentil with a yellow-brown color. It is also resistant to ascochyta blight.
3. Laird: This variety is a good choice for areas with high rainfall. It matures in about 120-130 days and can produce up to 1600 kilograms per acre. It is a medium-sized lentil with a green color. It is resistant to a number of diseases, including downy mildew and phoma pod rot.
4. Eston: This variety is a good choice for areas with low rainfall. It matures in about 90-100 days and can produce up to 1500 kilograms per acre. It is a small-sized lentil with a brown color. It is resistant to a number of diseases, including ascochyta blight and anthracnose.
5. Green lentils: These lentils are known for their nutty flavor and firm texture. They mature in about 120-130 days and can produce up to 1400 kilograms per acre. They are a small-sized lentil with a green color. They are not as resistant to diseases as some of the other varieties, but they are still a good choice for home gardens.

Soils

Overall, lentils adapt to all soil types but the key is good drainage. Plants prefer sandy loamy soils that are well-drained and fertile.

A pH of 6.0 and 6.5 is best, though the plants will grow in a soil pH up to 8.0. Avoid saline, boron or sodic soils, which may limit root growth and the plant's ability to receive moisture.

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Water Requirement

After planting, water well without flooding. Give plants about 1 inch of water per week. At least 10 inches of annual rainfall is needed. If weather conditions become dry, know that the lentil crop is drought tolerant and they can die if the water becomes water logged. 

Altitude

Lentils are well-suited for cultivation at altitudes ranging from 1,200 meters to 2,500 meters above sea level. Higher altitudes provide cooler temperatures, which are favorable for lentil growth.

Sunlight

Lentils require plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. They are considered photoperiod neutral, meaning they do not have specific day-length requirements for flowering. However, lentils thrive well in areas where the weather is cool with limited rainfall such as Siaya, Kisumu, Narok South, Kajiado. Ideal temperatures are around 25 to 35 degrees celcius.

Fertilizer Application

If your soil is naturally clumpy, add compost to loosen it. Direct contact with fertilizer may shock the seeds. Instead, inoculate seeds with Rhizobium leguminosarum; this will give the plants the nitrogen they need for ideal growth and health.

Dig a long trench on the side of each row of young plants when they are about five inches tall. Pour in compost tea and repeat when the plants start to flower.

Establishment

Choose a well-drained field with suitable soil conditions (sandy loam to loam) and proper sunlight exposure for lentil cultivation. Clear the field of weeds, debris, and rocks to create a clean planting area. Prepare the soil by plowing, harrowing, and leveling to create a smooth and even seedbed.

Seed Selection and Treatment

Select high-quality lentil seeds from reputable sources. Choose certified and disease-free seeds of a suitable lentil variety for your region. Treat seeds, if necessary, with appropriate methods such as priming, coating, inoculation with beneficial microorganisms, or fungicide treatment.

Pomelo Fruit Farming in Kenya

Planting

Use proper planting equipment, such as a seed drill or planter, to achieve consistent row spacing and seed depth. Set the planting depth on the equipment to about 2 to 4 cm. Plant lentil seeds in rows with the determined row spacing of 30 to 40 cm and within-row spacing of 5 to 10 cm and ensure uniform seed placement

Watering

Water the planting area before and after planting to ensure adequate moisture for germination. Monitor soil moisture levels regularly and provide supplementary irrigation as needed, especially during the early growth stages.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or leaves, around the seedlings to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect emerging plants.

Thinning

If seedlings are too close together, thin out once they have grown a few inches tall and maintain the desired spacing between plants.

Care and Monitoring

Monitor the lentil seedlings for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Take appropriate measures to address any issues arising and keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for resources and promote healthy lentil growth.

A lentil farming field

Common Pests and Diseases

Pests

Pests are minimal too but can be susceptible to various pests such as aphids, thrips, and pod borers, leaf miners, cut worms, whiteflies and wiremorms.  It is very rare for lentils to attract Lygus bugs, aphids, maggots, wireworms and thrips. If found, just hose or pinch them.

Diseases

Because lentil plants thrive in low humidity, they usually do not attract many diseases. Occasionally ascochyta blight, white mould, rust, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fusarium wilt or root rot may occur as a symptom of rotating lentils with the wrong crops.

In addition to wheat, corn is another good option for crop rotation. Rotate every three or four years. Avoid fava bean, field bean, field pea, mustard, canola, rapeseed, soybean, sunflower, sugar beet, and potato because they are susceptible to the same diseases.

Management of pests and Diseases

• Rotate lentils with non-host crops to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
• Choose disease-resistant lentil varieties when available.
• Remove and destroy infected plant debris to prevent disease spread.
• Implement a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods.
• Use proper plant spacing and avoid over-crowding to reduce disease incidence.
• Planting at the right time can help avoid peak pest and disease pressure.
• Keep the field weed-free to reduce pest and disease habitat.
• Regularly scout for pests and diseases to catch problems early.

Sprouted Lentils

Harvesting Lentils

Collect green pods within 70 to 80 days of planting to eat them like snap beans. When lentils are used as a dry grain, the seed is called a pulse. Harvest lentils when the lower pods are brown.

Hit a seed with a hammer and if it cracks, then it's ready to be harvested. If it mashes, let it dry on the plant longer.

Yield

The average lentil yield per acre varies depending on the variety, the growing conditions, and the management practices used. However, the average yield for lentils in Kenya is around 800-1500 kilograms per acre.

Matured Lentil Crop

Market Outlook

In the market, one kilogram of kamande costs between Sh200 – Sh350 depending on the market supply and demand.

• Seedlings per acre – 12-15 kg seeds per acre
• Spacing – 30cm for rows, 3-4 cm depth
• Market price – Ksh. 200-350
• Yield- 800-1500 kg per acre
• Common pests- aphids, thrips, and pod borers, leaf miners, cut worms, whiteflies and wire worms. 
• Common diseases – ascochyta blight, white mould, rust, powdery mildew, anthracnose, fusarium wilt or root rot
• Lifespan- 90-120 days from planting to maturity

Frequently Asked Questions

• How profitable is lentil farming in Kenya?
• How long do lentils take to mature?
• How much is 1kg of lentils in Kenya?
• How to grow lentils in Kenya?
• What are the common pests and diseases affecting lentil farming?
• What are the lentil farming water requirements?
• Do we have lentil varieties?
• What is the yield per acre for lentils?

 

 

 

 

The Kiwi Fruit Farming: A Goldmine

Kiwi is a temperate fruit and it can do well in the temperate regions of Kenya like Central, Western highlands, Central Rift Valley and others.

There are very few markets where demand exceeds supply. One such market is for Kiwi fruits which despite being a relatively new idea in Kenya, has taken the market by storm. There are very few farmers who have gotten wind of its valued benefits and you can take advantage of this loophole to make a timely investment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

The Basics of Kiwi Fruit Farming in Kenya

Growing Requirements

Soil 

The soil must be well drained. Kiwi tree vines planted where water sits on the surface following rains are likely to develop crown rot. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.5.

Kiwi tree is especially touchy about less than perfect site and soil conditions in its youth. For this reason, some growers coddle their plants in containers for one, even two, years. Kiwi tree growth can be phenomenal in carefully watered and fertilized containers.

In Kenya Kiwi should be planted during the rainy season to take advantage of long-rains but does well too under irrigation. Note that Kiwi Vines are very vulnerable to strong wings and you may need to invest a bit more to protect them by building a temporary fence or planting some trees around the farm.

Fertilizer

Also compost manure and some little amounts of fertilizer, that is D.A.P and C.A.N to provide the crop with adequate nutrients are recommended.

Pests and Diseases

Kiwi plants are susceptible to PSA, crown rot, collar rot and root rot.

Symptoms

• Reduced shoot growth. Leaves are small and chlorotic.
• Vines may collapse suddenly or show a gradual decline in productivity over several seasons.
• Red-brown discoloration of roots and root crowns which is visible when root is cut in two.

Management

Remove and destroy all infested leaves, twigs and fruits to prevent further spread of pests. Avoid water logging and keep the soil aerated.

One may also need bio-chemicals that are usually used on fruits like oranges and grapes.

Pests

Brown Leaf Roller, Green Leaf Roller, Greedy scale, Passion Vine Hopper and Thrips are some of the most common insect pests that attack kiwifruits.

Management

Avoid chemicals, as these may kill beneficial insects, like tachinid flies and parasitic wasps, which prey on leaf rollers. Bacillus thuringiensis is a safe, non-toxic treatment. Pheromone traps are also an effective means of control.

Kiwi Fruit Seedlings

Pollination

The burden of pollination rests mostly with honeybees, though wind and other beneficial insects also play a role. With few exceptions, a separate, non fruiting male plant is needed to fertilize and induce fruiting of female plants. The male should be no further than 35 feet from females. Do not be surprised if it appears that female flowers have stamens, the male flower parts. The stamens are there, but the pollen they shed is sterile. Similarly, male flowers have small, nonfunctional ovaries.

One male plant can fertilize the flowers of 8 or so females; and male and female plants need not be the same species of kiwi tree to cross-pollinate. Bloom times of male and female flowers must coincide, though.

Hand pollination is practical if you grow only a few kiwi trees. Merely pluck off a male blossom and lightly rub it on a half-dozen female flowers. Then go pluck another male, repeat the rubbing, and so forth.

Trellising

Kiwi trees are rampant plants and their trunks never become sturdy enough to hold the plants up off the ground of their own accord. Under cultivation plants must be trained to some sort of support that is both sturdy and allows vines adequate room to ramble.

A trellis used by commercial kiwi tree growers consists of wires stretched between 6-foot-high T-bar supports spaced 15 to 20 feet apart. At some sacrifice to fruit production, but with perhaps a gain in beauty, kiwi tree vines can be coaxed up a variety of other structures such as a gazebo, a pergola, or even along a split rail fence.

Kiwi Fruit Plant

Training and Pruning

The goals in training and pruning are to make a potentially tangled mass of rampant shoots manageable and easy to harvest, and to keep a vine fruitful by allowing adequate light to fall within the plant canopy. Pruning also stimulates an annual flush of new wood, important because flowers and fruits are borne toward the bases of current seasons’ shoots that grow from canes that grew the previous year only.

Not all the new shoots that grow from the previous year’s canes will fruit. Some canes may have been too shaded the year before, or the vine may be too young. Those canes that are fruitful will produce fruiting shoots at their basal half-dozen or so buds; the buds further out are capable of producing shoots that will fruit the next year.

An established kiwi tree vine consists of a trunk, permanent cordons, and fruiting arms or canes. Training and pruning are done by tying shoots to supports and pruning the plants while they are growing and they are dormant.

Girdling

Girdling is a technique that induces fruiting and hastens maturity and bud-break  by disrupting the flow of nutrients and hormones in the stems. In late summer, make two parallel cuts, one sixteenth of an inch apart, on the trunk, and remove the strip of bark from between the cuts. Do not girdle any vine that is in a weakened condition, or cut too deeply, remove just the outer bark.

Kiwi Fruits 

Harvesting

A mature kiwifruit vine can produce more than 90 kilograms of fruit. The ready kiwi fruits are harvested by snapping them off their stalks when the skins turn brown and samples of cut fruit show black seeds. The fruit will be hard, but will soften and sweeten in a week at room temperature. In a cool room, such a fruit will keep for two months. If the fruit is refrigerated to near freezing, and the humidity maintained at 95 percent with a plastic bag having just a few small holes, the fruit will store for 9 months. Let firm and ripe fruit soften before eating. This can be hastened by putting the fruit in a bag with an apple.

Hardy and super-hardy kiwifruits drop or come off easily from the vines when they are ripe. They are picked firm and ripe with their stems attached, and the small fruited kiwifruits store as well as the large kiwifruit.

The average kiwi vine takes 2 to 3 years to mature and start producing fruits. The first few harvests may however not be as productive but this tends to improve throughout the plants maturity life.

Kiwi Fruit Remains an Undiscovered Goldmine in Kenya

Market Outlook

There are very few markets where demand exceeds supply. One such market is for Kiwi fruits which despite being a relatively new idea in Kenya, has taken the market by storm. And you just need to have a taste of this fruit to understand why so many people love it.

There are very few farmers who have gotten wind of its valued benefits so far. Actually, production of Kiwi fruits in Kenya is yet to kick off on a commercial scale. Now that’s where the mammoth opportunity is. You can take advantage of this low-supply-high-demand situation in Kenya and make your profits.

Kiwi Fruit Harvest

Investing in Kiwi Fruit

Let’s start with good news; Kiwi seedlings are now available in Kenya for an affordable price of Ksh.300. You can contact Richfarm Kenya 0724698357/ 0723213602 to have clean certified seedling.

The crop management is similar to passion fruit management practices. That means you will also need trellis and enough manure and water to bring up a healthy profitable crop. See the complete guide below; it contains the cost estimates for an acre.

The Money Math

An acre of kiwi fruits carries about 650 vines. In the third year, each vine should give you about 20 fruits on the lower side. That gives you about 13,000 fruits in a season. Check out the prices in supermarkets today and you will find a retail price of between Ksh.90 and Ksh.100 per fruit. Supposing you sell the fruit at a wholesale price of Ksh.70 per fruit, that acre will give you a cool Ksh.910,000. Now keep in mind that the production increases with time.

We have compiled this comprehensive Kiwi fruit farming guide for Kenya with step-by-step information from planting through to harvesting and marketing in our resource page where you can download a copy.

NB: The ratio of male to female kiwi plants is 1:5, therefore we recommend having 5 seedlings at once to minimize the chance of you taking females only yet a male is needed for fertilization. I covered this on female and male kiwi fruits above under pollination.

• Cost per seedling ksh.300
• Seedlings per acre - 340 vines
• Spacing – 2m between lines, 6m from plant to plant
• Fruit market price – Ksh. 90-100 retail, Ksh. 70 on wholesale
• Yield – 20-30 fruits per vine in a season
• Common pests - Brown Leaf Roller, Green Leaf Roller, Greedy scale, Passion Vine Hopper and Thrips
• Common diseases - PSA, crown rot, collar rot and root rot
• Lifespan – Deciduous  

Frequently Asked Questions

•  Is Kiwi fruit profitable in Kenya?
• How long does it take for a kiwi plant to start producing fruits?
• What is the best place to grow kiwi fruits n Kenya?
• How is the Kiwi fruit market locally and for export?
• What is the cost of kiwi fruit farming in Kenya?

 

Soursop (Matomoko) Farming in Kenya: How to Take Advantage of the Increasing Demand

Soursop farming in Kenya is emerging as one of the unique and most profitable agribusiness sectors, thanks to the rising demand occasioned by increasing awareness of the health benefits of the fruit with very high antioxidants levels, locally known as Mstafeli. Soursop, scientifically known as Annona Muricata is a tropical evergreen tree that produces fruit with a prickly yellow-green skin. 

Soursop Farming in Kenya: More farmers coming on board as awareness increases

Interestingly, all the parts of the Tomoko tree, from the roots to the leaves are edible or have medicinal value. It is a fast-growing tree that starts producing fruit in the second year. The soursop fruit is sold in some of the major markets in Kenyan towns and cities including; Ngara Market, City Market, and Wakulima Market.

Soursop pulp, leaves, peels, and seeds are rich in phenolic compounds that give the fruit numerous health benefits which makes them potential sources for the extraction of bioactive compounds that can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industrial sectors. These compounds attribute functionality and value to products developed with soursop by-products.

Soursop farming in Kenya is currently done by small pockets of farmers in central and western Kenya but more and more farmers are starting to venture into its production at the Coast, Nyanza and Eastern regions. By the way, soursop (Annona Muricata) is often mistaken for custard apple (Annona Reticulata). Both types are actually indistinguishably called matomoko in most parts of Kenya. They belong to the same family- Annona, but they are two different fruits. 

Please also read: Soursop Farming in Kenya

Ideal Climatic Conditions for Soursop Farming in Kenya

The ideal regions for soursop farming include areas such as the coastal region, parts of Eastern and Nyanza, and the Lake Victoria basin. These are areas that experience the required temperatures, which range between 21 and 30 degrees Celsius, with minimal temperature fluctuations.

Soils

Soursop grows in a wide array of soils as long as the soil is well drained. A soil PH of between 5 and 6.5 is ideal. The soursop tree is small in size and may serve as an intercrop between large fruit trees.

Soursop trees prefer warm and humid conditions to thrive, they are very susceptible to low temperatures. The tree will require adequate fertilizing of which we recommend organic compost and mulching using organic material. Young trees can be supported using bamboo sticks.

Soursop Propagation

Soursop can be propagated through seeds or a vegetative method such as grafting.

When propagating from seed, select seeds from healthy, disease-free fruits and plant them. Plant well developed seedlings and ensure they are mulched to suppress weeds and to improve moisture retention in the soil.

You can sow the seeds in nursery beds or directly into polybags that are filled with rich soil. The seeds take 20-30 days to germinate. The seedlings can then be transplanted after 6-months, once they are about 30-40cm tall.

When propagating from grafting, a soursop scion from a healthy, mature plant is grafted on to a compatible rootstock.

Soursop Tree Seedlings for sale at Richfarm Kenya

Soursop Tree Establishment

It is advisable to transplant your soursop seedlings at the beginning of the rainy season. Soursop trees require adequate spacing to ensure proper air circulation and sunlight penetration and we therefore recommend a spacing of 5metres between trees and 5metres between rows. This results in a planting density of around 160 trees in an acre. The planting holes should be 60cm deep and 60cm wide to ensure the roots of your plants have enough space for establishment.

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Water Requirements

Young soursop trees should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Established trees can tolerate drought but benefit from supplemental irrigation during flowering and fruit development. Drip irrigation systems are ideal, as they conserve water while ensuring adequate moisture levels in the soil.

Fertilizer

Regular fertilizer application is key to a productive soursop orchard. Organic compost, well-rotted manure, or commercially available fertilizers rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium should be applied.

Yield

The tree starts to flower and eventually fruit in the third year, fruits are harvested when they are fully developed but still green. On maturity fruit may emerge anywhere on the tree or trunk, branches or twigs. Thereafter it takes 2-4 days to ripen. A single tree can produce 60-70 fruits in a year. 

Pests and Diseases

There are various pest and diseases that attack the soursop tree. Locally it is more vulnerable to the fruit flies, mealy bugs, scale insects and aphids.

Management

Plant disease free seedlings and monitor your plants for any pests and diseases. Neem oil or organic pesticides can be used to control pests.

Diseases

Soursop fruit tree diseases such as anthracnose and root rot may also occur, especially in poorly drained soils.

Management

You should ensure proper sanitation, regular pruning, and use of fungicides where necessary. In case of any attacks consult your extension officer; we do also assist farmers by offering them professional advice concerning the same.

Thorn Melon Farming

Harvesting

Harvesting is usually done manually by cutting the fruit from the stem using something sharp to avoid bruising. The fruit should be handled with care when harvesting to avoid bruising it. After harvest prune slightly as you eliminate dead wood. 

Soursop may be directly consumed when ripe or processed into ice cream, syrup, smoothies, juice, pulp etc. The fruit has a white fleshy and fibrous pulp with a sweet sour flavor and is rich in vitamin B and C. The fruits are highly perishable and should be consumed, sold or processed within 3-5 days after harvesting. For extended shelf life, soursop can be processed into juices, purees, or frozen for export.

Market

Soursop is a highly nutritious fruit, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It has a unique sweet-sour flavor and is used in making fresh juices, smoothies, ice cream, and desserts. Soursop has also gained popularity for its medicinal properties, particularly in alternative medicine where it is believed to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic properties.

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In Kenya, there is growing demand for soursop in local markets, especially in health-conscious urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa.

Soursop is considered a super food due to its high Vitamin C content and it’s rich antioxidant properties. Kenya has the potential to tap into the growing international market particularly in Europe, Middle East and North America, where demand for exotic fruit is high. Exporting processed soursop products, such as juice and pulp, offers additional revenue streams for Kenyan farmers.

• Cost per seedling - ksh.350
• Seedlings per acre - 160 trees
• Spacing - 5m by 5m
• Fruit price - 200 per kg locally
• Yield - 60-70 fruits per tree annually
• Common pests - mealy bugs, aphids, fruit flies, scale insects
• Common diseases - Root rot, Anthracnose
• Lifespan - Perennial

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are economic uses of soursop
• Which are the ideal places to plant soursop trees?
• How long does a soursop tree take to grow?
• Is soursop fruit farming very profitable?
• How is the market for the soursop fruit locally?
• What are the nutritional benefits of soursop fruit?
• What are the ideal climatic conditions for soursop fruit farming in Kenya?

 

A Detailed Guide on Tomato Farming in Kenya

Tomato is a member of the Solanaceae family which includes crops such as Irish Potato, Sweet Pepper, Chili and Egg Plant. Tomato is one of the most produced and consumed vegetables in Kenya and an important cash crop for large scale and smallholder farmers which is highly profitable if planted, cared for and managed well. It is mainly grown in open fields, however green house tomato production is growing in popularity. It is a nutritious crop that is rich in Vitamin A, C and Lycopene. It is eaten fresh, added to salads, cooked as a vegetable or processed into tomato paste, jam, sauce, puree, and juice.

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Varieties

There are determinate and indeterminate tomato which refers to the growth habit

Determinate

Determinate tomatoes are small, compact plants. They grow to a certain height, stop then flower and set all their fruit within a short period of time. The harvest period for determinate tomatoes is generally short, making them good choices for canning.

Indeterminate

Indeterminate tomato varieties continue to grow and set fruit until frost, while determinate (or bush) tomatoes reach their mature height, set all their fruit at once, and stop growing at a predetermined size. All tomato plants are vines, but indeterminate tomatoes grow much longer than determinate varieties.

well-staked tomato crop at Naivasha Farm

Determinate Varieties.

a. Rio Grande

It is a fresh market and processing variety. The plant is slightly bushy and can be staked or left unstaked. It is quite tolerant to verticillium and fusarium wilt and a maturity period of 75 – 85 days after transplanting. It gives a yield of 18,000kg per acre.

b. Assila F1

It is a determinate variety and early maturing in a period of 75 days. It is tolerant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus and nematodes. It produces fruits with an attractive red color with oval shape and heavy sweet fruits. It gives a yield of 23,000kg per acre. It is a good storage quality and easy to transport.

c. Kilele F1

This is a medium to early maturing determinate type. It is suitable for drier or humid areas and disease tolerant to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, Tomato Mosaic Virus, Verticillium, Fusarium Wilt and Nematodes. It has firm and elongated and has a shelf life of 21 days. It has a maturity period of 75 days after transplanting.

It has a yield of 30,000 – 35,000kg per acre. It is an open pollinated determinate variety that is tolerant to Verticilium and  Fusarium Wilt. The plant produces red blocky shaped fruits and are easy store and transport well. The maturity period is 75 - 85 days after transplanting and has a yield of 11,000 – 13,000kg per acre.

d. Eden F1

It is a determinate and vigorous growing variety has a good tolerance to Alternaria Canker, Verticillium Wilt, Fusarium Wilt, Nematodes and Bacterial Speck. It produces deep red blocky fruits and have a long shelf life. The maturity period is 75 days after transplanting and a yield of 40,000-50,000kg per acre:  9 – 10 kg per plant.

 Rambo F1

 A determinate variety that’s vigorous with uniformly set and firm fruits. It has tolerance for Bacterial wilt, Bacterial spot, Fusarium wilt, Verticilium wilt and Nematodes. It has a maturity period of 75 days after transplanting and a yield of 30,000kg per acre with  good shelf life and transport quality

Anna F1

It is a hybrid and indeterminate fresh market variety that produces blocky oval red fruits that have a long shelf life, tolerance to Fusarium, Verticillium Wilt, Alternaria Stem Canker and Nematodes. It is an ideal greenhouse Tomato with a maturity period of 75 days after transplanting and a yield of 64,000kg.

Other Determinate varieties grown in Kenya include Fortune Maker F1, Novel, Nuru, Valoria F1 and Zawadi F1.

Other Indeterminate varieties grown in Kenya include Nemoneta, Tylka F1 and Prostar F1

Cherry Tomato Farming Venture in Kenya

How to Pick Varieties.

The selection of a variety needs to be based on the growth habit, disease resistance or tolerance: indicated by initials after variety name, for example “F” for fusarium wilt, “N” for nematodes. You need to look at the fruit type, that is, shape, size and color. The market requirement will determine fruit type, that is for processing it needs an intense red color and more solids and for fresh market, the shape, color and size vary.

Hybrid or open pollinated varieties give higher yields but are more expensive

Tomato crop seedlings

Optimal Ecological Requirements

Tomato can be cultivated up to 2,000 m above sea level.Tomato performs well in areas that receive over 600 mm of rainfall annually and it should be well distributed throughout the growing season. Tomato performs well in warm climatic conditions with temperatures of 20 – 25 degrees Celsius and 15 – 17 degrees Celsius respectively. They require well drained sandy loam, or clay loam soils. The optimal soil pH range is 6.0 – 7.5.

Raising Seedlings

Tomato can be established through the nursery or directly seeded. Normally, it is raised in nursery before transplanting. The seed rate is about 40 – 75 grams per acre. The seed trays can also be used to raise seedlings.

Nursery Site Selection

The nursery should be sited in a plot that has not been planted with a member of Solanaceae family for the last 3 years. Choose a site with good drainage.

Nursery Establishment

Prepare a seedbed of 1 meter width and of a convenient length. Make drills on the seedbed at a spacing of 10 – 20 cm apart. Thinly sow the seeds in the drills and cover lightly with soil.

Management of Nursery

Water the nursery regularly. Harden the seedlings 1 – 2 weeks before transplanting by reducing the frequency of watering and gradually exposing the seedlings to direct sunlight. Insects such as whiteflies can transmit viruses to young tomato plants hence should be controlled using recommended. These insects can be blocked from reaching the seedlings by use of an insect proof net.

Transplanting

The seedlings are transplanted 30 – 45 days after seed sowing.  It is recommended that transplanting should be done either early in the morning or late in the evening .

Spacing

Spacing range from 75 – 100 cm between rows by 40 – 60 cm between seedlings depending on the variety. The plant population per acre range from 6,600 to 13,000. Appropriate spacing produces short, stocky plants with good root system

Fertilizer

Apply 2 – 3 handfuls of manure per planting hole, 10 g of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) per planting hole, approximately 80 kg per acre. Apply Muriate of Potash (MOP) to enhance availability of potassium

Water Requirement

Tomato is sensitive to water deficit immediately after transplanting, during flowering and fruit development. Plants should be provided with adequate water. Tomato plants are sensitive to water logging and flooded fields should be drained within 1 – 3 days

Irrigation

Furrow and drip irrigation are the most effective methods. Furrow irrigation minimizes spread of fungal diseases such as Early Blight. Drip irrigation on the other hand is efficient on water utilization. Overhead irrigation encourages spread of diseases such as Early Blight.

Weeding

Avoid bruising the roots during weeding and this can be done through use of appropriate weeding tools. Generally, keep the field weed free as much as possible to avoid competition for nutrients, sunlight and moisture. Weeding Tomato field when the soil is wet can increase the spread of some bacterial and fungal diseases.

Top-dressing

Tomato crop should be fertilized with organic and inorganic chemical fertilizers to produce high yields. Top-dressing fertilizer such as CAN should be applied in 2 splits at 40 kg and 80 kg per acre at 4 and 8 weeks after transplanting. Use the circular band around the stem application method. Inadequate top-dressing can result into physiological disorders such as hollow cavities and poor taste in fruits due to potassium deficiency, blossom-end rot due to an imbalance between Nitrogen, Calcium and soil moisture.

Also see Lettuce Farming in Kenya: Step-by-Step Process for Farming Lettuces

Crop Management

Training and Staking

Indeterminate varieties need staking/training to facilitate pruning, harvesting and other cultural practices. Determinate varieties may be staked in wet season or mulched to prevent fruit contact with the soil. Staking materials can be wooden stakes, bamboo or any sturdy material. Strings, plastic strips or other material can be used to train the plant to the stake.

Pruning

This practice is necessary for the indeterminate varieties. It involves removal of side shoots, extra flowers, fruits and diseased leaves. It leads to early maturity of fruits and encourages fruits to increase in size and uniformity. Sterilize pruning blades by use of chlorine bleach and water at a ratio of 1:1. Use of unsterilized blades, and smoking can lead to spread of diseases like Bacterial Wilt.

Pests and Diseases

Pest damage causes a reduction in quality and quantity of produce. The following are the major pests of Tomato in Kenya, African Bollworm, Red Spider Mites, Tobacco Whitefly, Root-knot Nematode, Thrips and Tuta absoluta.

Management

Tilling and ploughing of old tomato field exposes pupa to desiccation and natural enemies. Planting of trap crops like cucumber, maize and African marigold which attract the pest before it attacks tomatoes: there is need to synchronize planting of both maize and tomatoes so that they flower at same time. Also use of recommended selective pesticides in managing the pests.

Diseases

Disease infection leads to reduction in quality and quantity of produce • The following are the major diseases and physiological disorders of Tomato in Kenya: a. Damping-off b. Late Blight c. Early Blight d. Bacterial Wilt e. Tomato Mosaic f. Blossom-end Rot and Fusarium Wilt.

Management

Use certified seed and avoid locating the seedbed on infested field. Avoid excessive fertilizer application and watering to young seedlings while still at nursery bed. Practice crop rotation. Remove all volunteer crops that are more susceptible to this disease and prune and stake in order to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Don’t forget to sterilize your pruning tools.

Harvesting

Maturity period of the tomato crop range between 3 – 4 months after transplanting depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Tomato crop can be harvested at different stages depending on the market requirement and distance to the market. 

There are four main harvesting stages, mature-green Stage where the fruit is green but internal gel is well developed, breaker or turning stage: up to 30 % of fruit surface has definite color break from green to yellow, Pink or Light Red Stage: 30 – 90 % fruit surface has pink or red color and Red or Ripe Stage: over 90 % fruit surface has changed to red color. Fruits should be harvested early in the morning when it is cool since the fruit temperature is low. Harvested fruits should be kept in a cool, shaded and ventilated area in order to minimize heat gain. Where necessary, wipe fruits to remove dirt. The yields vary from 12,000 – 40,000kg per acre depending on the variety and crop husbandry.

Tomato Crop Harvest

5. Post-Harvest Handling

Tomatoes are normally packed in wooden & plastic crates. Sorting is done to remove damaged or diseased fruits. Grading is done depending on the uniformity of ripening and fruit size. There are three main tomato grades, Grade 1: big size fruits of uniform color and shape, Grade 2: medium size fruits of uniform color and shape and Grade 3: small size fruits with slight variation in color and shape.

Pruning: The Importance of Pruning in Fruit Trees Management

We are always happy to hear from and help you. If you would like help in tomato farming, like getting high quality seedlings, advice on the best pest control methods and more, do not hesitate to call us on 0724698357/0723213602

• Cost per seedling- Ksh. 5
• Seedlings per acre- dependent on variety
• Spacing- 45cm by 60 cm
• Fruit price- determined by market supply and demand
• Yield-  12,000-40,000kg per acre dependent on tomato variety
• Common pests- African Bollworm, Red Spider Mites, Tobacco Whitefly, Root-knot Nematode, Thrips and Tuta absoluta
• Common diseases- Damping-off, Late Blight, Early Blight, Bacterial Wilt, Tomato Mosaic, Blossom-end Rot and Fusarium Wilt.
• Lifespan- determinate: 6-8 months, Indeterminate: 2 or more years.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much can an acre of tomatoes produce in Kenya?
• How long do tomatoes take to mature?
• What are the steps of producing tomatoes?
• How profitable are tomatoes?
• How much is the cost of producing tomatoes in Kenya?