Garlic farming in Kenya
In this article, we shall explore Garlic farming in Kenya popularly known as ‘Kitunguu saumu’. Garlic has witnessed a significant stream globally, driven not only by its culinary significance but also its acclaimed health benefits. The best places to cultivate garlic includes Nakuru, Meru, Kajiado and Narok. Let’s dive into garlic farming in Kenya.
What is garlic farming?
They do well in humid areas with low sunshine, moderate rainfall, and low temperatures in places such as Nakuru, Meru, Kajiado and Narok are the best in Kenya. The following is the garlic farming process in Kenya.
Site selection and soil preparation
Garlic farming requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Garlic grows best in loose soil. Ensure you till the land to a depth of 6-8 inches. If your farm has compact soil such as clay, you can put a layer of small rocks at the bottom of the trench.
It’s adaptable to various climates, but it’s important to select a variety suitable for your specific region. The soil should be rich and sandy with high organic matter.
Climatic Requirements
Garlic thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. In Kenya, regions with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level, such as Nakuru, Meru, Machakos, Kajiado, and Nyeri, provide ideal conditions for garlic cultivation.
These areas offer the cool temperatures and moderate rainfall necessary for optimal growth.
Seed selection
Garlic growing is done using seed cloves. Three varieties are normally used here in Kenya which include.
- Soft-neck garlic: Soft-neck garlic is one of the common varieties in the market that produces fewer but large cloves on each head.
- Elephant garlic: It has a large head composed of huge cloves.
- Hard-neck garlic: It is mostly preferred in the Kenyan market because it is perishable. It has larger and fewer cloves on each head.
Planting
Before planting ensure that the land has good soil drainage. Plant your cloves by placing their root-down then cover the clove with loose soil. It is recommended to space your cloves 6 inches apart and bury them 2-3 inches deep. This is when the weather is cool and moist, which is ideal for garlic farming in Kenya.
Watering
Garlic needs a relatively small amount of water. Regular watering is essential, but the soil should be kept moist, not wet to prevent rot. The drip irrigation system is the preferred method of irrigation in the garlic farming process since it helps in reducing risks and diseases.
Pest and Disease Management
Garlic farming in Kenya faces various pests and diseases such as thrips, nematodes, and fungal infections such as white rot and purple blotch.
Farmers should utilize integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation, the use of resistant varieties, and the application of biopesticides to ensure healthy harvest.
Harvesting
Harvest garlic bulbs when the leaves start to brown and die back which is typically 6-9 months after planting. Timing should be observed to ensure the crops are well-matured.
Storage
Store garlic bulbs in a cool, dry place that is well-ventilated for 2-3 weeks to promote drying which will help in enhancing storage quality. Proper storage can extend the garlic’s shelf life for several months without damage.
Market
The demand for garlic consumption continues to rise. In Kenya a ton an acre can produce 8 tones of garlic where per ton will cost Kes 150,000 which will cost per kg Kes 150.The garlic farming profit per acre is approximately Kes 1,300,000 to Kes1,350,000 per acre.
Considering labor, Fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings a farmer should have approximately Kes 300,000 to Kes 350,000 to start garlic farming. If the farmers generate Kes 1.3 million per acre the profit will be at least Kes 900,000 thousand and the remaining Kes 100,000 should be used at crop rotation to ensure the soil is out of pests and diseases.
Benefits of garlic farming in Kenya
Are you looking for the best crop to solve your culinary delights and boost your health? Garlic is the best for you which has an easy farming process with the following benefits:
- It can be used in a variety of dishes, making it popular with consumers.
- It is known to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, among other things.
- It boosts the immune system.
- It promotes cardiovascular health.
- It is rich in antioxidant elements that inhibit the growth of cancer tumors.
- It helps reduce the cholesterol levels in the body.
Challenges of garlic farming in Kenya
Garlic crops in Kenya highly face pest and diseases pressure that are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
- Thrips
- Nematodes
- White rot
Garlic farming in Kenya faces market volatility due to fluctuating market prices and limited market access can impact the profit.
Conclusion
Garlic farming can be quite profitable in Kenya due to the growing demand for its culinary and medicinal uses.
It has provided insights into local market channels, including wholesale markets, supermarkets, and direct sales to consumers, as well as potential export destinations and requirements, empowering garlic farmers to make informed marketing decisions and maximize their returns on investment.
The crop is also resilient to climate variability and has relatively low water requirements, making it a sustainable choice for farmers.
FAQS:
1. How much is a kg of garlic in Kenya?
In Kenya a ton an acre can produce 8 tones of garlic where per ton will cost Kes 150,000 which will cost per kg Kes 150.
2. How long does garlic take to mature?
Harvest garlic bulbs when the leaves start to brown and die back which is typically 6-9 months after planting.
3. Which are the best garlic varieties in Kenya?
Three varieties are normally used here in Kenya which includes.
Soft-neck garlic: Soft-neck garlic is one of the common varieties in the market that produces fewer but large cloves on each head.
Elephant garlic: It has a large head composed of huge cloves.
Hard-neck garlic: It is mostly preferred in the Kenyan market because it is perishable. It has larger and fewer cloves on each head.
