Tomato farming in Kenya.
In this article, we shall explore Tomato farming in Kenya which has been a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural sector, contributing significantly to both local consumption and export revenues. Let’s dive into the process of farming tomatoes.
Tomato Farming Process
1. Seed Selection
The first step to take into consideration in tomato farming is selecting the right variety for your specific conditions and market demand. Tomatoes are rewarding crops for farmers around the world. It is a versatile and profitable venture that can be pursued on various scales, from backyard gardens to large commercial farms.
In Kenya, there are two types of tomatoes which include indeterminate which grows taller and the farmer must ensure that the plant growth is controlled, and the terminate type which is shorter where the farmer does not need controlling the growth of the tomato plants.
The following are the tomato varieties available in the Kenyan market.
Heil Room Tomatoes: Indigenous and ideal for sandwiches, salads, and cooking.
Red Beefsteak Tomatoes: Large, flavorful, and great for various dishes.
Cherry Tomatoes: Diverse in colors and shapes.
Roma Tomatoes: Ideal for sauces and canning.
Cocktail Tomatoes: Ideal when roasting meat or preparing meals that need heat.
Grape Tomatoes: They do maintain a great sense of aroma.
Tomatoes in the vine: Have a fresh unique taste and are ideal for cooking.
Green Beef Steak Tomatoes: used for many culinary purposes.
2. Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Select gently sloping land with good drainage. Prepare the soil by loosening and breaking it down well. Ensure the site has sunlight exposure since tomatoes require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and water retention of the soil. The optimal pH for tomatoes is around 6-7.5 which is slightly acidic to neutral.
The choice of preparation method should depend on the plant requirements and soil type and should be done to depths between 200-400mm.
Make sure to plant a crop of a different family, to prevent the passing of pests and diseases to your tomatoes. A good option is Napier grass or maize farming. Soil compaction should be considered due to the compression of soil particles preventing the penetration of water, nutrients, and air into the soil. Ensure you till your land appropriately before planting your tomato seeds.
3. Nursery Establishment
In Nursery establishment ensure you start with spreading seed starter mix in a container. Sprinkle water to make it wet but not soggy. Divide the mix into smaller nurseries.
Ensure you create small holes and place one or two tomato seeds in each. For good results at the end ensure you keep the nursery moist.
4. Transplanting
Transplanting is the technique of moving a plant from one location to another. The plant populations range from 8,000 to 40,000 plants per acre, depending on whether they are grown in open fields or greenhouses.
Most often this takes the form of starting a plant from seed in optimal conditions, such as in a greenhouse or protected nursery bed.
The seedlings can cost you between Kes.8,000 to Kes.22,000 per acre. Transplant the seedlings to the field when they are 6-8 weeks old. Space the plants properly is usually 60 cm apart to avoid plant damage during harvesting.
5. Irrigation
Irrigation is the practice of applying controlled amounts of water to land to help crops grow. Tomatoes require regular watering in which drip irrigation is highly recommended.
Despite of watering being accepted ensure you avoid overwatering to prevent diseases such as Blossom End Rot Wilting and Yellowing Leaves. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Proper watering practices are essential for healthy tomato plants.
6. Fertilization
Ensure that the fertilizers that you apply to the plants consist of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Using Diammonium phosphate (DAP) for planting provides a high concentration of phosphorus, essential for robust root development and early flowering.
Apply urea for two to three weeks or Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN)that promotes continued vegetative growth and supports the development of the health of the plants after five weeks.
Once the flowering starts, top dress with NKP which provides a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen supports leafy growth, phosphorus aids in flowering and fruiting, and potassium enhances overall plant health, and you can repeat this after the first harvest. For an acre, you can spend at least Kes.16,000 to Kes.29,000 for fertilization.
7. Pest and Disease Management
Practice crop rotation and use organic pesticides to ensure that you fight pests such as Aphids, Colorado Potato Beetles, and Cutworms.
Tomato diseases include Blossom End Rot, Early Bright, Powdery Mildew, Southern Blight, and Botrytis (Gray Mold).
8. Harvesting
Ensure the harvest happens when the fruits are fully ripe. Tomatoes should be ready for harvesting from the 70th day onwards to ensure that they are mature enough.
Even though, it can defend on which variety you have used. Handle tomatoes carefully to avoid bruising. Store tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Ensure you remove any spoiled or damaged fruit immediately to prevent it from affecting the rest.
Lastly, consider preserving methods by canning, drying, or making them into tomato paste or sauce. Remember that tomato farming success depends on factors like soil quality, climate, and proper management.
9. Marketing
The price of tomatoes ranges between Kes.80 to Kes.150 per kilogram. Take into consideration that prices change during different seasons, coinciding with the long rains (March-May) and short rains (October-December).
Including labor, Fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings a farmer should have approximately Kes250,000 to Kes 300,000 to start the farming. Farmers can generate Kes 1 million per acre and the profit will be at least Kes 500,000 thousand and the remaining Kes 150,000 should be used at crop rotation to ensure the soil is out of pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Tomato farming in Kenya presents important opportunities for smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security and economic development.
By adopting best practices and receiving support from government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, tomato farmers in Kenya can unlock the full potential of this juicy crop and build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector for the future.
FAQS:
1. How long do tomatoes take to mature?
Ensure the harvest happens when the fruits are fully ripe. Tomatoes should be ready for harvesting from the 70th day onwards to ensure that they are mature enough. Even though, it can defend on which variety you have used.
2. How much can earn in one acre of tomatoes in Kenya?
Including labor, Fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings a farmer should have approximately Kes250,000 to Kes 300,000 to start the farming. Farmers can generate Kes 1 million per acre which the profit will be at least Kes 500,000 thousand and the remaining Kes 150,000 should be used at crop rotation to ensure the soil is out of pests and diseases.
