Turmeric farming in Kenya is becoming a game-changer for small and large-scale farmers. This golden spice, known for its colour, taste, and health benefits, is in high demand across the country.
Used in food, medicine and cosmetics, turmeric offers good returns with proper care and planning. Farmers in regions such as Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Kitui, and Makueni have already embraced this crop.
Whether you’re new to farming or looking to diversify, turmeric farming in Kenya can be a rewarding investment.
How to Succeed in Turmeric Farming in Kenya
Turmeric is grown from rhizomes and does well in warm and moist conditions. It is a long-season crop but worth the wait, offering high yields and good market prices. With the right soil, care and variety, farmers can enjoy steady income from this golden root.
Suitable Growing Areas and Conditions
Turmeric is mainly grown in the coastal regions such as Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Taita Taveta. Other counties like Kitui and Makueni also have favourable conditions.
To grow turmeric successfully, consider the following:
- Rainfall: At least 1,500mm annually.
- Altitude: 0–1,500 metres above sea level.
- Temperature: Between 20°C and 35°C.
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy loamy soil rich in organic matter.
- pH: Between 5.5 and 7.5.
Avoid water-logged soils, which can lead to root and rhizome rot.
Popular turmeric varieties grown in Kenya include:
- Madras
- Alleppey Finger
- Rajapuri
- Erode
- Salem
- Lakadong
- Suguna
- Ranga
Each variety has unique traits in flavour, yield and curcumin content. Choose one based on your local climate and market preference.
Land Preparation and Planting Techniques
Start by ploughing the land to a depth of 35–40 cm. The soil should be broken down to a fine tilth to allow good root penetration. Mix the soil with well-decomposed organic manure—about 15 tonnes per acre is recommended.
After preparing the land, form raised beds 15 cm wide, leaving about 50 cm between beds. This spacing ensures good drainage and air circulation.
Turmeric is planted using rhizomes, which are underground stems. Select disease-free, healthy rhizomes and cut them into small pieces, each with at least one or two buds.
Plant the rhizomes 20 cm apart in rows, about 5 cm deep into the soil. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist, especially in the early stages of growth.
Apply fertilisers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to promote healthy growth. Organic options such as compost and chicken manure are also useful.
Caring for Your Turmeric Crop
Turmeric takes about 8 months to mature. During this time, proper care is key to a good harvest.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Turmeric may be affected by pests such as:
- Aphids
- Mites
- Shoot borers
- Leaf rollers
- Caterpillars
Diseases that may attack the crop include:
- Leaf spot
- Leaf blotch
- Root rot
- Rhizome rot
To control these issues:
- Use approved pesticides and fungicides.
- Practise crop rotation and remove any infected plants quickly.
- Avoid overwatering or poor drainage, which can encourage rot.
Keep the field clean and remove weeds regularly to reduce pest breeding areas.
Harvesting and Selling Your Turmeric
Turmeric is ready for harvesting 8 to 10 months after planting. The plant will show signs of maturity when its leaves start to yellow and dry. This is the best time to dig out the rhizomes.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the rhizomes from the soil. Clean them to remove soil and let them dry under shade for a few days before selling or processing.
An acre of well-managed turmeric can yield up to 8,000 kilograms.
The Market for Turmeric in Kenya
Turmeric has a fast-growing market in Kenya. With rising awareness of its health benefits, more people are using turmeric in their kitchens and as herbal medicine.
You can sell turmeric in:
- Open-air markets
- Groceries and supermarkets
- Health food stores
- Direct supply to processors and exporters
A kilogram of turmeric can fetch up to Ksh 500, depending on quality and demand. Farmers can earn even more by processing turmeric into powder for sale in retail packs.
