Dhania farming in Kenya has become a profitable venture for both small and large-scale farmers. Dhania, also known as cilantro, is widely used in many Kenyan homes for adding flavour to food and making salads.
The crop grows well in many parts of the country because of the favourable climate. With low capital requirements and a ready market, Dhania farming in Kenya offers farmers a reliable income source.
This guide explains the process of growing, maintaining, and marketing Dhania in simple steps.
Dhania Farming In Kenya
Dhania grows best in fertile and well-drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is 6.8, with daily sunlight of at least 5-6 hours. Temperatures between 18°C and 25°C provide the best growing conditions.
The main varieties grown in Kenya include seed coriander, cilantro, leaf cilantro, and Vietnamese coriander. Farmers should choose the right variety depending on the demand in their target market.
Propagation is done using seeds. The seeds can be sown directly in the field or first grown in a nursery before transplanting. Direct sowing is the most preferred method because it reduces transplant shock and speeds up maturity.
Steps for Planting and Management
Before planting, soak the seeds in an optimizer for 6 to 12 hours to fasten germination, which usually takes about 10 days. Prepare rows 2 to 4 cm deep with spacing of 15 cm by 30 cm.
Drill seeds into the rows and cover them lightly with soil mixed with farmyard manure and DAP fertilizer. Water the soil immediately after planting to keep it moist.
Once the crop emerges, proper weeding is important to prevent competition for nutrients. Farmers should weed regularly to encourage healthy growth.
Pest and disease control is also crucial. Common pests include aphids, cutworms, and armyworms. These can be controlled using pesticides such as Kingcode elite, Alonze, or Pentagon.
Diseases like soft rot, damping-off, and powdery mildew can be managed by drenching the soil with chemicals such as pyramid, Greencop, or chariot.
Harvesting and Marketing of Dhania
Dhania can be harvested 25 to 35 days after planting. Harvesting is done by plucking green leaves or uprooting the entire plant depending on the market preference.
For continuous harvest, farmers should stagger their planting so that they have fresh produce throughout the season.
The demand for Dhania in Kenya is very high in open-air markets, grocery shops, and institutions such as schools, restaurants, and hotels. Farmers can earn a good income because Dhania sells quickly.
In most markets, a bunch can go for as low as Ksh 5, but the returns are still encouraging due to the fast growth cycle and consistent demand.
