This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
Expert Advice on Farming ¶
Strawberry farming has a huge income potential due to high demand compared to supply.
For a start, consider trying an eighth acre or half acre, depending on available capital.
After successful farming and establishing a constant market, you can then increase the acreage.
For an acre, you will need 25,000 seedlings, while for an eighth, you need about 3,000.
Each seedling costs between Sh10 and Sh20, depending on the source.
Strawberry seedlings are available from many producers, such as The Strawberry Farm.
Chandler is the best variety.
For an eighth of an acre, the cost will be Sh30,000, assuming each seedling costs Sh10.
Transportation costs and inputs will add up to Sh15,000, making the total cost of production Sh45,000.
If you harvest 50kg per week and sell each kilogramme at Sh200, you will make Sh10,000 per week and Sh40,000 per month.
With good management, you can even get Sh100,000 per month.
Strawberries can be sold in open-air markets, urban markets, and companies like Brookside, KCC, Zesta, Trufoods, and others.
Online marketplaces are also a viable option.
Jaick Agricultural Produce Ltd offers contract farming for strawberries.
Strawberries can be grown in plastic bags, outdoor (open field), and indoor (greenhouse).
The soil should be well-drained, and the field should be kept weed-free.
The Strawberry Farm on Waiyaki Way, Nairobi, offers training for farmers, but due to Covid-19, they have stopped.
For rabbit farming, consider popular breeds like Californian white, Flemish giant, New Zealand White, Chinchilla, Dutch, French lop, and Angora.
Market demand will be dictated by your capacity.
For mushroom farming, you will need to buy spawns (seedlings) from Kalro or other institutions.
The biggest challenge in mushroom production is getting quality spawn.
Compost is made by mixing straw with molasses, cotton seed cake, and urea.
Humidity is needed for growth, and you can use a humidifier or a knapsack sprayer.
Make sure to observe high standards of hygiene.
