This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
From Wedding Planner to Watermelon Farmer ¶
Victor Bor's journey to becoming a successful watermelon farmer began when he left his job as a wedding planner. With dwindling returns from his wedding planning business, Bor decided to visit his village in Kericho to explore new opportunities.
It was during this visit that Bor discovered his passion for agribusiness and began researching crops with stable market prices. Despite having no experience in farming and limited knowledge of the market, Bor eventually settled on watermelon farming.
With an initial investment of Sh4,000 per acre, Bor leased three acres of land in Kericho and began his watermelon farming journey. He cleared the land, sought advice from an extension officer, and purchased Sugar Baby watermelon seeds from Kenya Seeds.
Bor's watermelons are now retailing at Sh150 to Sh200 each, depending on the size, and he plans to sell some of his fruit in Uganda, where grocers have offered between Sh300 and Sh400 per fruit.
Getting Started with Watermelon Farming ¶
According to Steven Kiptoo, an extension officer in Eldoret, watermelon farming requires a lot of space to accommodate watermelon vines. The fruit grows well in hot coastal areas, dry eastern plains, and hilly midlands but does not do well in cold places.
Ensuring adequate water supply and soil rich in nutrients is crucial for watermelon growth. Ploughing the land at least four weeks before planting allows for decomposition of any previous crops. Choose a location with loamy, well-drained soil and ensure the crop receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Watermelon seeds will sprout and plants will emerge within seven to 10 days, depending on the soil temperature and the depth they are covered to when planted. Water close to the ground for the water to reach the roots.
Watermelon Farming Techniques ¶
Watermelons generally have low water requirements, but regular weeding is necessary. Jubilee, Charleston Grey, and Congo are large, cylindrical varieties, while Sugar Baby and Ice Box are smaller, globe-shaped types.
Marvin Shimoli, a watermelon farmer in Ngong, recommends checking for ripeness by turning the melons to see if they have a yellow patch on the part that lies on the ground. You can also thump it and if you hear a dull noise, it means that it has ripened.
According to an official from Simlaw Seeds, an investor can earn at least Sh1 million from watermelon farming after spending less than Sh40,000 in start-up capital. The official estimates that an acre of land can produce around 13,000 fruits, with an average price of Sh100 per watermelon.
