This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
With the festive season just around the corner, farmers are looking for ways to boost their income. According to agricultural experts, planting high-demand crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and indigenous vegetables can be a lucrative venture.
As we enter the last quarter of the year, it is essential to start preparing for the festive season. Last year, demand for agricultural produce was high during the festive season, and this year is likely to be no different.
Some of the farm produce in high demand during the festive season include tomatoes, potatoes, capsicum, coriander, cucumbers, watermelons, and indigenous vegetables. These crops are ideal to grow again this season because they would mature in time for sale during the festive season.
Before planting, it is crucial to check last year's records to see which products you sold most and their prices. This will help you make informed decisions about which crops to grow and how to market them.
Once you have decided which crop to grow, securing a market is essential. You can try selling your produce to restaurants, supermarkets, or market traders. Getting some orders would give you a head-start even during the festive season.
Tomatoes take three months to mature, so if you sow the seeds in the nursery next week, they will take three to four weeks to be ready for transplanting. This gives you good time if you are targeting the December market.
However, it is essential to consider the environmental conditions and the market when planning to grow various crops. For example, it is suitable for a farmer in Nyandarua to produce potatoes because of favourable environmental conditions.
According to the Meteorological Department, the country is expected to experience rains during the October-to-December period. Therefore, as you plan to grow, be on the lookout for pests and diseases that attack crops such as tomatoes, capsicum, and traditional vegetables.
The cost of tomato production will differ depending on the availability of resources and the location. However, on average, you are likely to spend Sh102,000 on an acre while the income will range from Sh160,000 to Sh280,000.
