Asparagus Farming In Kenya

Tips to Asparagus Farming In Kenya

Do you want to start cultivating asparagus in Kenya? Growing numbers of farmers in Kenya are turning to the asparagus vegetable as a source of income. Asparagus cultivation can be your best option if you want to start a profitable asparagus farming business in Kenya. In this blog post, we'll provide advice on how to establish an asparagus farming business in Kenya, how to grow asparagus in Kenya, pests and diseases that affect Kenyan asparagus farms, how to grow asparagus in Gilgil, where to buy asparagus in Kenya, and how much Kenyan asparagus costs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Asparagus Farming in Kenya.
• Health Benefits of Asparagus.
• Asparagus Varieties That Are Grown In Kenya?
• Climate Requirements for Asparagus Farming in Kenya
• How to Plant Asparagus Crowns
• Pest and Diseases Control in Asparagus Farming in Kenya
• F.A.Q

Asparagus is a special vegetable that is transforming the fortunes of Gilgil farmers. It is a perennial vegetable that is becoming more and more well-liked in Kenya owing to its health benefits. Being a perennial plant, you can reap the benefits for many years without having to replant. You can gather asparagus from the same plant for 15–30 years, and in some cases up to 30 years, depending on growth and environmental circumstances.

Asparagus, scientific name Asparagus officinalis, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Asparagaceae family that is farmed for its edible young spear-shaped shoots. The asparagus vegetable plant is tall, with feathery foliage and scale-like leaves that emerge from the underground stem (rhizome). The bell-shaped flowers can grow singly or in pairs.

Asparagus have a green, white, or yellow hue. A crimson fruit with one to six black seeds is developed after blossoming. Asparagus can live for 20 years or longer and grow to a height of 100–150 cm (39.4–59.1 in).

Exports of asparagus vegetables out of Kenya have increased over time. In Europe, fresh or cold purple, green, and white asparagus are highly sought-after veggies. It is also very popular in Kenya's upscale eateries. Farmers of vegetables in Kenya can profit from this and start cultivating asparagus.

Introduction to Asparagus Farming in Kenya.

According to a 2006 article in the Kenyan Veg Farms magazine, a farmer from Gilgil, Nakuru by the name of Peter accidentally found asparagus in 1987. He was informed by his neighbor, who had been cultivating it, that it was cow feed. Not until his niece, who was residing overseas, informed him that it was a pricey vegetable in high demand in Europe, did he learn this. She then gave him seeds, which he planted in Gilgil along with other local farmers to sell at the Nairobi farmers market.

Rainfall in Gilgil ranges from average to below average. Subukia and Molo are two further regions in Kenya where asparagus is grown.

The young asparagus shoots are the parts that are consumed. The sugar and fiber content of purple asparagus is higher than that of white and green asparagus. In situations where the tomato plant deters the asparagus beetle, it is an ideal planting companion for tomatoes. Tomato-damaging root nematodes can be avoided by growing asparagus alongside tomatoes.

Health Benefits of Asparagus.

• Any diet can benefit from the flavor and nutrition of asparagus. It has lots of minerals, such as fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, and K, and is low in calories.

• Additionally, consuming asparagus may help you lose weight, improve your digestion, have a healthy pregnancy, and lower your blood pressure.

• Additionally, it's a cheap, simple, and delectable ingredient to many dishes.

• There are 1.8 grams of fiber in only half a cup of asparagus, or 7% of your daily requirements.

• According to studies, eating a diet rich in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables may help lower the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure (18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).

• Particularly rich in insoluble fiber, which gives stool volume and encourages regular bowel motions, is asparagus.

• Additionally, it has a little quantity of soluble fiber, which when combined with water, creates a gel in the digestive system.

• Friendly intestinal microorganisms like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are fed by soluble fiber.

• The immune system is strengthened and vital minerals like vitamins B12 and K2 are produced when these helpful bacteria are present in greater numbers 

• Consuming asparagus as part of a diet high in fiber is a great approach to meet your needs for fiber and maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Asparagus Varieties That Are Grown In Kenya?

Asparagus is grown in many distinct types all over the world. In Kenya, the following types of asparagus are available:

Best Hybrid Seed See the Pricing Here Countrywide delivery, Pay on delivery and prized heirlooms are also options.

Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and the other members of the "Jersey" line are hardy growers with strong disease resistance that thrive in cooler climes. Sandy soils are a good fit for "Jersey Supreme."

'Purple Passion' does, in fact, have a vibrant purple hue and is enjoyable to grow. Be aware that the purple turns green after it is cooked.

The uniform grower "Millennium" does well in heavy soils.

The French variation "Larac" is almost entirely white. 

'Apollo' is extremely disease resistant and thrives in both cool and warm climates.

"UC 157" is resistant to disease and adapts to hotter environments.

Atlas has strong disease resistance and grows quickly in high temperatures.

Viking is delicious and tender, and it is suitable for chilly climates.

Since more than a century ago, American farmers have cherished the heirloom variety "Mary Washington" for its conventional appearance, excellent flavor, and the uniformity of its long green stalks.

Old French heirloom "Precoce D'Argenteuil" is still well-liked for its light stalks and rose-pink tips, which can be blanched white.

It's crucial to keep in mind that when it comes to growing asparagus in Kenya,

Climate Requirements for Asparagus Farming in Kenya

Altitude; 

Asparagus is a plant that is native to the western shores of Europe and may grow up to 1000 meters above sea level (MSL). Belgium and Peru are the top two asparagus-producing countries in the world.

Temperature.

Asparagus can grow in a wide range of weather situations thanks to its adaptations. Particularly during a protracted time of fern development, it matures best and yields more when the temperatures are between 16 and 25 °C. 

Because fern production can only occur for a brief time in cooler climates, the growing season is curtailed. Warmer temperatures cause rapid spear growth, which increases the amount of fiber produced by the spears. Under the aforementioned circumstances, spear tips also tend to lose part of their compactness.

Rainfall

For successful germination and early seedling growth, particularly in the first two months, adequate moisture should be maintained. Early-stage water stress might result in decreased yields over the course of the planting.

Soil Requirements for Asparagus farming in Kenya

Although it may thrive in heavier soils with proper care, asparagus grows best in well-drained, fertile, sandy loams. The soil should be deep since roots typically reach 3 meters or more. In terms of tolerance, asparagus can tolerate alkaline and high salt environments. It thrives in soil with a pH of 6 to 6,7 and is susceptible to severe soil acidity. Before planting, lime should be added to soils with a pH lower than 5,5.

Propagation of Asparagus

When a plant's maturity date is listed as 730 days on its seed packaging, you know it will take a while to mature. Asparagus is one of those plants. In fact, few would dispute the claim that asparagus is the sloth of the vegetable world.

Here are some details on the development of asparagus.

• It can take up to 21 days or even more for asparagus seeds to sprout. Gardeners with experience know not to give up because new growth may soon appear.

• It takes the seedlings several weeks to grow to a height of two inches, which is the ideal size for transplanting into a growth bed.

• A young plant must mature for three to four years before it is ready to support yearly harvests that last for four to six weeks. One must gather minimally until then.

• An established asparagus plant may typically grow a half pound of asparagus over the course of up to eight weeks after it is four years old or older. Ten plants per person are thought to be a good number to plant.

• Although asparagus could be a slow beginning, it has a lot of endurance. Once a plant reaches maturity, it can continue to produce for at least 20 years. The plant is also highly capable of speed in other ways. The early spring shoots can develop seven inches in a single day. Not at all like a sloth, that.

Three Ways to Grow Asparagus

The way one uses to start asparagus seedlings depends on speed as well. Although starting plants from seed is the most cost-effective method, it is also the slowest and labor-intensive. You can get off to a speedier start by buying the young plants that garden centers have available every spring. However, if you buy and plant asparagus crowns, you can get a year's head start on growing a completely grown plant, which will help you advance in this slow game. If you're having trouble finding crowns locally, you can easily acquire them from mail-order sites. Crowns are the root base of plants that are normally one year old. If you can, place your order in the fall because demand can be high.

How to Plant Asparagus Crowns

This is how to produce asparagus crowns if that sounds appealing to you.

• In trenches, plant crowns 18 inches apart.

• In soil that drains well, dig trenches that are 15 inches deep.

• After adding three inches of soil, add three inches of compost to the trench's bottom three inches.

• Place the crowns in the ground, roots at the bottom, and add three more inches of dirt on top.

• Add three more inches of soil as the crowns begin to sprout shoots.

• Keep grass and weeds out of the bed, and water as needed to keep the soil moist.

Land Preparation for Asparagus Farming

• 20 to 25 cm of depth should be ploughed into the ground. A couple of times should be frightening after a few days. Make sure the soil is sufficiently leveled and that any weeds from prior plants have been removed.

• Prepare broad ridges with a 20 cm furrow spacing and a 45 cm width for planting. Irrigation will be done in the furrow space.

Nursery Raising and Planting in Asparagus Farming in Kenya

A single row or two rows of asparagus can be planted, whether it is direct seeded or transplanted. Depending on the width of the tools used, the furrows are often produced at a distance of 2 m. In the furrows, seedlings should be spaced 300 mm apart.

Either direct seeding or transplanting seedlings to a permanent field are used to plant asparagus. Ten months following sowing, the seedlings are typically prepared for transplanting. It is best to plant only the strongest seedlings because the plants must endure for 15 to 20 years.

For the cultivation of asparagus, planting depth is crucial. If asparagus is planted too shallowly, it will produce a huge number of small spears that are unmarketable commercially, and if it is planted too deeply, it will produce a small number of very large spears. The soil is initially only 50 mm deep and then 100 mm deep around the seedlings. In order for the crowns to be 100 mm below the soil surface, the seed should be planted in fairly deep furrows that have been filled in.

Staking/training in Asparagus Farming in Kenya.

To support the asparagus, build a fence on either side of the row using stakes and garden twine. This protects the crowns from damage in the event that the top growth breaks.

Irrigation in Asparagus Farming in Kenya.

Since irrigation will help to produce a regular production year after year, it is strongly advised. But irrigation will vary depending on the soil type, the time of year, and the weather.

Following the end of the rains, irrigation should be completed. Water your asparagus field frequently, particularly in the first two years. Since drip irrigation distributes water to the roots only and doesn't wet the plant, it is the best method. Additionally, evaporation won't cause much water to evaporate.

Make sure there is adequate drainage for extra water during periods of heavy rain.

Management Operations in Asparagus Farming in Kenya

Between planting and harvesting, intercultural (management) operations are performed on the soil and crop.

Weeds should not be allowed to grow in the asparagus beds. This is done to reduce rivalry and make sure that young spears are visible during harvest. Because the roots of the asparagus plants are shallow and easily injured, it is important to hand-pick the weeds rather than using a hoe. During the rainy season, perform 2-3 weeding sessions. Weeding should then take place at least once every two to three months.

Additionally, a range of pre-plant and post-emergence herbicides are readily available. The herbicides are designed for specific weeds as well as the season. A fantastic strategy to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay is to mulch the beds. To lessen wind damage, trim the asparagus plants. The highest shoots' apexes are cut off to complete the process.

The majority of contemporary cultivars are male, and they typically yield more and better spears of asparagus. Make sure to remove any female plants from your farm. Their orange-red berries make them easily recognizable.

Manures and Fertilizers in Asparagus Farming in Kenya

Soil analysis should be the basis for fertilization advice. Before planting, acidic soils need to be limed by being tilled at least four weeks before any additional fertilization. In cases of magnesium deficiency, dolomitic lime at a rate of 2000 kg/ha is advised. Just before planting, 1 500 kg of the fertilizer mixture 2:3:2 (N.P.K) may be deeply plowed into the ground per ha.

On established areas, it is generally advised to apply a 2:3:4 (N.P.K) fertilizer mixture at a rate of 900 kg/ha per year. One week after the start of harvesting and six to eight weeks following the harvesting period, nitrogen should be sprayed as CAN at a rate of 150 kg/ha on damp soil. Phosphorus is only required at planting but is essential for root growth, especially during establishing. It is not advised to fertilize asparagus crops using organic fertilizers.

Pest and Diseases Control in Asparagus Farming in Kenya

• Cutworms (Euxoa spp.)

Cutworms harm the spear's subsurface portion by eating away at it. The damaged spear ends up with a crooked point and cannot be sold as a result.

- Control

You can apply poisoned bait to the rows by mixing 20 kg of bran or maize meal with 60 g of trichlorfon (Dipterex) or 100 g of endosulfan (Thiodan).

• Asparagus beetle (Crioceris aspargi)

Spears and ferns are attacked by both adults and larvae. The product cannot be marketed because the beetle consumes the spear tips as soon as they emerge from the earth. Additionally, the larvae exude a murky liquid that discolors the vegetation.

Adult beetles lay eggs on the spears, and because it is impossible to wash the eggs off, the crop cannot be sold

- Control

Apply or use only registered chemicals, practice good hygiene, rotate your crops, and plant resistant varieties.

• Asparagus fly (Zacherata asparagi)

Attacked spears bend and, when they rise above the earth, their rising tip resembles a walking stick's handle. The plant's shoots are where the eggs are placed, and the larvae tunnel into the shoots to weaken them.

Heavy infestations may lower the amount of assimilates in the crown and lower yields the following season.

Disease Control

• Fusarium wilt

Poor growth and yellowing of the plant are the first symptoms, followed by withering and drying up of a few branches and dark discoloration of sections close to the base. The entire plant wilts and dies as it spreads to all the branches.

- Control

• Avoid using soil with a very fine texture and soil that has poor drainage and retains moisture for an extended period of time.

• The soil needs to be kept aerated and loose.

• New crops should not be grown near existing infested lands or on soil that was previously planted with asparagus. • Avoid injury to the crown during harvesting and while working on the top growth with a disc harrow.

• Asparagus rust

Dark-red pustules on the ferns are an indication that the plant is infected.

Control, the use of registered chemicals, and the cultivation of resistant types.

Other Cultivation Practices

Ridging

When white or blanched asparagus is required, rigging is done. By hilling the soil over the crown, the emerging shoots are earthed up.

Harvesting of Asparagus in Kenya

For the first two years following planting, it is not recommended to harvest your asparagus plants. This is due to the fact that they must concentrate on growing strong roots. You have six weeks to harvest your spears starting in the middle of April in the third year. The next year, you can start harvesting eight weeks later, in mid-April. Before repeating the operation, give the crop a rest for two to three months.

Following harvest, the foliage is left to develop in order to restock the reserves that the roots have accumulated for the crop the following year.

You can sustain three to five mature photosynthesizing shoots using the mother stalk growing method. The spears that are collected at the proper time are the newly formed ones. At the ground level, green asparagus is cut with a knife. When they reach a height of about 18 to 25 cm, they should be trimmed. When white asparagus spears emerge from the earth, they should be cut with a bladed knife just above the rhizome.

The total commercial yield of asparagus over its lifetime is typically decreased if it is harvested when it is longer than 25 centimeters.

After harvesting, refrigeration will ensure great quality. This is due to the fact that asparagus spears typically decay quickly and must be quickly cooled after harvesting to remove field heat and extend shelf life. If the spears aren't being graded and packed right away, it should happen right away. Keep the refrigerator at a constant 2 degrees.

While green asparagus only has a week's worth of shelf life, white asparagus can survive up to 4 weeks.

To precool spears and remove field heat, hydro chilling is a fantastic method. The asparagus stalks are often submerged, sprayed, or flooded in cold water that is between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius in temperature. The spears are next brought into a frigid room. The amount of time the spears should be left on the hydro cooler typically varies on the cooling water's flow rate, temperature, whether the spears were packaged or loose, and the water's beginning temperature.

Before packing, the spears should be rinsed in cold water if they are soiled. The spears must be graded, trimmed, and packaged in accordance with the demands of your market.

To stop bacterial soft rot, some farmers dip the asparagus's butts in a calcium hypochlorite solution. However, using calcium hypochlorite on asparagus that is intended to be organic is not advised.

The bundles of spears need to be contained in containers lined entirely with wax paper. If your asparagus has already been chilled, package it as soon as you can and store it in a room with a temperature of 2-4 degrees Celsius.

When transporting it to the market, chilled vehicles should be used. Inform the staff that the produce is organic to reduce the possibility of contamination.

Grading Asparagus

: Post-harvest handling

Fresh asparagus is extremely perishable and loses quality quickly in hot weather. At somewhat high temperatures, it's possible for spear growth, flavor loss, vitamin C loss, and deterioration to develop.

So, before packing, the harvested crop needs to be quickly precooled, ideally by hydro cooling, and maintained at a low temperature and high relative humidity. It is also necessary to wash the spears.

Sorting

For the fresh market, spears with open green tips, a ridge at the butt end, or other defects should be discarded.

Grading

The spears of asparagus are strung together in bunches and graded for thickness.

Spears of high quality are smooth, straight, tender, long, huge in diameter, bright green, and have compact points. The spears' lengths ought to be consistent.

Packing

The bundles are placed in wooden boxes or cartons. They might come in plastic or cellophane wrapping, or they might come unwrapped. Because the amount of increased carbon dioxide and decreased oxygen may be harmful and because enough ethylene may collect and toughen the spears, it is not suggested to pack asparagus in non-perforated film.

Storage

Storage conditions include 90% relative humidity and temperatures between 0 and 2 °C. High relative humidity is frequently attained by laying the asparagus butts on wet pads or prepackaging the spears in perforated film, which helps to avoid desiccation, especially at the butt ends. The spears continue to extend, thus the boxed goods must be held upright. The spear tips will bend upward if kept horizontally, which will influence how they look on the market. Asparagus should not be stored alongside apples or other things that produce ethylene since it could be harmed by the gas. Unfavorable exposure to ethylene can lead to undesirable elongation, curving, and toughening.

Transport

Always ship asparagus in a chilled environment. Transporting the crop to the factories at least 5 to 10 hours after harvest is recommended for canning.

The local and export market for asparagus grown in Kenya.

The export market, supplies to hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, as well as sales in open marketplaces Wakulima Market (Marikiti), city market in parklands, and Ngara Market, all comprise the fresh asparagus market for the Kenyan farmer. Additionally, there is the option of packaging asparagus.

The farmer can negotiate a regular contract with the aforementioned hotel, restaurant, or store to supply institutions. The asparagus grower may plan how much to plant and harvest in this way.

The majority of the asparagus consumed in the US and Europe comes from Belgium and Peru. Due to Kenya's location on the equator and consequently its year-round good climate, it is possible for farmers there to participate in this profitable industry.

Marketing

Asparagus is marketed fresh or canned

Asparagus Yield per Hectare in Kenya

Depending on the type of soil, the cultivar, and management techniques, an expected yield of 6 to 8 tonnes of asparagus per hectare can be obtained.

The price of Asparagus per kilogram in the market

Currently, a kilogram of asparagus costs between Ksh 500 and Ksh 600. You may see for yourself if you are in Nairobi by traveling to the following locations.

• Marikiti, City Market, and Fig Tree Market in Ngara

• ABC Place's Zucchini Greengrocers Limited.

• Tuskys Grocery Stores.

• Karen's Kalimoni Greens organic store.

• The Marula Studios Organic Farmers Market.

• The Two Rivers Mall.

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F.A.Q

Where can I sell asparagus in Kenya?

Local open-air markets, lodging establishments, dining establishments, and grocery stores all sell asparagus. Retail prices for a kilo of asparagus range from Ksh 700 to Ksh 1000.

How many years does it take for asparagus to mature in Kenya?

As the plants mature, the amount of time to pick asparagus each year increasingly gets longer (five years).

How many times can you harvest asparagus in a year in Kenya?

You might collect 7- to 9-inch spears every two to four days in the early part of the season. The frequency of harvesting will increase to once or twice a day as the air temperature rises. Up to 24 harvests are permitted each season, after which you can let the crowns fern and spread out.