Kale (Sukuma Wiki) Farming in Kenya 2023
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10 Tips on Kale (Sukuma Wiki) Farming in Kenya 2022
Growing kale (Sukuma Wiki) in Kenya is a well-liked and profitable agricultural industry. Leafy greens that are gathered during the flowering stage include kale (Sukuma Wiki). Kale is a bitter-tasting vegetable that is high in nutrients. Kales are a multipurpose vegetable that can be prepared and eaten as a side dish or added to soups and salads (Sukuma Wiki). Kales are also a well-liked component of juices and smoothies.
kale (Sukuma Wiki). are a multipurpose vegetable that can be prepared and eaten as a side dish or added to soups and salads (Sukuma Wiki). Juices and smoothies frequently contain kale as an ingredient. Popular vegetable kale is collected in the flowering season.
How Much Can You Make in a Kale Farm
Ksh 300. 000 – 400, 00. Predicted Returns; You can anticipate Kales (Sukuma Wiki) production in Kenya of 15 to 20 tonnes per acre if you follow the suggested best practices. Based on farm gate selling rates of Ksh 40 per kg, this corresponds to around 300,000 per acre to Ksh 400,000.
Kale (Sukuma Wiki) farming in Kenya is best suited for farmers who will be on the property during the crop's whole growing and harvesting season. Strategically, farmers with farms near marketplaces and educational facilities will benefit the most. The market is already made available to these farmers.
Step by Step of Starting a Kale Farming Business in Kenya.
Ecological Requirements of Growing Sukuma Wiki
Sukuma wiki farming in Kenya can do almost anywhere there is water, regardless of the climate. It works well at altitudes between 800 meters and 2200 meters above sea level.
Temperature range between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius is ideal; this is the best temperature.
Sunlight; Sukuma wiki needs at least six hours of exposure to direct sunlight. Sukuma wiki needs enough water when it is growing for the best yield.
Rainfall: 350 to 500 mm of evenly spaced downpour per hour is optimal.
The optimum soils for growing Sukuma wiki are those that are rich in organic matter and well-drained. The pH should be in the range of 5.5 and 7.0.
Step 1; Seeds Selection for kale (Sukuma Wiki).farming in Kenya.
Which Is The Best Variety Of Sukuma Wiki?
Thousand headed: One of the toughest types of kale is thousand heads. It has several side branches and little leaves. After 60 days, it becomes mature. The leaves are a pale shade of green. Because of its excellent heat tolerance, the cultivar is appropriate for a wide range of environments, including semi-arid ones. It has a maximum yield per acre of 8 tonnes.
Sukuma Siku Hybrid: This cultivar is distinguished by its delicate, curled leaves. It also tolerates the diamond black moth well. It can be constantly harvested for up to nine months.
Mfalme F1: East African Seed Company released Mfalme F1. To mature, it takes 45 to 60 days. Continuous harvesting of Mfalme F1 is possible for up to 8 months. Because it doesn't contain acidic ingredients like quinic, malic, malonic, and citric acids, the variety is excellent for ulcer patients. Additionally resistant to whiteflies, powdery mildew, and aphids is Mfalme F1.
Collards Southern Georgia: The African Seed Company sells Collards Southern Georgia in Kenya. In 60 to 65 days it reaches maturity. Additionally, it can withstand heat well. This variety can produce up to 8 tonnes per acre.
Marrow Stem: The marrow stem kale variant thrives in regions with chilly weather. It can only take so much heat. This type is grown in Limuru, Nyeri, Molo, and Kinangop in Kenya. Dark green leaves cover it.
Best Hybrid Seed See the Pricing Here Countrywide delivery, Pay on delivery
Step 2; Land Preparation for Growing Sukuma Wiki
Make sure to plough the ground deeply when preparing the area for the growth of Kales (Sukuma Wiki) so that the roots can develop more quickly and effectively.
Before you plant kale (Sukuma Wiki)., pull out any perennial weeds. Prepare the land early enough to allow sunlight and birds to reach the soil pests. Pests will be eaten by the birds. Some of the pests will be killed by sunlight.
Kale (Sukuma Wiki) Farming in Kenya 2022
Step 3; Nursery Preparation for Sukuma Wiki (kales) Cultivation in Kenya.
• Kale (Sukuma Wiki) seeds can be sown in open seedling or nursery trays.
• Establish the nursery where the plants from the same vegetable family have not been planted for two years before introducing Kales (Sukuma Wiki) seeds there. Create a nursery that is about one meter wide. By doing this, you won't need to enter the nursery to care for the seedlings.
• The nursery can be as big as you want it to be. It is advised to increase the nursery bed if you are planting in an area with heavy soils or frequent rains to avoid waterlogging.
• The soil in the nursery should be fertilized with DAP fertilizer and well-decomposed manure. Good root development is aided by phosphorus, and manure enhances soil structure and moisture retention. Prepare drills across the beds in the nursery that are two centimeters deep and spaced 10 to 15 centimeters apart. Spread the Kales (Sukuma Wiki) seeds thinly, then lightly cover with dirt.
• To prevent the seeds from being uncovered, cover the bed with a light layer of mulch. After germination, the mulch can be taken off. If grown in a hot climate, construct a one-meter-high shed.
Step 4; How long do Kales (Sukuma Wiki) get to Germination
7 days, To reduce competition for nutrients and available space, thin the seedlings of Kales (Sukuma Wiki) to a distance of 2 to 3 centimeters after germination. Weak seedlings will result from this competition. Additionally, crowded living conditions are conducive to sickness.
Two weeks following germination, weak soils should only get a topdressing with CAN. 1-2 glasses of water each day. To ensure the health of the seedlings, manage pests in the nursery.
Step 5; How to Transplanting Kales (Sukuma Wiki) Seedlings in Kenya
• When the seedling is 4-5 weeks grown, 7.5–10 cm tall, and/or has 5–6 leaves, transplant it.
• Water thoroughly both before and after transplantation. It is best to irrigate in the morning or early afternoon.
• Standard distances for open fields and greenhouses are 60 cm × 60 cm and 60 cm x 45 cm, respectively.
• The best places to plant are ridges and/or according to the farmer's methods.
• It is advised to apply basal fertilizer while transplanting a plant to help it in its early stages.
• It is best to perform transplants in the evening.
• When transplanting, starter fertilizer must be used as a base layer (50% of the total NPK needed).
• Kales (Sukuma Wiki) must be immediately watered after transplanting, and any early pests must be controlled (cutworms).
Step 6; Best Fertilizer for Kales (Sukuma Wiki) Farming in Kenya.
Fertilizer recommendation should be based on local soil analysis.
• Prior to the initiation of Kales (Sukuma Wiki) crop, farm manure or compost (10–20 t/ha/4–8 t/acre) can reduce the need for inorganic fertilizer by 20%.
• To achieve an 80 t/ha target yield, 320 kg/ha of N, 160 kg/ha of P, and 480 kg/ha of K are required (or 20% less if manure is utilized).
• The ratio N.P. K = 1:1.5 is crucial to obtaining the optimum fruit quality in particular.
• CAN is primarily determined by soil pH rather than yield/ha. It is advised to apply 100–200 kg of calcium per hectare; the higher the rate, the lower the soil pH.
Pest and Diseases.
Step 7; Major Pest and Diseases Affecting Kales (Sukuma Wiki) Farming in Kenya.
Pests and Diseases: Kales (Sukuma Wiki plants are frequently attacked by aphids, cutworms, diamondback moths, sawflies, and whiteflies. Black rot, bacterial soft rot, damping-off diseases, powdery mildew, and downy mildew are some of the diseases that affect kale. By maintaining field hygiene, using recommended pesticides, and using techniques like crop rotation, these pests and illnesses can be managed.
Harvesting.
Step 8; How long does Kales (Sukuma Wiki) take to Harvesting.
Kale (Sukuma Wiki) will be ready for harvesting four weeks after transplanting, or roughly eight weeks after sowing the seeds. When the leaves are the size of your hand, it is finished.
Harvesting sukuma wiki is done manually, by handpicking. Carefully handle the leaves to prevent bruising. To allow you to keep harvesting as fresh leaves grow, only pick the outer leaves.
Mfalme F1, by East African Seeds Company, has a lengthy harvesting period and is a favorite among ulcer sufferers because the cooked leaves are not acidic. It can be harvested for up to a year following the initial harvest and is ready in 45 to 60 days.
Thousand Headed Sukuma Wiki; The thousand headed form of Sukuma Wiki has smaller leaves than other species, but is favored due to its lengthy harvesting period. As a result of its numerous heads, it produces more leaves. 60 days after planting, Thousand Headed Sukuma Wiki is typically ready for harvest. It can withstand heat quite well.
Sukuma Siku Hybrid; The Sukuma Siku Hybrid provides curled soft leaves with good flavor and has a good tolerance to the diamond black moth. It can be harvested for six to nine months after the initial harvest.
Marrow Stem Sukuma Wiki; The Marrow Stem Sukuma Wiki has a fair rainfall distribution and a colder environment. its leaves are a deep green color.
Collards Southern Georgia; Sukuma Wiki Collards by Royal Seeds from Southern Georgia Kenya is a Sukuma Wiki cultivar that can produce 6000 kg per acre and is drought-tolerant. It can withstand heat well.
According to Veg Farms, kale (Sukuma Wiki) is the vegetable that is grown and consumed the most in Kenya. They are the most adaptable vegetable since they can thrive in a variety of ecologically diverse environments, with the exception of dry and semi-arid regions. Kale may, however, still grow there with irrigation. Kale plants can be picked constantly for at least 4 months if they are kept in good condition in the field. Mfalme F1 is one of the varieties that can be harvested for up to 8 months.
What is the Sukuma Wiki Yield per Acre
8000kgs, 1 acre of kale (Sukuma Wiki) can produce between 8000 and 24,000 kg of leaves throughout the course of its 9-month growth cycle.
For those farmers who view Sukuma wiki as a crop with considerable potential, the yield per acre is of great interest.
Market Demand for Sukuma wiki
Sukuma Wiki (Kales) is a staple cuisine in Kenya and is in high demand. The market for Sukuma Wiki consists of open-air markets, schools, hospitals, and other institutions.
The demand for kale (Sukuma Wiki) and the requirement for kale production in Kenya will always exist as long as Kenya stays a "Ugali" country. Because of the large supply and accessibility of other alternatives, such as amaranth, the costs are frequently high during the drought seasons from November to March and then reduce during the rainy seasons. Due to schools' propensity to absorb surplus, prices also tend to be low during school breaks. However, the advantage of farming kales (Sukuma Wiki) in Kenya is that you will always make money, and the amount depends on the scale of production because of the economics of scale.
Related; 30 Profitable Vegetable to Grow in Kenya
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Question
How long does sukuma wiki take to grow?
4 weeks, Sukuma wiki will be ready for harvesting four weeks after transplanting, or roughly eight weeks after sowing the seeds. When the leaves are the size of your hand, it is finished.
Is sukuma wiki farming profitable?
Yes, 100, 000 from a sukuma wiki harvest each week. The farmer claims that, on average, kale production generates not less than Sh1. 4 million annually, or Sh400, 00 per month.
Which is the best fertilizer for sukuma wiki?
Foliar feed fertilizer, Only if you practice good hygiene from an early age can you acquire a healthy Sukuma Wiki. Spray a foliar fertilizer like Gatit foliar feed fertilizer or Easy Gro on your sukuma wiki after two weeks. The plant will be growing a lot of leaves at this point, so fertilization is important.
What is the spacing for sukuma wiki?
45 and 60 cm apart, After purchasing the seeds, grow them in a nursery and then transplant them between 45 and 60 cm apart, depending on the water supply. If there is enough water, measure 45 cm; if not, measure 60 cm.
How many times can you harvest kale?
2 times a week, After the first harvest, you can come back for more when the leaves have grown to about the size of an adult hand. Depending on your growing zone and the time of year, you can gather new greens every one to two weeks.
How long do Sukuma take to mature?
2 months, The crop is relatively simple to raise and matures quickly—in only two months. As long as there is enough water, it is possible to produce kale even in small spaces or in sack gardens. Fill each hole with a healthy seedling, water it well, and then lightly mulch it to keep the soil moist.
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1 Comments
I've always wanted to start a Sukuma wiki Farm, but I had no idea where or how to get started. Then I read the article about Sukuma wiki farming in Kenya and it was just what I needed. It's a comprehensive guide to starting Sukuma wiki farm anywhere in the world and covers everything from climate and geography, soil types, planting & harvesting times, broccoli recipes (yum!), top market prices for Sukuma wiki
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