Tomato farming in Kenya is a desired industry for farmers who desire high yields and profits.
However, there are many challenges in this industry, such as selecting the best variety and managing pests and diseases.
Chemicals sprayed to control diseases and pests account for 20% of the total cost of tomato farming per acre.
Thankfully, a cost-effective technique for tomato farming in Kenya exists that can yield high production levels.
This article aims to discuss the best tomato variety selection, optimal planting methods, and tomato pest and disease management.
Is tomato farming profitable in Kenya?
The profitability of tomato farming is heavily reliant on market supply and the quality of the produce.
High market supply leads to reduced prices, whereas a decline in supply results in an increase in prices.
Therefore, keeping production costs to a minimum ensures high profitability, regardless of market supply.
Yes, tomato farming in Kenya is profitable when implemented at the right time and at minimal cost.
When is the best month to plant tomatoes?
The optimal time to plant tomatoes in Kenya is when prices are at their lowest. For instance, in the current year 2023, prices were lowest in June-July.
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A prudent farmer would plant tomatoes in July-August and aim to harvest the produce in October-November when prices are at their highest.
It is advisable to avoid planting tomatoes when prices are high, as the harvest will be at the lowest price point. Make sure you check out the best crops you can plant now and make good profits in three months times.
Tomato farming in Kenya requirements
For optimal tomato farming, utilize loam-fertile soil that is well-drained and retains water, promoting growth.
The timely application of the appropriate chemicals is crucial in preventing pests and diseases. Fertilizers and manure top dressing are necessary for the production of good-sized fruits.
The duration for tomato farming is 85-120 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and management, and harvesting typically lasts for one to two months from the onset of picking.
Tomato farming techniques
To achieve success in tomato farming in Kenya, the farmer must first select the most suitable variety.
Hybrid tomato varieties have a high tolerance to diseases and can yield up to 15 tons per acre, depending on management.
Outdoor tomatoes should be planted with a spacing of 60cm by 50cm. After transplanting, apply one tin of manure on the planting hole for a vigorous plant and a faster growth rate.
Drench with Match insecticides after watering to control cutworms. Water often, but not excessively, depending on the weather.
After ten days from transplanting, top dress with DAP fertilizer, and top dress with NPK 17.17.17 after 45 days of transplanting and with CAN after 70 days.
Tomato farming diseases
The main tomato farming diseases are Downy mildew, early and late blight, leaf spot, and bacterial wilt.
Downy mildew is caused by Oomycetes pathogens and is rampant in cool, moist weather. Proper spacing enhances air circulation and faster drying of the leaves.
Use Luna sensation fungicide or Revus early to prevent and control Downy mildew.
Late blight is a fungal disease that destroys the stems, leaves, and fruits of tomatoes. Spraying with Redomil gold or Tower fungicides can prevent and control late blight.
Tuta absoluta is the most destructive pest, destroying leaves and fruits. It is resistant to insecticides, but the use of Escort in combination with dynamec seems more effective in controlling Tuta absoluta.
When it comes to tomato farming, it is essential to keep an eye out for whiteflies.
These small, white-winged flies are similar in size to aphids and can be found on the underside of leaves.
If a sticky substance is present but no whiteflies are visible, it is likely that they have already been there. To prevent whiteflies, it is recommended to use insecticides like Belt, Ranger, or King Code Elite early on.
Conclusion
To ensure a profitable tomato harvest, it is crucial to select the right variety and plant at the right time when prices are at their lowest.
Additionally, it is essential to control pests and diseases like tuta absoluta, downy mildew, and blight early on with fungicides and insecticides.
Staking is also necessary to prevent stem breakage and support fruits.
Proper feeding with DAP, NPK, and CAN on specific days after transplanting is necessary for good-sized, grade-one fruit.
Watering should be done moderately to avoid the spread of fungal diseases.
Frequently asked questions about tomato farming,
1. Which is the best month to plant tomatoes in Kenya? it is recommended to plant in January or August/September when prices are at their lowest.
2. How long do tomatoes take to grow? Depending on the variety, it may take 85-120 days from transplanting to harvest.
3. How much does it cost to farm tomatoes per acre in Kenya? The cost of farming per acre can range from 350,000-450,000, depending on management.
4. What is the spacing for tomatoes in Kenya? A spacing of 60cm by 60cm or 60cm by 50cm is recommended.
5. What is the best fertilizer for tomatoes in Kenya? Thabiti fertilizers from Elgon Kenya or Yara, such as DAP, NPK, and CAN, are ideal.
6. How much fertilizer do I need per acre for tomatoes? The best application rate for fertilizer is 100-150kgs per acre, but this may vary depending on the soil fertility.
7. How do I get my tomato plant to produce more tomatoes? To produce more tomatoes, it is vital to observe the right fertilizer application rates and watering in the dry season.
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