Cabbage Farming In Kenya; How To Make Money
Cabbage Farming In Kenya: The word Cabbage is derived from the French word caboche, which means ‘Head’. Its scientific name is Brassica oleraceae. Cabbage is a vegetable variety that is common in Kenya and forms an essential part of the diet and income in Kenyan families
Cabbage is mainly used for cooking, in vegetable salad and as plant matter for livestock feed. Cabbage contains mustard oil that give them distinctive odor and taste. It is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium and high in calcium vitamins A and C. Crucifers (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc) are particularly effective against colon cancer and also protect against cancers of the skin, breast, stomach, bladder, liver and lung; provided there are not much pesticide residues .
The major market outlet is the local fresh market in rural and urban areas. There are many varieties in Kenya but the most popular are Gloria F1, Prucktor, Fanaka, Haraka, Fiona F1Copenhagen market, Fiona F1 and Golden Acre.
While farming it is important to plant hybrid cabbages since they have a high rate of germination and conversion into cabbage heads, good tolerance to diseases and in some cases pests, high yields since one head can weigh up to 5 kg, good field holding and uniform maturity.
Which is the best cabbage variety to grow in Kenya?
Numerous varieties of cabbage are available in Kenyan market; Cultivars differ with respect to size, shape and maturity dates, as well as adaptability and disease resistances. Several factors should be considered in selecting appropriate varieties. Yield, of course, is important to every grower.
However, this should not be the sole factor in determining variety. Disease resistance/tolerance is important in many of these crops and should be critically examined. Buyer preference and market acceptability are probably two of the most important factors to consider.
Horticultural characteristics such as product color, growth habit and shape should also be considered. Finally, the variety should be adapted to the area in which it is to be grown. Local variety trials are a good source of information regarding variety selection. With any new variety, always try a small planting of the variety first before adapting it to your operation. Also, give every new variety at least a couple of tries before making a decision on its use for your production system.
Environmental conditions can strongly influence varietal performance. Therefore, conditions in one year may not produce the same results in another year for a given variety. Good varieties are adaptable over a wide range of conditions
The following are the common varieties grown in Kenya
| “Gloria F1” |
|
| “Copenhagen Market” |
|
| “Blue Dynasty F1” |
|
| “Baraka F1” |
|
| Green Challenger F1 |
|
| “Pruktor F1” |
|
| “Riana F1” |
|
| “Amigo F1” |
|
| “Other Varieties” |
|
Which Climatic Conditions Favours Cabbage Farming In Kenya?
Cabbage will tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions but thrives in cooler temperatures.
It can tolerate hard frosts, but severe freezing can be damaging. Its flavor improves with cooler temperatures because plant cells are working to convert starches to sugars to protect the plant against the cold. It is advised that the planting dates be well planned so that harvest dates occur in cool weather. Cabbage is most heat tolerant but prolonged high temperature causes puffy heads with long cores and increased tip burn.
Crop rotation is especially important with cabbage and other members of the brassicaceae family. like the kale, radish, turnips and broccoli.
Which is the best soil requirements growing cabbages in Kenya
Well drained loamy soils with an effective rooting depth of approximately 600mm is recommended.
The optimal soil pH range is 6.0 – 6.5.
The soil should be prepared thoroughly and deeply before planting. The soil (if necessary) should first be ripped and then ploughed and disced.
Seedling production in seedbeds
How many cabbage seedlings do you prepare?
200 – 250 g of certified seeds needed for a hectare area.
Seedlings should be grown in a well-aerated medium, which has good water holding capacity and at a pH of around 6.5. Generally, peat, bark and vermiculite mixes are used. Media problems typically include excessive tannins and low air filled porosity, which results in poor drainage and the build up of green mould.
The medium should be pre-enriched and the seedlings should be fertilized. For optimum germination, the seedling trays should be placed in a germination chamber, at 20 °C with high relative humidity. The seedlings should be moved to the tunnel at the first sign of germination. The ideal temperature for seedling cultivation is 20 °C.
Seedling management is a critical factor in cabbage production, as the following factors related to
seedling production may result in physiological disorders in cabbage:
- Incorrect sowing time.
- Cold temperatures, particularly below 7 °C.
- Cold grown seedlings.
- Over-fertilization of seedlings.
- Oversized seedlings at transplant.
- Temperature differences between the seedling nursery and the farm.
- Outbreak of the pest and diseases
How do you prepare seedbed for cabbage seedlings in Kenya
Seedbed is prepared approximately 5 – 15 cm high and 1.0 m wide.
Apply a thin layer of compost on the seedbed before mulching (with rice straw).
In a square meter seedbed, incorporate 40 g ammonium sulfate, 50 g super phosphate, 30 g potassium chloride, and 2 kg/ com post. Commercial inorganic fertilizer could be skipped for organic farming.
Ask assistance from the local agriculturist office for advice in growing organic cabbage and in order
to maintain and supply the nutrient requirement of the plant.
Protect the seedbed with a net or shed to prevent the seedlings from early pest infestation, heavy rain, and direct sunlight.
Post commercial inorganic fertilizer could be skipped for organic farming. Ask assistance from the local agriculturist office for advice in growing organic cabbage and in order to maintain and supply the nutrient requirement of the plant. Protect the seedbed with a net or shed to prevent the seedlings from early pest infestation, heavy rain, and direct sunlight.
How do you sow cabbage seedlings?
In the seedbed, sow 15 -20 seeds per 30 cm (1 foot) at a depth of 0.5–1.0 cm.
In seed trays (grown under greenhouse), sow 2–3 seeds per hole at a depth of 0.5–1.0 cm Optimum temperature requirement for germination is 20–25°C. The seeds germinate after 3–5 days
Thinning
In seed trays, leave only 1 healthy seedling (removing 1-2 unhealthy ones) during the first leaf stage
Hardening Five (5) days before transplanting, gradually expose seedlings daily to strong sunlight and also reduce the water supply to lessen stress of the seedlings after transplanting.
What is the right time to transplant cabbage seedlings?
Appropriate stage for transplanting is 4-5 weeks after seed sowing, precisely when the plant has is 4-6 true leaves. It is recommended that transplanting should be done late in the evening. Recommended Spacing is 60 cm-72 cm, is 60 cm between rows and 45 – 60 cm between plants. Averagely the variety this will give a plant population of 11,000 – 14,800 plants/acre. It is important to ensure proper settling of soil around the roots and watering well. For moisture, cabbages require above average water and lack of this results in slow growth and poor performance.
Splitting of cabbage may happen when there is sudden supply of water after a dry spell.
How many cabbages fit in acre/hectare? Cabbage Population
It is recommended that 26 – 30 000 plants/ha is planted for the loose head market. Higher plant populations raise the average yield per hectare, but the heads are smaller. For the bagging or chain-store / pre-pack market a density of 35- 45 000 plants/ ha is recommended. However it must be noted that the population of a cabbage field per hectare for a commercial grower can vary and planting is dependent on what the specific market needs and available resources are.
LOOSE HEAD – / HAWKER MARKET
- Head size, weight & hold-ability are important features.
- Plant density of ± 26 – 30 000 plants / ha.
- Plant spacing of 60 – 70cm X 60cm.
BAGGING – / CHAIN-STORE – / PRE-PACK MARKET
- Quality, uniformly filled heads, firmness and colour are important.
- Yield per hectare and uniform cut.
- Plant density of 35 – 45 000 plants / ha.
- Plant spacing of 45 – 55cm X 60cm.
For baby cabbage, varieties have a smaller head size and the population can be increased. A plant spacing of 25cm (in row) X 25 cm can be used as a guideline.
Which fertilizer is best for cabbage?
During planting apply 500g of manure per planting hole (8 tons/acre) and 2 table spoons (10 g) of DAP per planting hole (80 kg/acre).
Only use well decomposed manure to avoid possible introduction of cutworms in the field
Mix DAP fertilizer thoroughly with the soil to avoid possible scorching of the seedlings.
This is done with CAN fertilizer in 2 splits to avoid nutrient loss through leaching as well as excessive soil salinity.
The first split is applied at a rate of 10 g/plant (100 kg/acre) 2 – 3 weeks after transplanting
The second split is applied at a rate of 20 g/plant (200 kg/acre) at the onset of head formation.
Use placement method as it is more effective and economical.
Does cabbage need a lot of water? Water Requirement On Cabbage Farming
Cabbage needs sufficient amount, although young cabbage transplants or seedlings have a lower water requirement. However, water requirement increases rapidly as complete canopy cover and head development occurs. Water daily until the plants establish fully.
Always water the plants when wilting happens. However, the plants are very sensitive to flooding. During rainy season, appropriate drainage canals must be in placed to drain off the excess water after a heavy rain. Irrigation must be closely monitored to ensure soil moisture remains even in the beds during the cropping period. It is particularly important in the days following transplanting when seedlings are establishing new root systems.
Excessive irrigation promotes root rot and results in leaching of nutrients away from the root zone. Supplying water in equal amounts throughout the season prevents cracking.
How profitable is cabbage farming in Kenya?
If you get 15,000 heads x Ksh 20 per head = Ksh 300,000 (Gross Profit).
Ksh 300,000- Ksh 80,000 = Ksh 220,00 (Net Profit).
The expense cost includes farm equipment, chemicals, seeds and labour. However, in some areas of Kenya, irrigation is required and it is not captured in the estimates. The price of cabbages will vary depending on the season as normally there is an over-abundance of material for sale late in the rainy season. If growers are equipped with drip irrigation, they should plan their planting times so that cabbages will be available for sale in the dry season when prices are highest.
Returns on cabbage farming per acre
A cabbage farmer can make returns of KES 200,000 for growing cabbages on an acre. In the analysis above, you can have 10,000 mature heads assuming a 90% efficiency. If you sell each at KES 20, you will make the above returns. Contract farming or selling in Kilograms are ways you would make more returns. The returns for 5 acres of cabbages are KES 1 million by making similar assumptions.
What is the cost of production of cabbage farming per acre?
The cost of growing cabbages in one acre is around KES 92,100. The breakdown details are as follows.
Seedlings
To prepare planting materials, you need to buy seeds, establish and manage a seedbed. You need 100-120g of quality seeds for one acre from a leading seed company in the region. You will need to water the bed and diseases and pests affecting cabbage seedlings in the nurseries, such as damping-off disease and cutworms. We cost all these at KES 4,000 for an acre analysis.
Soil and water testing
Best tips for successful forming strongly recommend using soil and water testing. Soil results help in the purchase and use of right blends and amounts of fertilizer. The second one will help you source and use clean or potable water in irrigation. This cheap analysis solution will cost you KES 6,500.
Land preparation
You will spend KES 10,000 to prepare the land, making it ready for transplanting your cabbages. Assuming you do not own land, you will lease it at an average cost of KES 4,000 for an acre. Ploughing and harrowing will use KES 4,000 and KES 2,500 per acre using a tractor.
Best fertilizer for cabbage in Kenya
Crop nutrition takes a large portion of the production costs at KES 38,400. Apply manure, planting and top-dressing fertilizers as per recommended doses. You will need 8 tons of compost for one acre and 100 kgs (2 bags) of a planting fertilizer like DAP, DSP, TSP or NPK for basal application.
For the top dressing, you need 100 kg in 2-3 weeks after transplant. The second dose is 200 kilograms per acre when heads form. The analysis assumes the costs to be KES 2000, KES 3500 and KES 3000 for a ton of compost and 50 kgs bag of planting and top dressing fertilizers.
You may apply a foliar feed to substitute the need for expensive crop health.
Crop protection
Cabbages are susceptible to many diseases and pests that affect their yields. They include aphids, cutworms and slugs. To control diseases and insects, use registered bio-insecticides and bio-pesticides like Cymoxanil, Mancozeb, Amitraz, Profenofos, Bacillus Thuringiensis. Add a bio-stimulant to improve the plant’s health. These cost of buying the chemicals is around KES 7500 for an acre. You can buy via online agrovet in Kenya
What is the labour cost on cabbage farming in Kenya?
Managing crop from transplant to harvest is the second most expensive. You will need the labour of 61 working days for the entire growing period. Workers are for furrow making, transplanting, weeding, top dressing, spraying, harvesting, sorting and grading. The figure above shows the cost computations.
Gross Profits On cabbage farming in Kenya
The analysis shows a farmer will get a gross profit of KES 116,900. You will subtract the total costs of KES 83,100 from the sum returns of KES 200,000. A five acres farmer will earn a gross profit of KES 607,000.
Net profits on cabbage farming in Kenya
We estimate the net profit by deducting other or miscellaneous costs from gross profit.
A farmer will use KES 23,700 to pay for other costs. They are funds to market, communicate and transport goods to market. Other expenditures will cater for contingency errors, field visits and paying levies on open-air food markets.
The farm will thus pocket KES 93,110. It is after deducting the total costs from the gross profit if KES 116,900.
Gross margin analysis on cabbage farming in Kenya
To make more sense for the analysis, we also estimate the unit gross profit, production cost and net profit for a square metre.
The analysis shows farming on a large scale will favour farmers. According to the calculations above, the gross and net profits per M2 are higher than those of one acre.
FRUIT FARMING PLANTING PACKAGES | |
| FARMERS TREND FRUIT SEEDLINGS SERVICES | We provide technical support on fruit farming in Kenya. Our Sales Team with technically qualified staff provide after sales service and farmers’ advisory services to our customers to get better plant establishment and faster growth of fruit orchard and plantations. We have a large network of employees who arrange delivery of seedlings to customers at their various destinations from Nairobi. Free technical services to customers on planting method, management practices and plant protection measures. Our team of Agricultural Experts periodically visits and supervise plantations and suggest necessary guidelines to get better growth and higher returns. The income & expenditure projections indicated by Farmers Trend is normally an approximate figure, as it also depends on the nature and hard work of the farmer. |
| FRUIT FARMING PACKAGE |
|
| WHAT THE PACKAGE CONSISTS |
|
| GIVE US A CALL TO ENJOY THIS BENNEFITS VIA +254 724-559286 OR +254 754-452939 | |
==
How many cabbages can you get per acre?,
How profitable is cabbage farming in Kenya?,
What is the best month to plant cabbage?,
How long do cabbages take to mature in Kenya?,
Does cabbage need a lot of water?,
Which fertilizer is best for cabbage?,
How many cabbage plants per acre in Kenya?,
How do you farm cabbage in Kenya?,
Which is the best cabbage variety to grow in Kenya?,
How many cabbages can be grown in 1 hectare?,
best month to plant cabbages in kenya,
cabbage production in kenya pdf,
gloria f1 cabbage spacing,
cabbage farming business plan (pdf),
cabbage production manual pdf,
cabbage farming success story,
cabbage farming guide,
cabbage growing stages,
Comments
Post a Comment