If you are eager to get into capsicum farming, you are making a great choice. Capsicum is commonly called pilpilihoho in Swahili, bell pepper, or sweet pepper. Many households in Kenya use the crop as a secret ingredient to spice up their dishes. So, how is capsicum farming in Kenya done?
Like other fruits and vegetables, capsicums have many health benefits, including improved eye health and reduced risk of anaemia. Considering the crop’s popularity, understanding the entire process of cultivating capsicums can turn the vegetable into a valuable source of income.
How to do capsicum farming in Kenya
It is essential to follow the correct procedures in capsicum cultivation. Below is a step-by-step guide on ensuring a bumper capsicum harvest.
Land preparation
Firstly, you should thoroughly prepare the land by ploughing and harrowing to a clean and fine tilth. Conduct a soil test to identify the fertility and acidity level of the soil. Capsicum requires slightly acidic soils with high organic matter and good moisture-holding capacity.
Raising seedlings
Capsicums are usually grown in the nursery before transplanting the healthy seedlings after 30 to 45 days. You can also grow them on seed trays for improved germination.
Transplanting
Seedlings are usually ready for transplanting after 4-6 weeks. Their heights at this age ranges between 10 to 15cm. Before transplanting, wet the nursery enough to allow easy uprooting of the seedling from the nursery without damaging the roots.
Weeding
Weeds compete with the crop for essential nutrients, so taking care of them as soon as they emerge is vital. Hand weeding or the use of simple gardening tools is recommended. Additionally, you can also use mulching to control weeds.
Irrigation
Capsicum requires an adequate water supply for optimal production. Water twice a day for at least one hour. Inadequate water supply causes stress, wilting, flower abortion, and physiological disorders like blossom end rot.
Pest and diseases
Some of the common pests and diseases affecting capsicum farming in Kenya include cutworms, anthracnose, powdery mildew, aphids, and red spider mites. For pests, it is recommended to use pesticides such as Profile and Pentagon while applying fungicides such as Absolute and green cop for diseases.
Methods of capsicum farming in Kenya
There are two main methods of cultivating capsicums: open-field and greenhouse farming. Many people prefer the greenhouse option because it produces high yields and minimises the usage of pesticides and fungicides.
Greenhouse capsicum farming in Kenya
Greenhouses are considered the most convenient method of capsicum farming. They enhance the quality of the crops while maximising yield per acre. The recommended size of your greenhouse is 8 meters by 15 meters.
According to Farmers Trend, these are some of the approximate expenses (Ksh) for setting up a greenhouse.
- Complete Greenhouse –180,000
- Capsicum Seeds – 0.5Kg/Ha for Ksh2,000
- Water storage and supply – 20,000
- NPK/CAN Fertilizer – 50Kg for 4,000
- Pesticides and Fungicides – 5,000
- Manure Compost – 200 per Bag
- Labour and Others – 10,000
- Total recommended budget– 230,000
A common variety grown in greenhouses is yellow(admiral) capsicums. Yellow capsicum farming in Kenya is becoming popular due to the crop’s vibrant colour and high yields.
Capsicum farming in open field in Kenya
Open-field capsicum farming is mostly practised in Western Kenya, Central Rift Valley, Nairobi, and parts of central Kenya. The crop thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The area should be warm with a temperature range of 15°C and 30°C. Additionally, capsicum requires rainfall amounts in the range of 800 to 1200mm per annum. However, you can supplement it with irrigation in the dry seasons.
What is the best capsicum variety in Kenya?
Some of the commonly grown varieties of capsicum in Kenya include Golden sun F1, Buffalo F1, Maxibel, Minerva F1 , California Wonder(red capsicum), Green Bell F1(green capsicum), Yolo Wonder, Pasarella F1, Admiral F1 (yellow capsicum), Ilanga Wonder, Kori F1, among many others.Â
How much does an acre of capsicum yield in Kenya?
The harvest amount in capsicum farming depends on how well you take care of your farm. Nevertheless, a well-managed acre can produce 25 to 30 tonnes of capsicum.
What are the profits of capsicum farming in Kenya?
According to Rich farm Kenya, capsicum farming can give returns of approximately Ksh. 1.25 million per acre. Assuming you produce 25 tonnes (25,000kgs) and sell a kilo at the current price of Ksh.50, you will make an income of 1.25 million.
Wrapping up
Capsicum farming in Kenya is one of the most profitable agribusinesses you can invest in. Remember, greenhouses can produce more yields because they make it easier to control the weather, soil, and pests that may attack your capsicums.
