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You are probably wondering whether cabbage farming is worth your investment. Well, the potential profits are there, but factors like market demand and correct planting techniques may affect your agribusiness. Cabbage, also known by its scientific name, Brassica oleraceae, is a popular vegetable variety in Kenya. It is a prevalent food for many families in the country. So, how profitable is cabbage farming in Kenya?
To conclude whether cabbage farming is the right venture, you need to understand the various factors of production in this agribusiness. Some of these factors include the cost of inputs like seeds and fertiliser, potential pests and diseases and do not forget to look at the current market trends for expected sales price.
How profitable is cabbage farming in Kenya?
According to Farmers Trend, cabbage farming in Kenya can generate an income of Ksh. 220, 000 per acre. The approximate amount you are likely to incur as a cost is Ksh. 80, 000. Assuming your acre yields 12000 heads of cabbage and you sell each head at Ksh.30, you will make a gross profit of Ksh.360 000.
How long do cabbages take to mature in Kenya?
One of the most common varieties of cabbage grown in Kenya is the Gloria F1. This type is usually ready for harvest within 80 to 90 days. However, the maturity period may vary depending on the weather conditions and management practices. A mature cabbage is said to be ready for harvest only if the head is solid and firm.
Pest and diseases affecting cabbage farming in Kenya
Like other crops, cabbages are prone to various pests and diseases. Some of the pests and diseases you will likely encounter and their remedies are highlighted below.
- Cutworms
A grey-black larva that partially or wholly bites the stem at ground level, causing the plant to fall over. You can control this by drowning the slugs in a tin buried in the ground and filled with water yeast or using slug pellets.
- Aphids
These are soft-bodied insects that use their piercing mouthparts to feed on plant sap. It is advisable to use insecticides such as beauvoir bassiana or remove them using your hands since the pest is easily found near the damaged plant, especially at the beginning of infestation.
- Black rot
This is a seed-borne bacterial disease that spreads through soil and infected debris. It causes yellow v-shaped lesions on the leaf margins, which later turn brown as the leaf veins in the affected area become black. Using certified seeds, observing proper sanitation and crop rotation will help prevent this disease.
- Bacterial soft rot
This soil-borne disease causes the cabbage head to become soft and have a watery rot, which develops an offensive smell. To avoid this, refrain from harvesting crops when wet and crop rotate with legumes and cereals.
Which is the best cabbage to grow in Kenya?
Cabbage varieties have different yield potentials, maturity duration and resistance to pests and diseases. Therefore, every farmer is advised to consider these factors when choosing the variety to grow. Some of the best varieties in Kenya are Gloria F1, Sunny F1, Riana F1, Queen F1, Serena F1, Pruktor F1 and Polo F1.
Below is a breakdown of each variety, their unique characteristics, average head weight and maturity in days.
| Variety | Characteristics | Head weight in Kg | Maturity in days |
| Gloria F1 | Has a strong root system and a thick wax layer. | 5 | 80 to 90 |
| Sunny F1 | Tolerant to humid weather patterns and ideal for the coastal regions. | 3.5 to 4 | 70 to 75 |
| Riana F1 | Rich in green colourand suitable for the fresh marketing and processing industry | 6 | 85 to 90 |
| Queen F1 | Highly tolerant to black rot disease and bursting | 5 | 80 to 85 |
| Polo F1 | Has light green round-shaped heads | 4 | 70 to 75 |
| Serena F1 | Has well-compacted heads | 4.5 | 80 to 85 |
| Pruktor F1 | Highly tolerant to black rot. | 6 | 80 to 90 |
What is the best month to plant cabbages in Kenya?
Cabbages can be grown in areas with high or low rainfall. The best months to start planting in areas with high rainfall is from April to September, while in areas with low rainfall, from October to December with proper irrigation.
What is the soil requirement for cabbage farming in Kenya?
Cabbages thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range between 6 and 6.5. You can enhance soil fertility by adding 8 tonnes of compost per acre or 100 (2 bags) of fertilisers like DAP, DSP, TSP or NPK.
Why should cabbages be irrigated in Kenya?
Cabbage has a shallow root system and requires frequent irrigation, especially during head formation. Some of the most recommended irrigation methods are drip irrigation, rain hose irrigation, rain gun sprinklers, and impact sprinklers.
According to Graduate Farmer, these are the approximate values (Ksh) you will likely spend on each irrigation method, depending on the size of your farm.
| Size of the farm | Drip irrigation | Rain gun sprinklers | Impact sprinklers | Rain hose irrigation |
| 1 acre | 140,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 | 70, 000 |
| Half an acre | 75,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 | 40, 000 |
| A quarter an acre | 55,000 | 29,000 | 30, 000 | 30, 000 |
| An eighth acre | 30,000 | 17,000 | 17,000 | 17, 000 |
How many cabbages per acre in Kenya?
The number of cabbages planted per acre depends on the spacing used. For instance, the Gloria F1 is recommended to be planted 11,111 cabbages per acre with a spacing of 60cm by 60 cm.
How much does an acre of cabbage yield in Kenya?
Depending on the soil fertility, irrigational practices and variety, an acre of cabbage can yield between 12000 and 15000 heads. This translates to 15 to 20 tonnes.
Which farming is most profitable in Kenya?
The profitability of any farming practice is usually based on the market and location of the farm. However, cabbage farming is one of the most lucrative agribusinesses in Kenya. This is mainly because the crop is less perishable compared to other vegetables and has a high market demand.
Wrapping up
How profitable is cabbage farming in Kenya? As discussed above, cabbage farming can give you a return of Ksh.220, 000 per acre after deducting all the expenses. It is one of the most profitable agribusinesses, considering the crop’s high demand and adaptability to different climatic conditions.
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