I have provided a guide to help you understand whether or not potato farming is profitable in Kenya in order to make an informed decision.
According to the National Potato Council of Kenya, potatoes are Kenya’s second most significant food and economic crop after maize.
Around 800,000 smallholder farmers cultivate the crop, which employs 2.7 million people along the marketing channels and contributes over Sh.50 billion to the Kenyan economy.
Thus, the ready market in Kenya with high demand for potato makes the business the most lucrative. Irish potato cultivation is gaining traction in Kenya and Africa as demand for the crop grows as a result of increasing urbanization and the high price it commands.
Potato output has grown rapidly throughout the world over the years, according to data.
Is potato farming profitable in Kenya?
Yes. Planting shangi potatoes in one acre, the potato farming profit per acre yields a net profit of Ksh.105,610 per season. It is after subtracting Ksh.16790 in extra or other expenditures such as crop insurance, field visits, transportation charges, and other contingency costs and mistakes are all included.
Furthermore, one acre can yield a gross profit of Ksh.122,400. It is calculated after deducting total crop expenditures of Ksh.127,600 from total revenues of Ksh.250,000.
When potatoes are in low supply, which is mostly in January and February, they sell for around Ksh. 4,000 per bag. As a result, it’s preferable to plant them before the end of the year. When supply is plentiful, prices are lowest in July.
Potato Yield Per Acre In Kenya
The average output per acre in Kenya is about 10 tonnes per hectare, but the “optimal” production is 20-25 tonnes per hectare. That is about 20,000-25,000Kg per acre yield.
However, in order to get maximum potato yield per acre it is important that a farmer uses certified potato seeds.
According to the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, the informal sector accounts for around 60-70 percent of all seeds planted by Kenyan farmers.
Most farmers reuse seeds from past harvests, limiting their ability to maximize yields.
You may wonder how many bags of potatoes can one acre produce? In three months, one acre of land may yield 80 sacks of potatoes.
Cost Per Acre To Grow Potatoes
For an acre of potatoes, the cost of planting potatoes in Kenya per acre is around Ksh.80,000 in total from planting to harvesting.
Best Places To Sell Potatoes For Maximum Profits
The best places to sell your potatoes are in regions where they aren’t grown. Because of the strong demand, the coastal districts of Kenya would be an ideal place to market potatoes.
When making marketing selections, however, you must consider the expense of transportation.
If you have the ability to transport your potatoes directly from the farm to the market, this is the ideal option since it eliminates the need for middlemen.
Due to transportation restrictions, most farmers, on the other hand, sell their produce on the farm. Before you can engage in this type of farming, you must first have confidence.
Ways To Increase Potato Profits
In order to get more profits, then your potato production yield should also be high. Some of the issues to consider include:
1 Effective Soil and Drainage
When establishing this sort of company, you should be aware that, while potatoes may grow in a variety of soil types, those regarded to be the “best soil” type for efficient potato growth are those that drain well.
Seek advice from other local farmers on the type of potato you want to grow and the soil that best suits the species of potatoes available in your area. The soil type will also assist you in determining which farm is most suited for its cultivation.
2. Choosing Season to Plant
Know when the best time is to plant the potatoes you wish to grow (sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, etc.). Though potatoes may grow well at any time, planting them at the appropriate time increases yields and helps to prevent or limit illnesses that plague potato cultivation.
Potatoes thrive in the rainy season, but that doesn’t imply they can’t thrive in other seasons provided a good irrigation system is in place. Because of the limited rainfall in the northern region of Kenya, the irrigation system is primarily employed there.
3. Cost Involved
Except if you are going into intense farming, which would require a lot of farming machinery and equipment for the agricultural operations, the initial capital in this type of farming is not as high as expected once the land has been bought.
So, before you start farming potatoes, or any other type of agricultural production, make sure you have enough money to last till you start harvesting and generating a profit from the product sales.
Related:
Certified Potato Seeds For Sale In Kenya
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Potatoes In Kenya?
Irish Potato Farming In Kenya Complete Guide For Success
Shangi Potato Farming In Kenya Tips You Must Know
Potato Seed Rate Per Acre In Kenya For High Yield
Conclusion
Potato farming in Kenya yields much more profit than expected, but every farmer of such food crops should be on the lookout because they are susceptible to pests and other fungal diseases, which can reduce yield. However, by following the appropriate and basic steps outlined above, the profit made after sales will be many times greater than the initial investment.
