Spinach is one of the vegetables that Kenyans grow for consumption as well as to sell at the market. Spinach is a delicious vegetable with health benefits for human bodies, so it is in high demand. Is it, however, profitable for the farmers? This article discusses how spinach farming is thriving in Kenya.
Yes, spinach is one of the most profitable vegetables grown in Kenya due to its nutritional value and consumer health benefits.
4 Reasons Why Spinach is Profitable in Kenya
The following are four reasons why spinach farming is profitable for farmers in Kenya:
1. Spinach is Tolerant to Pests
Because spinach is resistant to pests, it is difficult to record losses, so there is a high likelihood of profit.
2. Low Production Costs
Production costs are relatively lower in spinach farming since it is simple and easy to start and does not require many expenses, but profits are much higher.
3. Spinach Plants Are Robust and Hardy
Spinach plants are tough and hardy, and they grow quickly, so you’ll see a quick return on your investment.
4. High Nutritional Values
Spinach is in high demand due to its nutritional value and succulent edible green leaves, which are high in fiber, iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. As a result, spinach is very popular in the market and thus profitable.
How Profitable is Spinach Farming in Kenya?
Spinach farming in Kenya allows farmers to make a lot of money in a short period of time. When the spinach has matured, it can be sold to the ready market for a profit.
The following are five ways in which spinach farming is profitable in Kenya:
1. When planting spinach in a quarter of an acre, you will produce spinach that will generate up to Ksh. 200, 000 for three months, especially from December to March.
2. Under proper crop care, one acre of land can produce up to 10 to 30 tons of spinach. Because a 50kg bag costs Kshs 700 per bag, a farmer will make a lot of money after selling them.
3. From a half-acre plot of land, one can earn Ksh. 65,000 per year from spinach farming.
4. If you sell your spinach at a consistent price of Kshs 15 per kilo, you will earn Kshs 224000 from a single harvest.
5. A farmer who sells spinach to the market can earn Kshs 3,000 in one day and Kshs 100,000 after one month.
Spinach Farming Profit Per Acre
Depending on the variety grown and the climatic conditions, spinach farming in Kenya can yield significant profits in a single season. For example, three months after planting spinach, you can earn Kshs 500, 000 on an acre of land.
The profitability of spinach farming per acre will be determined by proper crop care practices such as proper spacing and the selection of a high-quality variety. As a result, if you sell Kshs 2000 to neighbors and Kshs 3000 to local markets in a day, you can make a profit of Kshs 100,000 per month.
Price of Spinach in Kenya
The price of spinach in Kenya is primarily influenced by weather patterns, production costs, and market delivery.
A 50kg sack of spinach, for example, costs between Kshs 1300 and Kshs 1500, depending on supply in the local market. In addition, a bunch of spinach can cost anywhere from Kshs 20 to Kshs 30.
In Kenya, one kilogram of spinach costs approximately Ksh. 800.
