Many Kenyans are wondering if sweet potato farming is a profitable venture. Sweet potatoes are a popular crop grown almost everywhere in the country. Therefore, a farmer can get a lot of money if it is well managed. This article shows how profitable sweet potato farming is in Kenya.
Yes, sweet potato farming is profitable because of the following 10 reasons:
1. High Demand
There is a high demand for sweet potatoes in Kenya, both from households and the food processing industry.
This demand is expected to continue to grow in the future as more people become aware of the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes.
2. High Yield Potential
Sweet potatoes are one of the most productive food crops, with a yield potential of 13 to 30 tonnes per hectare. So, Kenyan farmers can expect to harvest around 20 bags on an acre of land.
3. Low Cost of Production
Due to their low input requirements, sweet potatoes are a relatively low-cost crop to produce. This makes them an accessible crop for small-scale farmers with limited resources.
For instance, the costs of sweet potato farming are Ksh. 6000 for weeding and harvesting; Ksh. 1000 for transport; and others totaling Ksh. 7000.
Therefore, the profit of sweet potato farming per acre can be Ksh. 63,000 at low demand, Ksh. 13,3000 at high demand when sold in Nairobi, and in rural markets the profit is Ksh. 23,000.
4. Short Growing Season
Sweet potatoes have a shorter growing season than many other crops, which means they can be grown in areas with shorter rainy seasons. In fact, sweet potatoes mature three to six months after planting on fertile and well-drained sandy loam soil. In Kenya, sweet potatoes can be planted as early as March and harvested from June onwards.
5. Drought Tolerant
Sweet potatoes are relatively drought-tolerant, which makes them a good option for farmers in regions with unreliable rainfall. They can also be grown in marginal soils that are not suitable for other crops.
6. High Income Earnings
When selling sweet potatoes in Nairobi, one can sell them at Ksh. 3500 when the demand is low and if high, the price can rise to Ksh. 7,000 per bag. For example, on an acre piece of land, 20 bags can be produced and if sold in Nairobi, you can earn Ksh. 70,000 at low demand and Ksh. 140,000 at high demand.
In rural markets, a bag of sweet potatoes is sold at Ksh. 1500. Therefore, a farmer can earn Ksh 30,000 for 20 bags in a season.
7. Versatile Crop
Sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of ways, including being boiled, baked, mashed, or made into chips. They can also be used as livestock feed. This versatility makes sweet potatoes a valuable crop for Kenyan farmers.
8. Nutritious Crop
Sweet potatoes are a highly nutritious crop, with a high content of vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
9. Pest and Disease Resistant
Sweet potatoes are relatively pest and disease free, which means they require fewer inputs and are easier to grow than many other crops. This makes them a good option for small-scale farmers who may not have access to expensive pesticides and herbicides.
10. Climate Change Adaptable
Sweet potatoes are one of the most climate change adaptable crops due to their drought tolerance and ability to grow in marginal soils. This makes them a good option for farmers who are looking to diversify their cropping systems in the face of a changing climate.
