Gross
Returns
Commercial chilli farming in
Kenya is rapidly taking root. Chilli crop can yield upto 10 tons per acre in Kenya, with a ton having a market value of Ksh 1M.Chilli is a well paying crop requiring
well-drained soil and neutral pH as well as low Nitrogen level. Soil sample
and testing is therefore recommended during initial preparations.
Land preparation
During preparation , make raised beds that are 50cm apart.
Mix the soil media with adquate well rotted manure, thereafter covering the
nursery with a clear polythene paper for a minimum of 3 days to kill pests and
diseases. This practice in short is called soil solarization, a non-chemical
method used to kill soil-borne pests and disease-causing organisms using high
temperatures produced by sun radiation. The next step is to sow pepper seeds
into the nursery and then ensure immediate watering.
Seedrate
Commercial chilli farming in Kenya calls for use of 1
kg of seeds for one acre to cover planting and refilling damaged plants.
Transplanting
Germination of chilli seeds will take a range
averaging of 7 days. Nursery can be maintained by minimal labour of about 1
hour a day. Seven days down the line, seedlings are transplanted to the field
at a spaced at 45cm between rows and15cm between plants.
Maintenance
Chilli matures in 75-90 days after transplanting.
There are low management labour requirements during the growing period.
However, Commercial chilli farming in Kenya requires continuous crop
monitoring. Watering is required every 24 hours at flowering. Flower promotion
foliar fertilizer or flowering stimulant needs to be used at this stage. A
litre of flower stimulating foliar fertilizer is enough.
Harvesting
Chilli is harvested in 75-90 days after transplanting
depending on your market.
Conclusion
Commercial chilli farming in Kenya is a life time
opportunity.
