Green grams, also known as Ndengu, are a popular and highly nutritious legume in Kenya, commonly used to make stews. With a growing demand in both local and international markets, green gram farming can be a profitable agricultural venture. Here’s a detailed guide based on Zack Abuyeka’s article to help you start or improve your green gram farming in Kenya:
ADVERTISEMENT
Main Growing Areas
- Machakos
- Kitui
- Meru
- Embu
- Tharaka Nithi
- Makueni
Varieties Grown in Kenya
- KS20
- N26
- N22
- Biashara
- Ndengu tosha
Ecological Requirements
- Soil Type: Well-drained loam or sandy soil.
- Temperature: Optimum temperatures of 28-30°C.
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Altitude: Suitable for altitudes of 0-1600 meters above sea level.
- Rainfall: Annual rainfall of 350-650mm.
Land Preparation
- Ensure the land is thoroughly prepared before planting to achieve a fine tilth, which facilitates better root penetration and water absorption.
Planting
- Method: Propagation is by seeds.
- Timing: Planting is best done at the onset of rains.
- Spacing: Recommended spacing is 45cm between rows and 15cm between plants, at a depth of 3.5 cm.
- Seed Rate: Approximately 4-5kg of seeds per acre, with 2 seeds per planting hole.
- Intercropping: Green grams can be intercropped with cereals such as sorghum or maize, which can optimize land use and stabilize soil structure.
Pests and Diseases
- Pests: Include cutworms, aphids, pod-sucking bugs, pod borers, whiteflies, foliage beetles, and thrips.
- Control: Use appropriate insecticides like Profile, Pentagon, and Kingcode Elite.
- Diseases: Include rust, powdery mildew, bacterial blight, yellow mosaic, anthracnose, and damping off.
- Control: Use fungicides such as Pyramid, Ransom, Green Cop, and Taurus.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Green grams mature after 60-90 days, depending on the variety.
- Indicator: Harvest when pods turn black.
- Post-Harvest: Dry the harvested pods for a few days before threshing to reduce moisture content.
Market
- Green grams have a ready market in open-air markets, cereals stores, groceries, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and institutions like schools.
- Price Range: In local markets, green grams are typically priced between Kshs 70-100 per kg.
Economic Importance
- Green grams contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many small-scale farmers in Kenya. They are relatively easy to grow, require minimal inputs compared to other cash crops, and can thrive in semi-arid areas, making them ideal for regions with less favorable farming conditions.
By adhering to these guidelines, farmers can maximize their yields and profits from green gram farming, contributing to their economic stability and the agricultural sector’s growth in Kenya.
