Kenya is one of the world’s leading producers of tea and the largest exporter of black tea globally. With more than 111,000 hectares of land under tea cultivation, the tea industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy. Below is an overview of tea farming in Kenya, including ecological requirements, planting methods, pest management, and the market for tea.
Tea Growing Areas in Kenya
Tea is predominantly grown in the highlands of Kenya, where the climatic conditions are ideal for its cultivation. The main tea-growing regions in Kenya include:
- Kericho
- Nakuru
- Bomet
- Vihiga
- Nandi
- Nyamira
- Kisii
- Kakamega
- Bungoma
- Elgeyo Marakwet
- Trans Nzoia
- Kiambu
- Embu
- Murang’a
Ecological Requirements for Growing Tea
Tea requires specific climatic conditions and soil types to thrive. Key ecological factors include:
- Annual Rainfall: 1200-1400 mm of rainfall is ideal for tea cultivation.
- Soil: Tea grows best in tropical volcanic red soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 5.8. The soil should be well-drained and aerated to allow for healthy root development.
- Sunlight: Tea plants need exposure to sunlight for about 4 hours per day.
- Altitude: The ideal altitude for tea cultivation in Kenya ranges from 1500m to 2700m above sea level.
Propagation and Planting
Tea farming in Kenya typically involves careful land preparation and proper planting methods. Here’s how to establish a successful tea farm:
- Land Preparation: Land should be well-prepared, which includes clearing weeds that compete for nutrients with the tea plants. Proper weeding is essential to ensure healthy growth and high yields.
- Propagation Methods: The most common method of propagation in Kenya is vegetative propagation, although tea can also be propagated through clonal selection, tea seed production, or establishing a tea seed nursery.
Nursery Establishment
A nursery is used to raise young tea plants under controlled conditions:
- Site Selection: The nursery should be well-sheltered and located near a water source.
- Soil: The soil in the nursery should be well-drained and have a pH of around 5.5 to ensure healthy seedling development.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is preferred for faster establishment and better yields. This method involves the following steps:
- Cuttings: Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young shoots (5-7 months old).
- Preparation: The cuttings are placed in a container of water for about 30 minutes before planting.
- Planting: The cuttings are then planted in the nursery for growth.
Pests and Diseases
Tea plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. Common pests include:
- Nematodes
- Tea mites
- Cutworms
- Crickets
- Mosquito bugs
- Aphids
Common diseases affecting tea include:
- Wood rot
- Armillaria root rot
- Brown/grey blight
Management: These pests and diseases can be controlled through:
- Practicing proper field sanitation and growing conditions
- Planting resistant tea varieties
- Using recommended insecticides, pesticides, and neem products
Harvesting
Tea takes about 3 years to be ready for harvesting. Once mature, a hectare of tea can yield approximately 1000-1500 kg of tea per year, depending on the variety and environmental conditions. Harvesting involves plucking the tender young leaves from the tea bushes.
Market for Tea in Kenya
The majority of the tea grown in Kenya is exported to international markets, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. Tea is also consumed locally, primarily as a beverage.
Selling Options:
- Local Markets: Tea can be sold in open-air markets or directly to consumers.
- Processing Companies: Tea farmers can enter into contracts with tea processing companies, such as the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), to sell their harvest.
- Tea Exporters: Farmers can also contract with tea exporters who handle the sale of the product to international markets.
Conclusion
Tea farming is a profitable agribusiness venture in Kenya, with significant local and international market opportunities. With the right ecological conditions, proper management practices, and access to markets, tea farming can yield substantial returns. Whether small or large scale, tea farming remains a vital part of Kenya’s agricultural economy.
