Tomato Farming in Kenya

Tomato farming is one of the most profitable horticultural ventures in Kenya, as it is widely consumed both locally and internationally. With annual production of about 300,000 tonnes, Kenya’s tomato production still falls short of market demand.

Tomatoes are predominantly grown in areas such as:

Central Region
Mount Elgon
Parts of Western Kenya
Rift Valley

Varieties of Tomatoes Grown in Kenya

Some of the common varieties of tomatoes grown in Kenya include:

Anna F1
Terminator
Big Rock
Tandi F1
Asila F1
Zara

Ecological Requirements for Growing Tomatoes

Soil: Well-drained loam soils with a pH of 6-7.5.
Temperature: Moderate to hot temperatures.
Rainfall: Low or moderate rainfall is ideal.

Planting of Tomatoes

Seedbed Nursery: Tomatoes perform better when transplanted from an established seedbed nursery. The soil in the nursery should be raised to around 15cm high with 30cm spacing between seedbeds for walkways.
Sowing: Seeds are planted at a depth of about 1cm, lightly covered with soil. Germination occurs after about 8 days. Keep the soil watered until a week before transplanting.

Transplanting Process

Timing: Transplanting is done after 1 month of raising the seeds in a seedbed nursery.
Preparation: Water the seedbed well before transplanting to ease uprooting.
Method: Use a garden trowel for transplanting.

Fertiliser Application

For Root Development: Apply phosphate fertiliser early on.
For Leaf Development: Use urea two weeks after transplanting or CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) after 5 weeks.
Topdressing: Apply NPK fertiliser at the start of flowering to promote growth.

Farm Practices

Tomato Support: Provide support by vertically tying the tomato plant to a pole using a string, done early after transplanting.
Weeding: Regular weeding is necessary to avoid competition between the plants and weeds.
Pruning: Pruning is essential to improve air circulation and remove diseased or old branches. It is typically done on laterals, side shoots, and leaves.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests:
- Cutworms
- American bollworms
- Red spider mites
- Tuta absoluta
- Nematodes
Pest Control: Use insecticides such as King Code Elite 50EC, Pentagon 50EC, and Escort 19EC.
Common Diseases:
- Tomato blight
- Bacterial wilt
- Blossom end rot
Disease Management: Foliar fertilisers can help manage diseases.

Harvesting

Maturity: Tomatoes can be harvested 70 days after planting, depending on the variety. Some varieties mature faster than others.

Market for Tomatoes in Kenya

Tomatoes have a high demand in Kenya. They can be sold in:

Local open-air markets
Grocery stores
Supermarkets
Hotels and restaurants
Institutions such as schools

Prices:

A single tomato typically ranges between Kshs 5-10, depending on size.
One kilogram of tomatoes is sold at approximately Kshs 50.

Conclusion

Tomato farming in Kenya offers a profitable opportunity for farmers due to the high local and international demand. With the right farming practices, including proper land preparation, fertiliser application, pest and disease management, and marketing, farmers can enjoy substantial returns from growing tomatoes.