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.
