What to grow in the dry season

Growing of vegetables is a viable option that yields high returns over a short period of time that is between the planting and harvesting season. It also requires little capital investment and relatively simple to manage. Market demand is a significant factor to be considered while deciding to venture in growing of a particular vegetable. This article will expound on capsicums, cabbages, onions and Kales (Sukuma Wiki) and how they can be profitable farming ventures especially during the dry season to grant high returns.

These four vegetables are important business ventures for farmers in Kenya to invest during the dry season because they give high returns with less supervision over a very diminutive period of time. The nutrition components yield from each also aids in marketing of these products. The piece of land required to grow the vegetables is relatively small, making it easier for a farmer at any level to undertake. Farmers should invest in the above vegetables because they are sure of a constant market for their produce and there is less competition during the dry because many farmers tend to engage in annual crops like maize that grow over a long period and they will be concentrating on harvest season. All you need is a constant waters supply to ensure your crops don’t dry up from the harsh weather conditions. Growing these vegetables during the dry season will fetch a higher price in the market because of demand therefore farmers will enjoy high gains.

Capsicums (Pili Pili Hoho)

Capsicum is a vegetable, commonly referred to as sweet pepper that is used as a natural spice. It is grown under sheltered sunny conditions and exists in various varieties and shapes. Capsicum has a wide range of nutritious benefits since they provide a rich source of vitamins, alkaloids that present an anti inflammatory, analgesic role therefore act as an antioxidant. It has a high demand in Kenya during the dry season especially in Nairobi.You can plant around 10,000 plants of capsicum on an acre of land and each plant will yield 10 heads which means you will get 100,000 heads after a growing period of 90 days.

Cabbages

Cabbage are green leafy biennial plants belonging to the family of broccoli cultivated throughout the year. It takes about two to three months to mature and harvested therefore flexible for any farmer to invest in to enjoy numerous profits over a short period. Cabbages have a high content of sulphur that is necessary for healthy hair, nails and skin. It is low in fat and rich in fiber therefore ideal for weight loss. The vegetable contains a high content of vitamin c that detoxifies the body and compounds that stimulate enzyme activity to inhibit growth of cancerous tumors. Cabbages can give you a possible 11,000 and 15,000 heads per acre. Some of the cabbage varieties in Kenya are Gloria F1, Riana F1, Serena F1, Pruktor F1, Queen F1

Onions

Onions form a foundational part in various soups, salads and casseroles. They are part of the alliums family and exist in a variety of types that include, green onions, dry bulb onions and the white onions. It takes about 4 months for onions to mature making it a feasible venture for farmers in Kenya to undertake. The health benefit achieved from onions include improving of body immunity by providing vitamin, contains chromium that assists in regulation of blood sugar and for many years heal infections by reducing inflammation. Onions can produce 20,000 Kgs  bulbs per acre with good management. Some of the onion varieties in Kenya are  Red Pinoy F1,, Jambar F1, Red passion F1, Red Comet F1 .

Sukuma Wiki (Kale)

Lastly is kale which is the most common vegetable belonging to the cruciferous cabbage family. It does well in a hot and wet climate, and takes between 6 and 8 weeks to mature before the first harvest. Kale are of great nutritious value to our bodies, to mention but a few that are, help lower the level of cholesterol in our bodies, therefore reduce the risk of acquiring heart diseases.  You can get upto 16 – 20 Tonnes of Sukuma Wiki per acre.

Source:http://graduatefarmer.co.ke/