Here is a rundown of the most profitable horticultural crops in Kenya, a sector pivotal to the nation’s economic development and a leading contributor to foreign exchange earnings.
- Tomatoes: Highly profitable, especially the Anna F1 variety, known for its high yield and quick maturity. Successful cultivation demands thorough agricultural know-how.
- Garlic: A nutrient-rich, high-value crop with significant health benefits, yielding considerable returns, especially with proper cultivation techniques.
- Flowers: High demand in the global market, particularly for varieties like roses, offering lucrative export opportunities.
- Cabbage: A staple in Kenyan diets, with a two-month maturity period, offering substantial profits on well-managed farms.
- Onions: Essential in culinary uses, with a three-month growth cycle, allowing for multiple harvests annually, particularly the high-yield F1 variety.
- Spinach: Nutrient-dense and profitable, with a strong market presence, yielding good returns for farmers.
- Kale (Sukumawiki): A market favorite in Kenya, easy to cultivate, and provides continuous harvests for up to five months.
- Passion Fruit: A leading export fruit, with purple and yellow varieties, enjoying robust local and international demand.
- Lettuce: Known for its nutritional value, it commands a good price in the market, especially with efficient farming practices.
- Dania (Cilantro): Popular for culinary use, with a quick turnaround on investment, making it a highly profitable crop.