What Is The Most Profitable Crop Per Acre In Kenya

What Is The Most Profitable Crop Per Acre In Kenya

The most profitable crops to grow in Kenya, includes cabbage, kales, carrots, onions, garlic, capsicum, pumpkin, butternut squash, French beans, snow peas, macadamia, passion fruit, avocado, maize, beans, wheat, Irish potato, sweet potato, and tomatoes.

These crops represent some of the most profitable agricultural ventures in Kenya, but profitability can fluctuate based on various factors such as market conditions, production costs, and effective management practices.

Understand their costs of production, potential yields, and profits per acre to maximize your agricultural investment.

Kenya’s agricultural industry is the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for over 30% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture is the primary source of income for most Kenyans, providing employment and livelihoods for millions of people.

Kenya’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an excellent location for cultivating a wide range of crops, both for local consumption and export.

17 Most Profitable Crops To Grow In Kenya

In this article, we will explore the 17 most profitable crops to grow in Kenya, including their production costs, yields, and potential income per acre.

Cabbage Farming

Cabbage is another high-value crop, with an average yield of 25-30 tons per acre. The selling price per ton is about Ksh 25,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 80,000 – 120,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 625,000 – 750,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 505,000 – 630,000

Kales Farming

Kales, commonly known as Sukuma Wiki, are a staple vegetable in Kenya. The average yield is 20-25 tons per acre, and the price per ton is around Ksh 40,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 60,000 – 90,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 800,000 – 1,000,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 710,000 – 940,000

Carrots Farming

Carrots are a high-value crop with high demand in urban centers. The average yield is 25-30 tons per acre, and the price per ton is about Ksh 60,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 100,000 – 150,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 1,500,000 – 1,800,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 1,350,000 – 1,700,000

Onions Farming

Onions are a highly lucrative crop in Kenya. The average yield is 15-20 tons per acre, with each ton selling at Ksh 60,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 70,000 – 100,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 900,000 – 1,200,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 800,000 – 1,100,000

Garlic Farming

Garlic is a high-value crop that fetches premium prices. The average yield is 6-8 tons per acre, with each ton selling for Ksh 150,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 80,000 – 120,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 900,000 – 1,200,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 780,000 – 1,080,000

Capsicum Farming

Capsicums, or bell peppers, are highly profitable with substantial market demand. The average yield is 10-12 tons per acre, and each ton can be sold at Ksh 150,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 100,000 – 150,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 1,500,000 – 1,800,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 1,350,000 – 1,700,000

Pumpkin Farming

Pumpkins are a versatile and profitable crop with various uses. The average yield is 20-25 tons per acre, and the price per ton is about Ksh 20,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 30,000 – 50,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 400,000 – 500,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 350,000 – 450,000

Butternut Squash Farming

Butternut squash is a high-value crop similar to pumpkins but with higher market prices. The average yield is 20-25 tons per acre, and each ton sells for Ksh 30,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 40,000 – 60,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 600,000 – 750,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 540,000 – 690,000

French Beans Farming

French beans are a popular export crop. The average yield is 1.5-2 tons per acre, and each ton sells for Ksh 200,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 50,000 – 70,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 300,000 – 400,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 250,000 – 330,000

Snow Peas Farming

Snow peas are another popular export crop with high profitability. The average yield is 1.5-2 tons per acre, and each ton can be sold for Ksh 250,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 60,000 – 80,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 375,000 – 500,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 315,000 – 420,000

Macadamia Farming

Macadamia nuts are a profitable crop due to their high demand in the export market. The average yield is 2-3 tons per acre, with each ton selling at Ksh 200,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 80,000 – 120,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 400,000 – 600,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 320,000 – 480,000

Passion Fruit Farming

Passion fruits are highly profitable, especially for export markets. The average yield is 10-15 tons per acre, with each ton selling at Ksh 80,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 100,000 – 150,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 800,000 – 1,200,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 700,000 – 1,050,000

Avocado Farming

Avocados, particularly the Hass variety, are highly profitable. The average yield is 4-6 tons per acre, with each ton selling at Ksh 70,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 50,000 – 100,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 280,000 – 420,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 180,000 – 320,000

 

Maize Farming

Maize is one of the most popular crops in Kenya, largely due to its status as a staple food. The average yield for maize is between 40-50 bags per acre, with each bag weighing 90kg. The market price for maize ranges from Ksh 4,500 to Ksh 5,600 per bag.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 25,000 – 40,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 180,000 – 280,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 140,000 – 240,000

Beans Farming

Beans are another staple food in Kenya with significant demand. The average yield is 8-10 bags per acre, with each bag weighing 90kg. Beans sell for Ksh 10,000 to Ksh 15,000 per bag.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 15,000 – 25,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 80,000 – 150,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 55,000 – 125,000

Wheat Farming

Wheat is a major crop in Kenya, especially in the Rift Valley region. The average yield is 20-25 bags per acre, each bag weighing 90kg. The selling price for wheat is Ksh 3,400 to Ksh 4,500 per bag.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 50,000 – 80,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 68,000 – 112,500 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 18,000 – 32,500

Irish Potato Farming

Irish potatoes are widely grown in highland areas. The average yield is 80-100 bags per acre, with each bag weighing 110kg. The market price is about Ksh 4,500 per bag.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 70,000 – 100,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 360,000 – 450,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 260,000 – 350,000

Sweet Potato Farming

Sweet potatoes are another profitable crop, particularly in regions like Kakamega and Bungoma. The average yield is 30-40 bags per acre, each bag weighing 110kg. Sweet potatoes sell for about Ksh 4,500 per bag.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 20,000 – 35,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 135,000 – 180,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 100,000 – 145,000

Tomato Farming

Tomatoes are a high-value crop with significant demand in urban markets. The average yield is 15-20 tons per acre, with one ton selling at Ksh 70,000.

• Cost of Production: Ksh 120,000 – 180,000 per acre
• Potential Income: Ksh 1,050,000 – 1,400,000 per acre
• Profit per Acre: Ksh 870,000 – 1,220,000

Summary

Kenya’s agricultural sector offers numerous opportunities for profitable crop farming. By understanding the costs, yields, and potential profits per acre for various crops, farmers can make informed decisions and optimize their investments.

Whether targeting local markets or export opportunities, the key to success lies in careful planning, efficient resource use, and adopting best farming practices. The potential for high returns makes crop farming a promising venture in Kenya’s diverse agricultural landscape.