HOW TO MAKE 1 MILLION KENYAN SHILLINGS WITH TOMATO FARMING IN KENYA

Tomato farming in Kenya is a highly lucrative venture that, when done right, can generate substantial profits. With a growing demand for tomatoes in homes, hotels, and food processing industries, farmers have a golden opportunity to tap into this market and make up to Ksh 1 million per season. This guide will show you exactly how to achieve that goal, from selecting the right variety to selling your produce at the best price.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tomato Variety

Selecting a high-yielding tomato variety is crucial for maximizing profits. Some of the best hybrid varieties in Kenya include:

• Anna F1 – Resistant to diseases and produces high yields.
• Money Maker – Performs well in different climatic conditions.
• Rio Grande – Ideal for both fresh consumption and processing.
• Tylka F1 – Offers resistance to nematodes and bacterial wilt.
• Chonto F1 – Has a long shelf life and is great for commercial farming.

These varieties produce between 25 to 40 tonnes per acre, depending on the level of care and farm management.

Step 2: Prepare Your Land Properly

Tomatoes require well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. To prepare your land:

• Clear and plow the land – Remove weeds and loosen the soil.
• Apply manure or compost – Enrich the soil with organic matter.
• Add fertilizers – Use DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) during planting and CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) after two weeks.
• Create raised beds or furrows – This improves drainage and enhances root development.

Step 3: Start with Healthy Seedlings

Starting with healthy seedlings increases the chances of a high yield. You can either buy certified seedlings from a nursery or grow your own using a seedbed. If growing your own:

• Prepare a nursery bed and cover it with a plastic tunnel to protect against pests.
• Sow seeds in rows and lightly cover them with soil.
• Water regularly and provide shade until seedlings are ready for transplanting.
• Transplant when seedlings have 4-6 true leaves (about 3-4 weeks old).

Step 4: Planting and Farm Management

Spacing and Transplanting

• Space tomato plants 60 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants to allow proper growth and aeration.
• Water the seedlings a day before transplanting to reduce transplant shock.

Irrigation

• Tomatoes need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Use drip irrigation to conserve water and prevent fungal diseases.
• Water in the morning or late evening to avoid excessive evaporation.

Fertilization

• Apply DAP fertilizer at planting.
• Top-dress with CAN two weeks after transplanting.
• Use NPK fertilizer during the flowering stage.
• Apply foliar feeds such as Calcium Nitrate to prevent blossom end rot.

Pest and Disease Control

Tomatoes are prone to various pests and diseases. Some of the common ones include:

• Aphids, Whiteflies, and Tuta Absoluta – Use neem oil, pyrethrum-based sprays, or pesticides such as Belt or Tracer.
• Blight and Powdery Mildew – Apply fungicides like Ridomil or Milraz.
• Root Rot and Fusarium Wilt – Practice crop rotation and ensure good drainage.

Step 5: Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Tomatoes take 75 to 90 days to mature, depending on the variety. To ensure you get the best quality:

• Harvest when fruits start turning red (for the local market) or slightly pink (for long-distance transport).
• Use clean crates to avoid bruising and maintain freshness.
• Store in a cool, dry place before transporting to the market.

Step 6: Selling Your Tomatoes for Maximum Profit

Identifying Market Opportunities

To make Ksh 1 million, you must sell at the best price. Target:

• Wholesale markets like Wakulima Market in Nairobi and Kongowea Market in Mombasa.
• Supermarkets and grocery stores that require high-quality produce.
• Hotels and restaurants that buy in bulk.
• Processing companies like KCC and Bidco for sauce and paste production.

Pricing Strategy

• The price of tomatoes fluctuates between Ksh 50 to Ksh 200 per crate depending on seasonality.
• Off-season farming (when supply is low) guarantees higher prices.
• Consider contract farming with buyers to ensure steady demand.

Step 7: The Math – How to Make Ksh 1 Million

Let’s break down the numbers to see how you can reach your goal:

• 1 acre of hybrid tomatoes yields about 30 tonnes (30,000 kg).
• If you sell at an average price of Ksh 35 per kg, you get:

30,000 kg x Ksh 35 = Ksh 1,050,000

Even after deducting expenses such as seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and labor (approximately Ksh 250,000), you still retain around Ksh 800,000 in profit per season. By expanding to 1.5 acres, you can easily hit the Ksh 1 million mark.

Step 8: Scaling Up for More Profits

Once you master tomato farming, consider scaling up by:

• Increasing acreage to 2 or more acres.
• Investing in greenhouses for year-round production.
• Establishing a processing unit for value addition (tomato paste, sauce, dried tomatoes).
• Exporting tomatoes to regional markets such as Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

Conclusion

Tomato farming in Kenya is one of the most profitable agribusiness ventures when done correctly. With proper planning, the right variety, good farm management, and a reliable market, you can make over Ksh 1 million in just a few months. The key is consistency, pest control, and targeting high-value markets.

To get a detailed step-by-step Kenyan Tomato Farming Business Guide, click on our link below and start your journey to financial freedom through agribusiness!