Capsicum, popularly known as Pilipili Hoho, is one of Kenya's crops with high returns on investment.
Ukulima Space, an agricultural consultancy, estimates that if timed well, the crop can bring in approximately Ksh1.25 million per acre.
This is because if grown well, an acre can produce between 25-30 tonnes per acre and according to the current market price, a kilo fetches Ksh50.
“This will give you a profit of 900,000 after four months with Ksh350,000 being the cost of production,” Ukulima Space states.
“To get maximum returns, research which season has high demand and then work your timings back and plant three months to the said time,” the consultancy adds.
Climatic conditions for growing Capsicum
Farmers in semi-arid regions seeking to grow the crop are advised to consider irrigation as capsicum gives maximum yield under a rainfall of 800mm-1200mm.
Sunlight of up to 6 hours a day on an open field will also improve yields. The ideal temperature is 15-30 Degrees Celsius and the soil should be well drained.
Production costs
The largest expense while growing capsicum is seeds. Ukulima Space recommends the Green Bell variety for Kenya which will cost Ksh120,000 for an acre.
Other expenses include; irrigation water, labour costs, fertiliser and transport costs.
How to farm
Hortfresh, an agricultural journal, explains that farmers can grow capsicum through either open farming or a greenhouse.
While Ukulima Space states that open fields will increase yield, Hortfresh advocates for greenhouses as it minimises the usage of pesticides and fungicides.
“Open ground farming is cheaper to set up and productivity can be improved tremendously by farmers getting the correct crop husbandry practices,” Hortfresh adds.
