Kevin Onsongo, a farmer in Malindi credits okra for moving him from maize and cassava subsistence farming in 2021 to running a six-acre horticulture moneymaker.
According to Joseph Nthuli, an agronomist based in Kilifi, okra is a perfect high-value crop for subsistence farmers with little starter capital looking to get into commercial farming. This is because it requires a maximum of Sh60,000 to grow an acre and Sh3,600 in weekly farm labour costs for six during harvesting. According to data from the Agriculture and Food Authority of Kenya, okra earned its farmers an average of Sh381,240 an acre in 2022. Because the crop is harvested every other day (15 days a month) it also ensures farmers with limited cash reserves are earning regularly.
“Currently, we are selling a kilogram of okra for Sh50-55 to vegetable stall owners and market traders in Malindi and Kongowea markets. When we have a large harvest we also have brokers pick them from us,” Onsongo said.
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Depending on the variety of okra you plant and the management practices, the yield can vary from three tonnes to 11.5 tonnes. This means the crop currently has an average gross earning potential of Sh362500 an acre in two and a half months.
Nthuli informs that one of the benefits of okra is that unlike most vegetables it does not require time in a nursery, rather is sowed directly at a rate of one seed per hole and is ready to harvest after 38-40 days depending on the variety. Each hole is at least 30 centimeters apart on double-spaced rows. “Watering should be done at least twice a week and the crop is supplied with CAN fertiliser and a complete NPK foliar fertilizer. There are two weeding sessions; after flowering and once the flowers become fruits.
While prices in the okra market fluctuate violently– rising as high as Sh100 a kilo and falling to as low as Sh15 depending on the supply, Onsango ensures he keeps his production costs at the Sh60,000 an acre mark and maximises on production. “I buy the most expensive seeds (Sh11,000 an acre) but the best yielding (8-11.5 tons an acre) and most in-demand seeds for their deep green colour and long storage life in the market. Most people feed an acre with 50kg of CAN fertiliser which currently goes for Sh3,500 for a 50kg bag. I use double that as well as two liters of Lavender Total foliar fertiliser which is high in nitrogen and goes for Sh1,500 a liter,” he explained.
The day before every harvest he also ensured his okras were irrigated through fallows which take water from the farms well through two acres of the crop. This he said makes okras succulent which buyers want and almost doubles their weight.
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“You’ll never lack at least two acres of okra on my farm regardless of the market price. Between 24th July and the end of August we were selling a kilo for 20 bob which made many farmers abandon the crop, now the prices have swung back to 50 bob a kilo. But, regardless of the price, I guarantee you I’ll always be here farming okra,” he pointed out.