This is part 2 of the series I started last week on the comprehensive guide of growing tomatoes.To recap, I took you through all steps from seedling raising , transplanting and even taking care of the crop while in the field.
In this series I will help you understand all the remaining parts that includes; weeding ,fertilizer application ,irrigation, propping and marketing.Enjoy the read.
Fertilizer application and weeding
This is a continuous process and the demand change based on the stage of the crop.Three weeks after transplanting you should apply 40 kg winner fertilizer at cost of ksh2,350 and weed concurrently. 4-5 labour persons are enough for this exercise @ 5*350 = ksh1,750/=. You will also repeat the exercise 3 weeks later but this time round fertilizer needed will be for fruit development which is 17:17:17 40 kg and make sure to weed also.
Propping
Propping is the process of supporting tomato stems to prevent falling off during fruiting period.This is the single most expensive item in the whole process.However it is not an impossible item. Factually we need at least a prop for every stem and others for framing on the line ends.Props are sold at sometimes ksh 2/= per prop , that can prove to be expensive. One therefore needs to be innovative here,there is also another option where you can buy ready made props from people with grown trees at Ksh 800 per cart.For this exercise you will need 4 carts. @ Ksh 3,200.Plus transport to the farm. The props are then incised to have pointed ends to ease the installation process and installed in the Shamba with the help of three labour persons.During this process the Shamba should be pre-irrigated if its not during the rainy season.The final stage involves tying the stems to the props with gunny bags strings. Here you will need 8 gunny bags @ksh 30 each , suspending string @ ksh 150 and 5 labour person @ Ksh 1,750.
This exercise of tying is repeated after 2 weeks after fruits starts to sag, it is also a sign of good production but this time round you are only re-firming as you had done propping.Propping is done when the plants starts to fruit and with a good foliage , do not prop immediately after fruiting. You should at least wait 8 days , then more fruits will have emerged and the crop will be a bit stronger for propping.
Irrigation
Irrigation is a huge factor to consider as it comes with its own huge costs. One may choose a method of irrigation based on resources available to them. For my case study, I am on a water canal frontage therefore I will tap water via gravity and flow it to the farm using pipes. The main cost here will be labour and acquisition of pipes, having incurred the cost in previous seasons, I will not incur it here. The only cost here will be a labour cost of ksh400/= which is slightly higher than other husbandry activities.
Marketing
The crop should be ready within 60 days after transplanting in optimal conditions and with the right feeding.Market is never a problem unless there is an oversupply.Traders will come for your produce at the farm or you can opt to take the produce to the market yourself. One of the markets available to farmers in Kirinyaga includes Kagio,kutus, Embu, Makutano, Thika and Nairobi markets.It is always wise to keep in contact with other farmers to know prevailing market prices and visit market regularly to get firsthand information.
Projected income
Total cost estimate here is Ksh 50,000 but this may vary due to different factors such as irrigation cost and other expenses. This parcel has the potential of yielding 8-13 large boxes per harvest, harvesting is done twice a week. In a good season a box may retail @ ksh 5,000 or more . This equates to 5000* 8*2 to give ksh 80,000 for the first week.On a bad season, if you get it @ksh 2000 you will still get your profit.The key to tomatoes farming success is a healthy crop as this boost production which means high tonnage translating to more revenue. You may harvest up to four weeks. Therefore by the end of the season you will have made good money.
Experience
Farming is just like any other art, therefore the more experienced you are, the better you become.Experience is also the best teacher, however in a new post I will share tips for getting the best from your tomato season.Be sure to be on the lookout for the new post to gain from the insights.
Reach me @ kingorimugambi@gmail.com.
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