Introduction
In the world of agriculture, opportunities abound for those willing to explore and invest in lesser-known but highly profitable crops. Turmeric, often referred to as the “golden spice of life,” is one such crop that can transform your half-acre plot into a thriving business venture. With a modest investment of between Sh.175,000 to Sh.200,000 for seeds, water, manure, and labor, you can yield up to 7,500 kilos of wet turmeric rhizomes or 5,000 kilos when dried. At a market price ranging from Sh.250 to Sh.400 per kilo, this can translate into a staggering Sh.1,875,000 when dry or Sh.1,250,000 when wet, all in just 8 to 9 months. Intrigued? Let’s delve into the details of how to achieve this remarkable feat.
ALSO READ: Approved ways to Make $500/Month With PosterMyWall – Lucrative Passive Income Idea 2023
The Potential of Turmeric Farming
Agriculture is often hailed as the next frontier in Africa, and choosing to cultivate high-value but less common crops like turmeric can prove to be an immensely profitable venture for farmers. However, despite its economic potential, turmeric cultivation in Kenya and East Africa, in general, has been hindered by an information gap and a lack of access to quality seeds.
According to Mr. Oliver M. Ndegwa, the CEO of Madvisory Africa and lead Technical Engineer at Agrotunnel International, most of the turmeric consumed in the country is imported due to these challenges. To address this issue and harness the crop’s economic value, Ndegwa has founded Turmeric Kenya Ltd, with a focus on the latest CIM PITAMBER turmeric variety from India. This variety boasts a 12.5 percent curcumin content (a highly sought-after anti-inflammatory compound), a remarkable yield of 2.5 metric tons per half an acre, early maturity within 180-190 days, and an impressive wet-to-dry conversion rate of 22 percent. Other turmeric varieties include Swarna, Sudarshana, Suguna, BSR 1, Krishna, Rajendra Sonia, BSR 2, Allepy finger turmeric, Ranga, and Waigaon, among others.
Growing Turmeric: Key Considerations
To successfully grow turmeric and maximize your earnings, several essential factors must be taken into account:
Climatic Requirements
Turmeric thrives in a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season. It requires an annual rainfall ranging from 1,000mm to 2,000mm and grows best at altitudes of around 1,500 meters above sea level. This makes it an ideal crop for many regions in Kenya and East Africa. Turmeric is a warm-season crop that does well in humid conditions and can even tolerate some shade. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C and 35°C. Additionally, it prefers organically rich, well-drained loamy soils with a pH level ranging from 4.5 to 7.5.
For farmers with soils that have either too high or too low pH levels, corrective measures can be taken. Applying compost manure can lower high pH, while calcium carbonate can be used to increase low pH levels.
ALSO READ: Pathways to Fulfillment: Prioritizing Passion, Skills, and Impact
Selecting Turmeric Planting Materials
Choosing the right planting materials is crucial for successful turmeric cultivation. Avoid purchasing fresh turmeric rhizome splits for direct planting from the market, as these can have a dormancy period of up to three months, leading to delayed sprouting. Instead, source clean planting materials from certified nurseries or government seed merchants like KALRO. The best planting materials are obtained from mother rhizomes, which can yield over 50 percent more than finger rhizomes.
Land Preparation
Prepare your land by applying approximately 8 tonnes of farmyard or compost manure per half an acre. This manure should be spread evenly and then incorporated into the soil at a depth of 35-40cm during plowing. Subsequently, create beds that are 1.0-1.5 meters wide and 15cm high, spaced 50cm apart for planting.
Planting
Turmeric can be planted as whole rhizomes or split rhizomes, either as mother or finger rhizomes weighing between 40-50g. Mother rhizomes are preferred for higher production. Before planting, form ridges and furrows that are 45-50cm apart on the beds. The recommended planting pattern is to place sets on ridges that are 25-30cm apart, with spacing of 15-30cm within rows and a planting depth of 5-10cm. Under favorable conditions, shoots will start to appear within 10-15 days and continue emerging over a period of four to eight weeks.
The required amount of rhizomes for planting depends on factors such as soil type, planting system, and the specific turmeric variety. Approximately 1,000kg of mother or finger rhizomes are needed to plant an acre, while 2,500kg and 2000kg of mother and finger rhizomes, respectively, are required for planting 1 hectare of land. In the case of intercropping, where turmeric is planted alongside other crops like chili, onions, French beans, coconut, eggplant, or maize, you’ll need 400-500kg of rhizomes.
ALSO READ: If you don’t make time to build for yourself, you will be assigned time to build for someone else
Irrigation
Turmeric requires about one liter of water per crop per week during the dry season. Vertical farming can reduce this requirement by half.
Manure and Fertilizer Application
During land preparation, apply 16 tonnes of well-decomposed farmyard manure per half an acre. For fertilizer, use NPK at a ratio of 30:12:12 kilos per half an acre, followed by top-dressing with UREA at 12.2kg per half acre after a month. Weeding should be performed as needed, with four to five weeding sessions recommended.
Pests and Diseases
Turmeric is susceptible to pests like thrips, rhizome scales, nematodes, and shoot borers, as well as diseases such as leaf blotch, leaf spot, leaf blight, root rot, and rhizome rot. Timely detection and professional intervention are crucial when signs of disease or pests are observed.
Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvesting of turmeric typically occurs between seven to eight months for early-maturing varieties and eight to nine months for medium-maturing ones. Harvest when the leaves start turning yellow and drying up. Cut the leaves close to the ground and gently lift the rhizomes by hand or with a spade to avoid damage. Let the rhizomes wilt for a day before curing. Separating mother rhizomes from finger rhizomes and cleaning them should be done just before curing. On average, you can expect a yield of 10 to 15 metric tons per acre of green turmeric.
Post-Harvest Preservation
The post-harvest process involves boiling the rhizomes in a covered pot filled with three-quarters of water for 45 to 60 minutes. After boiling, dry the rhizomes and polish them manually or mechanically to achieve a smooth and appealing appearance. Allow the boiled rhizomes to sit indoors for approximately a day before sun-drying for 10 to 15 days. To preserve rhizomes for seeds for up to 15 days, store them in pits and cover them with sawdust or sand.
Marketing
Once your turmeric is polished and dried, it’s ready for the market. In Nairobi, a rhizome finger measuring about 11cm can retail for Ksh.20, and prices are generally higher in international markets.
ALSO READ: Unlocking Online Revenue: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Monetize Your Ideas in 2023.
Investment and Production
While the initial investment for half an acre of turmeric farming may seem substantial, the returns are undoubtedly rewarding. With current market prices ranging from Sh.200 to Sh.400 per kilo, and the potential to yield up to 7,500 kilos of wet turmeric rhizomes or 5,000 kilos when dried, the financial prospects are promising.
In conclusion, venturing into turmeric farming can be a lucrative opportunity for farmers in Kenya and East Africa. With the right knowledge, preparation, and dedication, you can turn a half-acre of land into a thriving turmeric business. As the saying goes, “There’s no marathon race that has ever been won by those who did not start the race.” If you’re intrigued by the idea and have the resources to get started, don’t hesitate—take the plunge into turmeric farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is turmeric farming profitable for small-scale farmers?
- Yes, turmeric farming can be profitable for small-scale farmers, especially when they follow recommended practices and have access to quality planting materials.
- What are the major challenges in turmeric farming?
- Challenges in turmeric farming include pest and disease management, obtaining quality planting materials, and market access.
- Can turmeric be grown in regions with limited rainfall?
- Turmeric thrives in areas with a tropical climate and adequate rainfall. However, irrigation can be used in regions with limited rainfall.
- What is the best time to harvest turmeric?
- Turmeric is typically harvested when the leaves begin turning yellow and drying up, which usually occurs between seven to nine months after planting.
- How can I preserve turmeric for future planting?
- To preserve turmeric rhizomes for future planting, store them in pits and cover them with sawdust or sand for up to 15 days.
By following these guidelines, you can embark on a successful turmeric farming journey and potentially earn a substantial income from your half-acre plot. Remember, patience and dedication are key to reaping the rewards of this valuable crop.
