Garlic Farming in Kenya – How to Farm Profitably

Garlic (scientifically known as Allium sativum) is not only a culinary staple but also a renowned source of health benefits, making it a high-demand crop year-round. Kenyan garlic, in particular, is prized for its rich, unique flavor, giving it a natural edge over imported varieties. No matter how much foreign garlic floods the market, there’s always a niche for Kenyan garlic.

From a business standpoint, garlic is one of the most profitable crops to invest in. With a relatively short maturity period and good market prices, it’s possible to make substantial returns—provided you focus on:

• Proper planning
• Adequate market research
• Sound agronomic practices

Here’s a breakdown of how to farm garlic profitably in Kenya, or anywhere else for that matter.

How to Approach Garlic Farming in Kenya

Success in garlic farming starts with planning ahead. You’ll need to account for input costs, pest and disease control, and post-harvest management. Reliable water sources and access to extension services are also essential since garlic requires careful attention throughout its growth cycle.

Capital Outlay for a 1 Acre Garlic Farm Setup (Estimates)

(Note: These estimates assume a permanent water source is already in place.)

Site Selection

Ideally, garlic should be grown in places with well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Areas with good sunlight exposure which supports leaf and bulb development and access to water for irrigation are ideal. The crop is best grown at an altitude of 500- 2000 meters above sea level.

Regions that receive 500-1000 mm of rainfall are suitable, although supportive irrigation is often needed during dry periods. Think of areas like Isinya (Kajiado), Selengei (Kajiado), Kimana (Kajiado), Kieni (Nyeri), Mogotio (Baringo), and so forth.

Soil testing and analysis should be done to know nutrient availability, therefore, informing the choice of fertilizers and manure.

Also important, the land set aside for garlic should not have been used to grow any member of the onion family for the past three years. This is important as it helps in disease-mitigation as well as the replenishment of essential soil nutrients.

Figuring Out Water Supply for Your Garlic Farm

Water supply can make or break your garlic farm which is the reason why you need to think about it beforehand.

It’s always a good idea to farm garlic in a land with permanent water frontage e.g. access to a river or a dam.

You can also opt to drill a borehole if your budget allows it – the cost of drilling a borehole is northwards of Ksh1,000,000 for most places in Kenya.

Note: Garlic is a plant with a relatively shallow root system. This makes it susceptible to moisture stress – hence farmers should avoid overwatering or underwatering the plant. Successful garlic farmers typically use, drip, sprinkler, or furrow irrigation methods for best results.

Choice of Variety

The variety you choose impacts both your market and returns. The most common garlic varieties in Kenya include:

• Soft-Neck Variants: African Giant (Elephant), Rwanda Giant, Arusha Giant, California Early, Creole, California Late
• Hard-Neck Variants: Spanish Roja, German Extra Hearty, Purple Stripe, Rocambole

Soft-neck varieties tend to have a longer shelf life and are better suited for warm regions, while hard-neck varieties thrive in cooler climates.

Planting and Land Preparation

Garlic is planted using seed cloves. For the best results, source your seedlings from a KEPHIS-accredited supplier. Choose firm heads with tightly clustered cloves, and prioritize larger cloves for higher-quality garlic.

Start by ploughing the land to a depth of 15-20 cm, followed by harrowing to create a fine tilth. Incorporate manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. For rain-fed farming, plant garlic at the onset of long rains, spacing the cloves 10-15 cm apart and 5-7 cm deep, with 30-40 cm between rows.

Pest and Disease Management

Though generally tolerant to many diseases, garlic is susceptible to fungal infections like downy mildew, purple blotch, rust, and white rot. These can be managed by using certified seeds, practicing crop rotation, maintaining field hygiene, and applying fungicides like Carbendazim. Common pests include aphids, thrips, and nematodes, which can be controlled with insecticides like Cypermethrin and frequent scouting.

Harvesting

Garlic is ready for harvesting 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest when the plant leaves start to dry and turn brown, and the neck becomes soft. Be careful when pulling up the bulbs to avoid damage. Once harvested, the bulbs should be cured in a well-ventilated, shaded area for 2-4 weeks.

Marketing Garlic

Finding a market for your garlic in advance is crucial. Garlic can be sold directly to consumers, local markets, or wholesalers. Establishing relationships with restaurants and fresh produce vendors can enhance profitability. On average, farmers can expect to produce 6 tonnes of garlic per acre, with a conservative farm gate price of Ksh220 per kilogram. This translates to roughly Ksh1,320,000 per acre per season (approximately four months).

Conclusion

Garlic farming is more than just planting and harvesting. It requires thorough planning, precise execution, and continuous learning. By focusing on good agricultural practices and understanding market dynamics, farmers can turn garlic farming into a highly profitable venture. For those looking to diversify their income, garlic offers a lucrative option with moderate input costs and high demand.

Dennis Shikuku

With a BSc in Agricultural Biotechnology, Dennis is a results-oriented author who draws extensively from his farm management experience. When he’s not working on the farm or contributing to the Bizsasa platform, he enjoys watching soccer with friends.