Lentil Farming In Kenya (Kamande), The Drought Tolerant Money Maker

Lentils, among other food legumes, play a significant role in human and animal nutrition and in soil health improvement. Its cultivation enriches the soil nutrient status by adding nitrogen, carbon and organic matter, which promotes sustainable cereal-based crop production systems in the regions. It  as an ability to withstand drought and poor soils. It is the most desired legume because of its high protein content of up to 35,5% and fast cooking characteristics. It is used as a starter, main dish, side dish or in salads.

Additionally, it may be deep-fried and eaten as snack, or combined with cereal flour in the preparation of foods like bread and cake. Lentils are a key source of protein, especially for the poor, who often cannot afford animal products. It is rich in starch, protein, calcium, manganese, crude fibre, fat, trace elements and minerals, which makes the crop an ideal supplement for traditional cereals or tuber-based diets, which are generally protein deficient.

Lentils are similar to beans (soybeans/common beans). They grow in pods that contain either one or two lentil seeds that are round, oval or heart-shaped disks. They may be sold whole or split, with the brown and green varieties being the best at retaining their shape after cooking.

Lentil (Kamande) Varieties Available In Kenya

There are numerous lentil varieties to grow in the garden, and each plant will result in different flavors and textures of lentils. The most commonly grown lentil varieties include:

1. 1. Brown lentils: Flat, brown lentils are the most common lentils to find at the grocery store, with an earthy flavor and a firm texture.
2. 2. Yellow and red lentils: Small red or yellow lentils have a sweeter, nuttier texture and a soft, sometimes pulpy texture.
3. 3. Green lentils: Large, pea-shaped, green lentils have a peppery flavor and remain very firm, even after cooking.

Best climatic conditions for growing Lentil (kamande) in Kenya?

Looking at these countries that produce lentils in large quantities, you will realize that their climate and soils are very similar to what we have in Eastern and North eastern Kenya, parts of Rift Valley and Nyanza.

Kamande requires at least 6 hours of sunshine daily, of which we have more than 10 hours every day of the year in Kenya. It grows best in hot areas and is very tolerant to drought conditions, so areas of Ukambani, Garisa, Wajir, Siaya, Kisumu, Narok South, Kajiado and the entire coastal region are ideal for lentil farming.

How long do Lentile – Kamande – take to mature?

Lentils are very fast growing taking only 80 days in hot areas and at most 110 in cooler areas to harvest from the day you put down your seeds.

Yes, I know that is crazy because most of the crops people run to for fast money take as long as 5 months. It definitely would be a faster money maker compared to onions and tomatoes, and much easier to handle.

Seeds, land preparation and planting for Lentil – Kamande – farming in Kenya

The lentil you buy at the supermarket or at the cereals shop are the seeds you need for planting. Though we recommend certified seeds for planting to be sure of good harvest. Your land will need to be ploughed well to have fine soils since the seeds are small.

Drill lines of about 1 to 2 inches deep with a spacing of 45cm from one line to the next. Drop the seeds in these lines at a spacing of approximately 1 inch from one seed to the next – well that is more like sprinkling the seeds inside the small furrow.

Just ensure that the seeds are not too close to each other. Cover the seeds with about 1 inch of soil. You will need 12 – 15 kilos of seeds to plant 1 acre.

Best time for planting Lentil – Kamande – in Kenya

The best time to sow your lentil seeds is during the onset of the rains. Since this crop doesn’t require a lot of water, it can grow very well over the long or the short rainy season.

The seeds will germinate from the 10th day. Contrary to what most people think, you do not need to support this crop. The plant grows to slightly higher than 1 foot (30cm) and thus is able to stand by itself.

Taking care of lentil plants

Any serious farmer will always start with a soil test. This will help you know if you need to add fertilizers, the type and in what quantities. Kamande is a short term crop hence you may need to have the soil nutrient balance and pH levels right before starting.

Weeding between the rows will definitely be necessary. This will not only help to reduce competition for nutrients but will also help to keep pests away. You also don’t want to harvest other wild seeds together with your lentils.

Pests and diseases that affect lentils in Kenya

The lentil plants are also susceptible to common beans pests such as worms, thrips and aphids. The good thing is that there are many safe pesticides you can get from agro-vet shops to control these pests.

However, the most important thing is to closely observe your farm and scout regularly for signs of these pests. Pests are best dealt with before spreading too much in your farm.

Harvesting lentils

The lentils are ready for harvesting when the plants turn brown and dry. At this stage, the plants and ponds will produce a dry matter rattling sound if shaken.

You need to be very careful when plucking the plants off the soil to avoid cracking the ponds and losing some of the seeds. For small scale farmers, lentil can be harvested in the same way beans, cow peas or green grams are harvested – placing the dry plants on a drying mat and shredding the seeds out with long sticks.

For large scale farming, combined harvesters are the best for harvesting the seeds. These harvesters will cut off the plants, shred the seeds out and clean off the chaff.

Expected yield on lentil farming in Kenya per acre

The expected yield of lentils per acre in Kenya is about 600 to 800 kgs.

Profitability of lentil farming in Kenya

Let us take the very conservative figures: assuming you achieve a yield of 600kgs and sell each at a wholesale price of 150 per kilo, you will have a turnover of 90,000 from an acre in about 3 months.

This is much better than ordinary beans or maize and you are assured of a ready market even from the grocery shop next to your home.

Health Benefits of Lentil – Kamande in Kenya

1. Heart-health

According to bbcgoodfood.com, lentils are rich in fibre, folate and potassium making them a great choice for the heart and for managing blood pressure and cholesterol. They are also a source of energising iron and vitamin B1 which helps maintain a steady heartbeat.

2. Helps to manage blood sugar levels

Lentils have a low glycaemic index (GI) which slows the rate at which the energy they supply is released into the bloodstream. This helps improve blood sugar management. The high fibre content also makes them very filling which helps in appetite control.

3. Weight Loss

Although they include all these beneficial nutrients like fibre, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.

4. Heart health

Several studies have shown that eating high fibre foods like lentils reduces your risk of heart disease. They are also a great source of folate and magnesium, which are big contributors to heart health. Low levels of magnesium have been directly associated with heart disease, so eating lentils will keep your heart happy!

5. A source of plant protein

According to healthline.com, lentils are a rich source of protein making them a great alternative to meat or fish. As much as a third of the calories from lentils comes from protein, which makes lentils the third highest in protein, by weight, of any legume or nut.

Like other legumes, lentils are low in a couple of the essential amino acids, namely methionine and cysteine. This is easily addressed by combining lentils with cereal grains such as rice or wheat.

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Q & A on Lentil Farming In Kenya

Can lentils be grown in Kenya?

Lentil is now mainly grown in Ethiopia, Sudan, South-Sudan, and Eritrea, but is not a cash crop in Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and Tanzania.

Where does lentils grow in Kenya?

In Kenya the beans grow in medium altitude areas of Eastern and Central province, Central Rift Valley and Nyanza region.

How long do lentil beans take to grow?

Lentil 80 to 110 days to maturity. Lentils can be started indoors before transplanting to the garden. Lentil seeds will germinate in 10 days at 68°F. Lentils require 80 to 110 days until harvest.

Where do lentils grow best?

Lentils prefer loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Lentils will grow in poor soil but the yield will be reduced. Lentils will not grow well in water-logged soil. Lentils grow best in a soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Which is the best soil for growing lentils?

Lentils grow best on your best performing loamy to clay loam soils. They don’t like wet feet, high salt or Boron levels or deep sands.