Step by Step to Becoming a Successful Raspberry Farmer in Kenya

FarmersTrend

2 years ago

The potential of farming raspberry fruit for money-making purpose is great.

The horticultural industry has had a profound impact on Kenyan farmers in more than one way. Creating more opportunities through the focus of this type of farming has enabled farmers to look at different farming ventures.

This change has intrigued farmers at the financial level to how horticultural farming can bring better gains and other added advantages compared to normal maize and bean farming.

In this case, I choose to highlight Raspberry farming as one of the profitable horticultural farming ventures earning Kenyan farmers an extra deserved coin.

Out with the botanical explanations in with the benefits of farming raspberries for profits.

They are not called fruits of success for no reason. Packed and weighed in grams, a packet of 200gms large-sized raspberries sales at Ksh 195. This does not even measure to an eighth of a kilogram! Hope you are all amazed and perplexed like I am about this fruit.

Make this as a hypothetical foundation on how you can make a profitable business out of growing raspberries. What this would amount to is the tremendous demand and sales for raspberries which any business-minded individual out there will sure grab for the taking. And what this taking means is planting raspberries for profit.

Now if you are the person who is interested in growing raspberries in Kenya and knows the potential of this farming business, the tips on planting raspberries for profit below will help you put yourself in the right footing.

Things to note before growing raspberry in Kenya

One of the basic foundation of any business venture especially if it is about farming is knowing the crop or plant you are growing.

In this regards, it is important for you to grow your raspberries in a suitable location. This means the land which your raspberries should grow ought to be rich in organic compounds and sandy in nature.

It is also important to make sure that your raspberries should get ample sunlight as they grow.

Another tip about growing this in-demand fruit is that your location for it should not be in a low lying area where there is a possibility that water clogging can happen in the farm during rainy season. Also, do not attempt to plant your raspberries in a crest of a hill. The reason for this is to avoid the plant getting affected by too much wind.

Make Money in Growing Raspberries in Kenya

If all is done regarding the production and farming side of the growing raspberries, the next step or task that should be given attention to is how to dispose and make money out of them as easily as possible.

There are various ways wherein you can approach this task. First you have the option to sell it right before your home, supermarkets and advertising it through social media. This is a simple step. The next one is getting involved in farm markets wherein various crops and vegetables and fruits are being sold in a certain location. You can exploit this second option since customers is sure to approach you in this situation.

How to Become a raspberry farming in Kenya

Becoming a raspberry farmer involves having a detailed understanding of the agricultural industry, including land and soil requirements for growing raspberries, the use of various types of farming equipment, cultivation, care, harvesting and processing of fruits, storage of raspberries and market sale and transfer specifications.

Becoming a raspberry farmer can be approached as a business startup operation, or as an addition to an existing farming business.

Step 1

Secure funding necessary to launch your raspberry operation. If you don’t already own farm land, equipment, vehicles and buildings, this step is similar to starting any small business, which involves creation of a business plan and applying for a small business loan. If you are already in the farming business and are adding raspberries as a crop, money will be needed to buy raspberry plants, fertilizers and chemicals specific to raspberry growing.

Step 2

Develop a marketing plan. Raspberry plants generally do not produce fruit for at least two years after planting. Decide what you will do with the fruit after harvesting, such as selling it to a grocery distributor or processing and selling the raspberries yourself.

Step 3

Purchase necessary equipment, including trellises, digging, pruning and hedging tools. For a large operation, consider ground-tilling equipment. Raspberries are a fast-perishing fruit that are typically kept fresh for three to seven days in refrigerated conditions. As such, advance planning is necessary for quickly harvesting, storing and transporting fruits to their intended destination.

Step 4

Find a reputable nursery or raspberry grower to purchase plants from. There are many raspberry varieties available and a knowledgeable agricultural nursery or Farmers Trend can help you determine the best varieties for growing in your climate and soil type. Contact 0724559286 or 0790509684 for ready to plant raspberry seedlings.

Step 5

Educate yourself about insect and disease management in raspberry plants. Different strains of raspberry are susceptible to various forms of fungus that can destroy fruit. Information can be found through this Farmers Trend website or local extension office.

Step 6

Hire and train farm workers, if necessary.

Things Needed

Startup cash
Land
Farm tools equipment
Raspberry seedlings
Manpower

HAPPY FARMING!!!!