Cabbage Farming Profit Per Acre

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In our modern Kenyan homes, cabbages are very popular. They are loved because one can serve many people as well as last for a long time, thud cost effective. This fact alone makes it a very profitable crop in Kenya because its demand is very high at all times.

They are normally grown from seed. Its seed is widely available in many agro-stores in Kenya. Cabbages are a temperate vegetable which do best under cool climates where there is a significant difference between day and night temperatures.

The plants have a short thick stalk bearing leaves which form a tight ball called a ‘head’. They have a high-water requirement and do best with at least 500 millimeters of rainfall yearly. Cabbages are a good source of nutrients especially for calcium, iron and vitamins, but are low in protein. The leaves are eaten after boiling, or may be used raw in salads.

Plants are propagated from seed in a nursery and transplanted when the seedlings are about 10 to 12 cm high and about 4 to 6 weeks old. The cabbage heads are mature and ready for harvest when they become firm to the touch. This will be up to 3 months after transplanting depending on variety selected. Cabbages are best stored out of the sun and in a cool place. Heads can weigh up to 4 kg each. Yield/population per acre is around 12,000 and 16,000 heads.

Cabbage farming can give you an income (net profit) of of Ksh 220,000 per acre (This after deducting your expenses). The total cash spent is estimated at Ksh 80,000 (From nursery all the way to harvesting minus irrigation equipment).

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Estimated Calculations

If you get 15,000 heads x Ksh 20 per head = Ksh 300,000 (Gross Profit).

Ksh 300,000- Ksh 80,000 = Ksh 220,00 (Net Profit).

The expense cost includes farm equipment, chemicals, seeds and labour. However, in some areas of Kenya, irrigation is required and it is not captured in the estimates. The price of cabbages will vary depending on the season as normally there is an over-abundance of material for sale late in the rainy season. If growers are equipped with drip irrigation, they should plan their planting times so that cabbages will be available for sale in the dry season when prices are highest.

Read: I Have Been a Good Farmer Why Aren’t I Successful Yet?

Below are major factors to put in mind before getting into cabbage farming are;

  • Soil health.
  • Type of fertilizer to use.
  • Cabbage variety to grow in your region and soil adaptability.
  • Manure
  • Transportation to the market
  • Crop yields per acre
  • Irrigation (Water needs)
  • Market or Pricing.
  • Planting timing.