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Inside garlic farming: How much you need to start and what you'll earn
To grow healthy, high-yielding garlic, it’s important to pay attention to three areas – pest control, disease management and proper plant nutrition.
Garlic farming is becoming increasingly popular, especially among smallholders looking for high-value crops with good returns. After discussing harvesting and post-harvest management, it is time to take a close look at what it really costs to grow garlic – an essential step for anyone considering this agribusiness.
The cost of garlic production ranges from Sh75,000 to Sh250,000 per acre, depending on factors like the type of garlic grown and specific farming practices used.
For most farmers, the journey begins with land preparation and acquiring quality seedlings.
Land preparation costs Sh10,000 to Sh20,000, depending on the condition of the area.
Fortunately, many farmers have already installed drip irrigation systems, which greatly reduce the unpredictability of rainfall and support consistent plant growth during the season.
Though an upfront investment, drip irrigation pays off by increasing efficiency and improving yields.
A key component of the cost structure is labour. From land preparation, planting, to weeding and general farm management, garlic requires regular attention. For an acre, labour costs Sh20,000 to Sh30,000 per month, depending on how many workers are involved and the tasks required. In the early months, weeding is particularly important, while later in the season, focus shifts to pest and disease management.
Inputs are another significant expense. These include seedlings, fertiliser and chemicals for pest and disease control. Fertiliser, herbicides and pesticides will require an additional Sh15,000 to Sh30,000. These figures can vary slightly, depending on where you purchase inputs and the quality of the products used. Trusted suppliers offer competitive prices and quality inputs that can lead to higher harvests and better bulbs.
While irrigation is no longer a major expense for farmers with existing drip systems, water availability and occasional maintenance still need to be considered. This could cost Sh10,000 to Sh20,000 per season, depending on the local water situation and whether pumping is required. Once the garlic is mature for harvest after four to six months, farmers should also plan for costs related to harvesting, packaging and marketing.
Harvesting labour falls between Sh10,000 to Sh15,000 per acre. Transporting the garlic to the market, packaging it attractively and promoting it can add another Sh10,000 to Sh20,000 to the budget.
Despite these costs, garlic growing holds great promise. For instance, a farmer with a quarter-acre plot who spends around Sh75,000 can expect a yield of 1.2 to 1.5 tonnes.
With garlic selling for Sh150 to Sh250 per kilogramme, this could translate to an income of Sh120,000 to Sh150,000 or even more if you secure a premium market. This kind of return makes garlic one of the most profitable crops, provided that it is managed well from start to finish.
It’s important to note that the size of the farm has a huge impact on overall costs.
Larger farms will naturally require more inputs and labour, but they also offer opportunities for economies of scale and potentially larger profits.
The choice of garlic variety also affects costs and harvests. Some varieties are more resistant to diseases or produce bigger bulbs, which can fetch higher prices in the market.
Ultimately, garlic farming is not a cheap undertaking, but it is a manageable and potentially profitable one if approached with proper planning.
Understanding these costs and preparing accordingly helps farmers make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
As always, keeping records and continuously evaluating your expenses against the returns is key.