Potato Farming Drip Irrigation Needs and Cost in Kenya
Potato farming drip irrigation is among the most rewarding ventures in agriculture with a higher demand for potatoes all year. It is one of the staple foods grown for commercial and domestic purposes in several highland regions in Kenya.
Potatoes have less production cost and produce a higher yield when grown under the right conditions.
Potato Farming Drip Irrigation Kits in Kenya
Pressure compensating drip irrigation kits are available at Aqua Hub Kenya. Driplines with spacing of 15, 20 and 30 cm suitable for potato farming drip irrigation in Kenya. Our prices are customizable as per the needs or requirements you need. May include;
- HDPE pipes for Main Supply
- Submain Line pipes
- Filter
- Ball Valves
- Fertilizer injector
- Pressure regulator
- Lateral or risers
- Driplines
- End Caps
- Fittings ( Elbow, tee, couplings, male and female adaptors)
- Tank Connector
Cost of Potato Farming Drip Irrigation in Kenya
The cost of potato drip irrigation farming depends on the size of the land you are doing. You can plant 2 or 3 lines of potato plants per bed or choose to grow without raised beds.
The cost of drip irrigation kits ideal for an acre of potato plants is listed below;
| Size / Lines Per Bed | 1 Line | 2 Lines | 3 Lines |
| 1 Acre | 75,000 | 130,000 | 160,000 |
| 1/2 Acre | 40,000 | 61,000 | 71,000 |
| 1/4 Acre | 28,000 | 40,000 | 50,000 |
| 1/8 Acre | 13,000 | 23,000 | 26,000 |
Conditions for Growing Potatoes
Rainfall – 850 – 1200 mm annually
Soil PH range of 5.5 to 6.0
A temperature range of 18 – 29°C
Hybrid Potato Varieties in Kenya
- Shangi
- Sherekea
- Wanjiku
- Mavuno
- Arka
- Tigoni
- Nica
- Dutch Robin
Potato Farming Process
The events in potato farming involve pre-planting and planting preparation steps.
Seed Propagation
Involves seedling preparation where seeds are left in room to develop sprouts
Large potato seeds are cut into tiny pieces, with the sprouts carefully left in each piece. Cutting ensures uniformity of seeds in the entire farm and ensures that all areas are planted.
Land and Soil Preparation
The area to plant potatoes should be tilled and all the vegetation, rocks and trees removed. Ensure soil is cultivated deep for about 20 cm deep to ensure proper tuber formation.
Planting process
Once the seedlings are ready, start planting the potatoes. Make trenches for planting about 4 inches deep and 1 m apart. Plant the potato plants at a spacing distance of 30 cm apart. Cover the trenches with soil after planting.
A spacing of 30 cm allows for drip irrigation as it equals to the emitter spacing of 30 cm which enhances uniform and adequate water supply.
Potato Farming Water needs
Potato plants require a lot of water through their several growth phases. The amount increases significantly in the flowering stage and tuber formation. Rainfall is not reliable in most arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya. In addition, depending on rainfall limits you to growing once or two times a year
Drip Irrigation is the best way to water potato plants, as it enhances precision irrigation and lowers water wastage.
Why Potato Farming with Drip Irrigation is Ideal
Allowing a slow water approach to soil also reduces diseases that cause potato root decay and leaf fungal infections.
Drip Irrigation feeds sufficient nutrients through precise application rate through driplines. It allows balanced growth and minimizes leaching.
Production of healthy potato tubers as there is less chance of rot and disease transmission.
Reduces the cost of production as it uses less water and energy to supply water to potato farms, unlike sprinkler irrigation.
How Profitable is Potato Farming Per Acre?
Hybrid potato Varieties can yield 30-40 tons per acre which can generate a profit of upto KES 200,000.
Common Pests and Diseases in Potato Farming
Diseases are the main challenge in potato farming, commonly caused by weeds and pests such as;
- Early and Late Blight
- Bacterial wilt
- Soft Rot
- Mosaic Virus
Common Pests are:
- Cutworms
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
How to control Pests and diseases
- Planting disease-resistant potato varieties
- Propagating Certified seeds
- Crop rotation and organic pest control methods
- Spraying pesticides such as Millionaire.
We Install Drip Irrigation Kits
We are available for your Drip Irrigation Installation needs.
Contact us 0790719020