Capsicum (Bell Peppers)
High-value vegetable crop with exceptional export potential and domestic demand. Can generate up to KSh 1.25 million per acre with proper management.
Growing Requirements
climate
- Warm conditions preferred
- Temperature: 21-29°C optimal
- Protect from extreme weather and frost
- Requires full sun exposure
Task Timeline
Total cycle duration: 75-90 days (new varieties as fast as 75 days)
Investment & Returns
Costs Breakdown
| Category | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
Hybrid Seeds Per acre | 12,000 |
Nursery Setup Per acre | 18,000 |
Land Preparation Per acre | 25,000 |
Irrigation System Per acre | 40,000 |
Support Materials Per acre | 15,000 |
Fertilizers & Chemicals Per acre per season | 35,000 |
Labor Per acre per season | 50,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 195,000 |
* Costs may vary based on location, season, and market conditions.
Expected Returns
Yield
15-25 tons per acre (up to 30 tons with new varieties)
Price Range
KSh 30 - 200
Seasonality
Higher prices during off-season periods and export seasons
Common Challenges
Bacterial Wilt
Soil-borne bacterial disease causing sudden wilting and plant death. Can destroy entire crops.
SOLUTIONS
- •Use resistant varieties
- •Crop rotation
- •Good drainage
- •Avoid overhead irrigation
- •Soil fumigation in severe cases
- •Remove infected plants immediately
Viral Diseases (TMV, CMV)
Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Cucumber Mosaic Virus causing mottling, stunting, and reduced yields.
SOLUTIONS
- •Use virus-free certified seeds
- •Control aphid vectors
- •Remove infected plants
- •Avoid tobacco products near plants
- •Hand washing protocols
Downy Mildew
Fungal disease affecting leaves during wet conditions, reducing photosynthetic capacity.
SOLUTIONS
- •Fungicide applications
- •Good air circulation
- •Avoid overhead irrigation
- •Resistant varieties
- •Proper plant spacing
Thrips and Aphids
Insect pests causing direct damage and transmitting viral diseases.
SOLUTIONS
- •Regular monitoring
- •Insecticide applications
- •Biological control agents
- •Yellow sticky traps
- •Remove weed hosts
Market Information
Potential Buyers
Export Markets (Primary)
Price: $2.89-3.25 per kg FOB (KSh 100-200 per kg)
Requirements: Premium quality, Proper grading and sizing, Cold chain management, KEPHIS certification
Local Supermarkets
Price: KSh 150-300 per kg retail
Requirements: Fresh, colorful fruits, Consistent quality, Proper packaging, Regular supply
Hotels & Restaurants
Price: KSh 60-120 per kg wholesale
Requirements: Fresh produce, Multiple colors, Consistent supply, Good size uniformity
Processing Companies
Price: KSh 40-80 per kg
Requirements: Bulk quantities, Specific varieties for processing, Contract farming
Value Addition Opportunities
Fresh-cut Processing
Potential Return: 200-300% markup
Investment: Medium
Dehydrated Capsicum
Potential Return: 400-500% markup
Investment: Medium
Frozen Capsicum Products
Potential Return: 250-350% markup
Investment: High
Plan Your Capsicum (Bell Peppers) Project
Transform your knowledge into action with these practical next steps
Step 1: Assess Resources
Evaluate your land, water access, initial capital, and labor availability before starting your capsicum (bell peppers) farm.
Step 2: Create Business Plan
Develop a detailed plan covering costs, expected returns, market strategy, and risk management for your capsicum (bell peppers) farm.
Step 3: Implementation Timeline
Create a schedule for land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting to align with optimal growing seasons.
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