Parsley
Premium culinary herb with strong year-round market demand and excellent profit margins. Growing export opportunity to Europe and Middle East.
Growing Requirements
climate
- Cool to moderate temperatures
- Temperature: 7-25°C optimal
- Tolerates light frost
Task Timeline
Total cycle duration: 8-10 weeks from sowing, harvests every 6-8 weeks
Investment & Returns
Costs Breakdown
| Category | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
Seeds Per acre | 3,500 |
Land Preparation Per acre | 8,000 |
Fertilizers Per acre per year | 12,000 |
Irrigation Setup Per acre | 18,000 |
Pest Control Per acre per year | 8,000 |
Labor Per acre per year | 28,000 |
Packaging & Marketing Per acre per year | 12,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 89,500 |
* Costs may vary based on location, season, and market conditions.
Expected Returns
Yield
4-8 tons fresh leaves per acre annually
Price Range
KSh 200 - 600
Seasonality
Consistent demand year-round, peak during cool seasons
Common Challenges
Aphid Infestation
Common pest affecting plant health, leaf quality, and marketability
SOLUTIONS
- •Natural predators (ladybugs)
- •Insecticidal soap
- •Regular monitoring
- •Companion planting
Market Access
Limited awareness among farmers about market opportunities and buyer requirements
SOLUTIONS
- •Direct restaurant marketing
- •Supermarket contracts
- •Export market linkages
- •Farmer group marketing
Post-Harvest Handling
Maintaining freshness and quality for premium market prices
SOLUTIONS
- •Proper harvesting techniques
- •Cold storage
- •Quick market access
- •Value addition through processing
Market Information
Potential Buyers
Supermarkets & Retail
Price: KSh 300-600 per kg
Requirements: Fresh, clean leaves, Proper packaging, Consistent supply, Food safety compliance
Restaurants & Hotels
Price: KSh 400-600 per kg
Requirements: Premium quality, Regular supply, Both varieties (flat & curly), Freshness guarantee
Export Companies
Price: KSh 500-800 per kg
Requirements: Large volumes, Quality certification, GAP compliance, Traceability systems
Health Food Stores
Price: KSh 350-550 per kg
Requirements: Organic preferred, Quality packaging, Educational materials, Consistent supply
Processing Companies
Price: KSh 200-400 per kg
Requirements: Bulk volumes, Consistent quality, Competitive pricing, Processing contracts
Value Addition Opportunities
Fresh-cut Packaging
Potential Return: 150-200% markup
Investment: Low
Dried Parsley Products
Potential Return: 300-400% markup
Investment: Medium
Essential Oil Extraction
Potential Return: 500-800% markup
Investment: High
Plan Your Parsley 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 parsley farm.
Step 2: Create Business Plan
Develop a detailed plan covering costs, expected returns, market strategy, and risk management for your parsley farm.
Step 3: Implementation Timeline
Create a schedule for land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting to align with optimal growing seasons.
Unlock Your Farm's Potential
Take the next step. Get expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals for growing Parsley.