Chili Farming: A Lucrative Crop with High Yields

The rise in chili farming is as a result of farmers embracing this crop for its lucrative results with minimum labor intensity required for its production. Chilli farming has earned recognition among farmers who have been in the agriculture sector even though focused on other crops like corn, legumes, and vegetables for decades. Mr. Jonathan Simiyu in Bungoma is one such farmer who resorted to chili farming back in 2022 and has harvested for two seasons now.

He assures with a bright smile of the gains he has witnessed in farming the chili, a crop he has resolved not to part ways with now or shortly. The growing of chilies he says begins in a well-laid seedbed where they germinate in two weeks, and after having first leaves, he can transplant them to the farm with organic manure. Once on the farm, the chilies take between a month to two, before he adds in fertilizer then awaits the weeding season.

According to Jonathan, the resolve was attributed to the less labor intensity that growing the chilies demands. “In comparison to the nurturing of tomatoes, vegetables like kales, among other horticulture crops, chili growing sparked my interest as it eased the process for me with its characteristics that are outstanding and make it way easier to farm,” he said.

Chilli farming is especially beneficial as it is resistant to pests. “I spray the chilies once in each season with a continued manure addition that enables me to keep on harvesting for up to six months entirely,” he says.

Chilli farming has increasingly attracted more consumers as there is a better understanding of its nutritional value. “My consumers majorly prefer taking the chilies when they are still green which is also an advantage for the farmer considering that the harvests can be done every week after maturity,” says Jonathan.

Chilies, despite their health benefits, have a low supply since most farmers aren’t aware of this hidden gem’s lucrative potential. As pointed out by Jonathan Simiyu, chilies are readily demanded by consumers to the extent that they can be sold both in raw-green form as well as in dried red form.

He further stresses that in its dried form and bulk size, companies that process chili sauce can purchase it for value addition. This is an additional advantage for the farmer as he’s enabled a double return with his product’s longer shelf-life abilities.

Mr. Simiyu reiterates that the benefits of chilly farming in terms of returns are as much as 100,000 ksh for his quarter an acre in a span of two seasons.

“Chilies farming has been a great venture for me as I have been able to reap its benefits while only embracing the use of manure. I can therefore attest to farmers that the bold step into chilies farming will earn you a better income with minimum labor,” says Mr. Simiyu.

How to Grow Chillies

Chilies thrive in warm, sunny environments, so selecting a location that gets six to eight hours of sunlight each day is crucial. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.

Starting with seeds is a common practice for chili cultivation, if you live in a cooler region, it’s best to sow the seeds indoors about eight to ten weeks before the last frost.

Small pots or seed trays filled with a seed-starting mix will do the job. Ensure the soil is moist before planting the seeds at a shallow depth of about a quarter of an inch. Germination requires warmth, with temperatures between 21 and 29°C (70-85°F) being ideal, and the seeds should sprout within one to three weeks.

Once the seedlings have developed two to four true leaves and the weather is consistently warm, it’s time to transplant them outdoors. Ensure the plants are spaced adequately—about 18 to 24 inches apart, with rows separated by 24 to 36 inches. If you’re using pots, each one should be at least 12-16 inches wide and have proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

Watering is critical to the growth of chilies. While they need consistent moisture, overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to find the right balance. Deep watering once or twice a week, depending on your local climate will help maintain slightly moist soil without oversaturating it. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and control weed growth.

Fertilization plays a key role in nurturing your chili plants. At the time of planting, a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 NPK can provide essential nutrients. As the plants grow, applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will promote leaf development. However, when the plants begin to flower, switching to a fertilizer with higher levels of phosphorus and potassium encourages healthy fruiting.

As chili plants grow taller, they may need support to keep their stems upright, especially for varieties that produce larger or heavier fruits. Staking or using small cages can prevent the plants from toppling over under the weight of the chilies.

Throughout the growing season, it’s important to monitor for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Organic insecticides or insecticidal soaps can be used if necessary, but good airflow around the plants often prevents fungal diseases such as powdery mildew from becoming an issue.

Harvesting chilies is a rewarding moment in the process. The timing depends on the variety, but they are generally ready once they reach their full size and color. It’s best to use pruning shears to cut the fruits from the plant to avoid damaging the stems.

Benefits of Chilli Consumption

Chilies are widely consumed in food either in raw form when green or when dried red or at times in powder form after being processed. Its major health value is the improvement of the digestion channel in a systemic way, that eases food breakdown entirely.

Chilies are rich in vitamins A, and C, and antioxidants, offering numerous health benefits. The capsaicin in chilies boosts metabolism, aids in weight loss, and acts as a natural pain reliever, particularly for conditions like arthritis.

Regular consumption can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol while also enhancing digestion and reducing inflammation.

Chilies support the immune system, help clear nasal congestion, and even suppress appetite, aiding in weight management.

Additionally, they enhance the flavor of dishes and can trigger the release of endorphins, improving mood and overall well-being.