In order to make money in farming, one
needs to time their planting. Target your planting to times when you see low
supply of the product on the market; this way, the market price will be high.
For example, seasons like winter are difficult for growing crops due to
dropping soil temperatures and reduced soil activities. Another challenging
season is the rainy season, where many diseases and insects emerge,
necessitating frequent spraying, leading to higher production costs. However,
successful cultivation during these times can result in significant returns.
Below is a simple cabbage production guide.
Land Preparation:
The land should be well-cultivated six
weeks before planting. If there is a history of nematodes, apply a nematicide
provided by Agricrop during transplanting. In damp areas, plant cabbage on
raised beds or ridges 15cm high.
Variety Selection:
It is more cost-effective to grow your
seedlings, but if time is limited, seedlings can be purchased from dealers. Opt
for high-yielding varieties; contact Agronomist H. Kanyimbo for assistance.
Target Plant Population for 1 hectare:
Aim for 40,000 to 60,000 heads.
Spacing:
To achieve a population of 40,000 -
45,000 heads, space the plants 45cm by 60cm apart. Adjust spacing for desired
cabbage head size.
Planting:
Transplant after 4 to 5 weeks, and
remember to water immediately to maintain soil moisture. If you are irrigating,
ensure to water 3 or 4 times a week. However, if your soil retains a lot of
water, irrigate twice a week. Those without access to irrigation can rely on
rainwater during the rainy season, as cabbage can be planted throughout the
year.
Fertilizer Application:
During land preparation, enrich the
soil with manure to increase organic matter content, retaining nutrients and
enhancing soil structure. For foliar fertilization, consider spraying V12 Multi
two weeks after transplanting or even at the nursery.
For 40,000 heads, apply D-compound or
WVC immediately after transplanting or within 4 days. The recommended amount is
5g per station, equivalent to 200kg of D-compound per hectare. If feasible,
consider applying more based on your budget.
After one month, apply Greensulfur.
250kg is enough for 40,000 heads, at 6g per station.
Note: This is a simple fertilizer application to help you manage costs and achieve a good return. As a farmer, it is important to prioritize cost-effectiveness. If you prefer a more advanced fertilizer program, consult with fertilizer companies for recommendations. The provided application method is effective, straightforward, and easy to follow.
Weeding:
Weeding can be done manually or by
applying non-selective herbicides before planting. After transplanting, if
weeds are present, consider using a selective herbicide like Trumpet, which
targets grass weeds only without harming the cabbage. Trumpet is available for
purchase from Agricrop services; contact Henry at +260975683867.
Pest Control:
Common pests that attack cabbage
include the Diamondback
moth, known locally as "sefasefa,"(To deal with this insect,
a farmer needs to ensure that as soon as they transplant, they perform a weekly
routine spray of insecticide, alternating between different types to
effectively control this pest. By doing so, by the time the cabbage starts
forming heads, the insects and their eggs will have already been eliminated). Aphids
(whitish-green insects that feed on the lower part of leaves), American
bollworms, and nematodes. To control these pests, consider using Elufen,
Acetamiprid, Cyan plus, Cyfos, CTPR, and Cabofuran. For more information,
contact Agronomist H. Kanyimbo at 0975683867.
Diseases:
Common diseases include Downy mildew,
Damping off, and bacterial spot/rot.
Control:
Control methods involve using
chemicals, planting tolerant or resistant varieties.
Fungicides such as Copper oxychloride,
Mancozeb, Maxgarde, Proteb, Benomyl, Metalaxyl, and Royal top are available.
These fungicides, provided by Agricrop services, offer both preventive and
curative functions.
Maturity:
Maturity typically occurs within 3
months (90 days), although certain varieties may mature in 65 to 70 days.
Harvesting:
It is important to harvest mature cabbage immediately to avoid cracking. Leaving cabbage in the field for additional days can lead to cracking.
Market:
Cabbage farming can be a profitable
venture with good returns when managed effectively and when the market is not
oversaturated. Market prices for cabbage heads typically range from K5 to K15
depending on the head size. For example, if the average price per head is K7.5
and the yield is 30,000 heads, considering some losses in production, the total
return would be K225, 000.
Assuming we spent K45, 000 to grow the
crop successfully on a 1ha piece of land, our net profit would be K180, 000.
Farming can be rewarding at times. Let us purchase land and set up irrigation
to succeed and grow together in the farming industry.
Please note this serves as a guide to
help you start your farming business; you can also, make your estimates to
gauge potential returns.
by Agronomist H. Kanyimbo
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