Capsicum farmer soldiers on despite rough times
Elijah Nyamweya in his capsicum farm in Nyamira. In his third of an acre plot, he has 800 to 1,000 capsicum plants. PHOTO | RUTH MBULA | NMG
What you need to know:
- The value of traditional crops has been on a downward trend in the region in the last few years.
- Capsicum brings me good money but this is only possible through proper management of the crop.
- Horticulture is rewarding for there is a ready market for the produce and the crops take a very short time to reach maturity.
- Nyamweya said the Seeds of Gold magazine has helped him understand the best agricultural practices.
The ongoing rains have been a bother to Elijah Nyamweya.
He has had to spray his capsicum crop against diseases and pests from time to time.
Nevertheless, the crop has weathered the harsh climatic conditions.
Extreme weather is a challenge to the delicate crop, commonly known as sweet peper or pilipili hoho.
“Too much rainfall or sun hurts capsicum. Extreme care is needed and I have to use chemicals to protect the plants from pests and diseases,” he said.
At his a third an acre plot in Ikobe village, Nyamira County are 800 to 1,000 capsicum bushes.
The sweet pepper comes in red, yellow or green varieties.
He harvested fruits valued at Sh6000 just days ago.
Nyamweya sells the fruits to traders and locals in Kisii and Nyamira counties. A small fruit goes for Sh10 while a big one double that amount.
He has ready market since very few farmers from the region grow capsicum.
“Many maize, coffee and tea farmers do not want to diversify,” Nyamweya said.
The value of traditional crops has been on a downward trend in the region in the last few years.
The fruit has a mild flavour and is used in stews, salads or stuffed with meats and pickles.
With capsicum, Nyamweya earns four times what he used to get from maize every season.
“Capsicum brings me good money but this is only possible through proper management of the crop,” he said.
Nyamweya says horticulture is rewarding for there is a ready market for the produce and the crops take a very short time to reach maturity.
“It only takes just months for capsicum to mature. Every bush yields 15 to 20 fruits when the season is good,” he said.
A season last six months. After a year, he trims the bushes to allow them to rejuvenate.
Nyamweya said the Seeds of Gold magazine has helped him understand the best agricultural practices.
“Through reading the magazine, I have discovered the importance of working with experts. I usually call extension officers from the county government time to time,” he said.
Nyamweya added that he came to learn of diseases like anthracnose from the magazine.
Leaf spots, blotches, defoliation and shoot blight are controlled by ensuring field hygiene and the use of certified seeds and chemicals.
