kenthefarmer
Lister
Baby corn is widely used in salads, stir-fries, soups, and pickles. During planting, a special seed variety is planted unlike what many people think that it's the normal maize .
Key Facts about Baby Corn Farming
1. Growing Period: Baby corn takes 55–60 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
2. Harvest Frequency: After the first harvest, baby corn is picked every 2–3 days to maintain quality and freshness.
3. Yield: A well-managed acre can produce 4–6 tonnes of baby corn.
4. Market Price: Prices for baby corn are generally above 30 KES per kilogram, varying based on the company and market demand.
Seed Rate per Acre
For optimal yield, farmers typically use 5–7 kg of maize seeds per acre, planting at a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.
Irrigation Systems
Proper irrigation is vital for baby corn farming, and furrow irrigation is the most commonly used method.
Furrow Irrigation
In furrow irrigation, shallow channels (furrows) are created between rows of crops, allowing water to flow along these channels and seep into the soil.
Benefits of Furrow Irrigation:
1. Cost-Effective: Requires minimal investment and is easy to implement.
2. Efficient Water Delivery: Ensures water reaches the root zone without wetting the entire field.
3. Flexibility: Suitable for various soil types .
After harvesting the baby corn, the maize stovers, which are the leftover plant material, can be sold to dairy farmers for silage production. This provides an additional income stream for farmers, with stover prices ranging from 10,000 KES to 30,000 KES per acre, depending on the quality and demand in the market.
Other irrigation methods like drip irrigation and rain guns can also be used, but furrow irrigation remains the most practical and affordable option for many farmers.
Major Pests and Diseases
Baby corn is susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
Pests:
Stem Borers: Damage plant stems, reducing vigor.
Armyworms: Feed on leaves, causing defoliation.
Aphids: Transmit viral diseases and suck sap from plants.
Diseases:
Maize Streak Virus: Causes stunted growth and streaked leaves.
Leaf Blight: Creates elongated lesions on leaves, reducing photosynthesis.
Market Opportunities
After uploading a video on.my YouTube channel and other platforms like Facebook, many people requested me to connect them to the market. The following companies in Kenya purchase and export baby corn:
1. KHE (Kenya Horticultural Exporters):
Description: One of Kenya’s largest horticultural exporters, sourcing fresh baby corn for export.
Contact: +254 722 204 077
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters:
Description: Supplies high-quality baby corn to Europe and other markets.
Contact: +254 20 856 3703
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
3. Flamingo Horticulture:
Description: An international company exporting premium-grade baby corn.
Contact: +254 20 824 850
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
4. Kenya Fresh Limited:
Description: Focuses on the export of fresh baby corn, ensuring international standards.
Contact: +254 733 456 123
Baby corn farming offers a lucrative opportunity for farmers, with its short growing period, high yields, and strong market demand. By implementing effective agronomic practices, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation, farmers can achieve optimal yields of 4–6 tonnes per acre. Prices often exceed 30 KES per kilogram. Farmers are encouraged to maintain quality standards to maximize their returns and sustain market demand.
~village investor
Key Facts about Baby Corn Farming
1. Growing Period: Baby corn takes 55–60 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
2. Harvest Frequency: After the first harvest, baby corn is picked every 2–3 days to maintain quality and freshness.
3. Yield: A well-managed acre can produce 4–6 tonnes of baby corn.
4. Market Price: Prices for baby corn are generally above 30 KES per kilogram, varying based on the company and market demand.
Seed Rate per Acre
For optimal yield, farmers typically use 5–7 kg of maize seeds per acre, planting at a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.
Irrigation Systems
Proper irrigation is vital for baby corn farming, and furrow irrigation is the most commonly used method.
Furrow Irrigation
In furrow irrigation, shallow channels (furrows) are created between rows of crops, allowing water to flow along these channels and seep into the soil.
Benefits of Furrow Irrigation:
1. Cost-Effective: Requires minimal investment and is easy to implement.
2. Efficient Water Delivery: Ensures water reaches the root zone without wetting the entire field.
3. Flexibility: Suitable for various soil types .
After harvesting the baby corn, the maize stovers, which are the leftover plant material, can be sold to dairy farmers for silage production. This provides an additional income stream for farmers, with stover prices ranging from 10,000 KES to 30,000 KES per acre, depending on the quality and demand in the market.
Other irrigation methods like drip irrigation and rain guns can also be used, but furrow irrigation remains the most practical and affordable option for many farmers.
Major Pests and Diseases
Baby corn is susceptible to the following pests and diseases:
Pests:
Stem Borers: Damage plant stems, reducing vigor.
Armyworms: Feed on leaves, causing defoliation.
Aphids: Transmit viral diseases and suck sap from plants.
Diseases:
Maize Streak Virus: Causes stunted growth and streaked leaves.
Leaf Blight: Creates elongated lesions on leaves, reducing photosynthesis.
Market Opportunities
After uploading a video on.my YouTube channel and other platforms like Facebook, many people requested me to connect them to the market. The following companies in Kenya purchase and export baby corn:
1. KHE (Kenya Horticultural Exporters):
Description: One of Kenya’s largest horticultural exporters, sourcing fresh baby corn for export.
Contact: +254 722 204 077
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
2. Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters:
Description: Supplies high-quality baby corn to Europe and other markets.
Contact: +254 20 856 3703
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
3. Flamingo Horticulture:
Description: An international company exporting premium-grade baby corn.
Contact: +254 20 824 850
Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
4. Kenya Fresh Limited:
Description: Focuses on the export of fresh baby corn, ensuring international standards.
Contact: +254 733 456 123
Baby corn farming offers a lucrative opportunity for farmers, with its short growing period, high yields, and strong market demand. By implementing effective agronomic practices, pest and disease control, and efficient irrigation, farmers can achieve optimal yields of 4–6 tonnes per acre. Prices often exceed 30 KES per kilogram. Farmers are encouraged to maintain quality standards to maximize their returns and sustain market demand.
~village investor