Cost of Starting a Garlic Farm in Kenya

ByElijah Ludenyi

Mar 5, 2023

Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 05:54 pm

Starting a garlic farm in Kenya would involve several costs, including land acquisition, labor, equipment, inputs (such as seeds and fertilizers), and marketing expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the potential involved cost of starting a garlic farm in Kenya:

Cost of Starting Garlic Farm in Kenya

Land acquisition: The cost of land can vary depending on the location, size, and quality of the land. A suitable plot of land for garlic farming could cost anywhere from KES 50,000 to KES 100,000 per acre, depending on the location and proximity to water sources.

Labor costs: Labor costs will include the cost of hiring workers to prepare the land, plant the garlic, and maintain the farm. The cost of labor will depend on the size of the farm and the number of workers hired. Assuming a small garlic farm of one acre, the labor cost for preparing the land, planting, and maintaining the farm could be approximately KES 20,000 to KES 50,000 per month.

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Cost Breakdown

Necessary RequirementsCosts
LandKES 50,000 – KES 100,000 per acre
Garlic seedsKES 50,000 – KES 60,000 per acre
FertilizerKES 30,000 – KES 50,000 per acre
Irrigation systemKES 50,000 – KES 100,000 per acre
LaborKES 20,000 – KES 50,000 per acre
Pesticides and herbicidesKES 20,000 – KES 30,000 per acre
Storage facilityKES 50,000 – KES 100,000
Marketing and transportationKES 50,000
TotalKES 300,000 – KES 350,000 per acre

Please note that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on various factors such as location, size of the farm, and market conditions.

Equipment costs: The cost of equipment required for garlic farming will depend on the size of the farm and the level of mechanization. For a small farm of one acre, the equipment required could include a hoe, rake, irrigation system, and wheelbarrow. The cost of equipment could range from KES 50,000 to KES 100,000.

Inputs: Inputs required for garlic farming include seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The cost of inputs will depend on the quality of the inputs and the size of the farm. For a small farm of one acre, the cost of inputs could range from KES 10,000 to KES 20,000.

Marketing expenses: Marketing expenses will include the cost of transporting the garlic to market, packaging, and branding. The cost of marketing will depend on the size of the farm and the distance to market. Assuming a small farm of one acre, the marketing cost could be approximately KES 10,000 to KES 20,000.

In total, the cost of starting a garlic farm in Kenya could range from KES 140,000 to KES 690,000 for a small farm of one acre. However, these costs are estimates and can vary depending on several factors, including the location, size of the farm, and level of mechanization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can you get from an acre of garlic farming in Kenya?


The yield from an acre of garlic farming in Kenya can vary depending on factors such as soil fertility, climate, and farming practices. On average, farmers can harvest between 4,000 and 6,000 kilograms of garlic per acre. The market price of garlic also fluctuates, but farmers can expect to earn a profit of between Ksh. 200,000 and Ksh. 400,000 per acre.

How much can you make per acre of garlic?

The profit per acre of garlic farming can vary depending on the yield and market price of garlic. On average, farmers in Kenya can earn a profit of between Ksh. 200,000 and Ksh. 400,000 per acre, depending on factors such as soil fertility, climate, and farming practices. Farmers can improve their profitability by adopting best practices in garlic cultivation, such as using quality seeds, proper irrigation, and timely application of fertilizers.

How much is 1kg of garlic in Kenya?

The price of garlic in Kenya varies depending on factors such as seasonality and market demand. As of March 2023, the average retail price for 1kg of garlic is around Ksh. 150 to Ksh. 200 in major markets across the country.

Which is the best fertiliser for garlic?

Garlic requires a balanced supply of nutrients to grow and produce high yields. The best fertilizers for garlic cultivation are those that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal can also improve soil fertility and support healthy garlic growth. Farmers should consult with agricultural experts to determine the best fertilizer regimen based on their soil and crop needs