Investing in Bananas in Vihiga County

Vihiga county is an administrative unit in the former Western province of Kenya with its headquarters at Vihiga town which is the largest town in the county.

Vihiga county has got a hilly terrain. Kibiri forest, which is an extension of Kakamega forest is also found in the county. The main economic activity practiced in the area is agriculture and crops planted include tea, maize, millet, bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes and cassava. Livestock rearing is also practiced by some farmers in the area.

Many people have concentrated into tea and maize farming in the area. The small parcels of land in the area have been the main hindrance in the production of maize on a large scale basis. Did you know that there are still many more investment opportunities in banana farming in Vihiga County?

Many people only believe that bananas are planted for food, but they can as well be converted into cash crops. The climatic conditions of the county are favorable for the best bananas needed in the market. The advantage of these crops is that they can be harvested and transported while still unripe. They can be sold both in the local markets and in other neighboring counties.

Farmers who may venture into banana farming may reap more compared to other fruit farmers since banana production is all year round. The tissue culture farming was recently introduced it the county for banana farmers. This is where suckers are prepared in seed beds then taken to the farms. This is a technique used in multiplying seedling over a very short period of time and thus it will enable farmers to get more returns over a short period of time.

Some advantages of banana production include it being very profitable. It is a crop that is easy to produce and that can be cultivated on a mall piece of land with high returns. It is also very easy to market. Bananas can be used in juice making which can be a primary source of income for the people of Vihiga County since it is harvested all year round.

Increased banana production will benefit the whole value chain. This includes producers, who will increase production levels, translating into more financial benefits. It can also create an increased demand for research on this field thus more innovators and technological developments will be required.

Article by Vera Shawiza.