Watermelon Farming- A Lucrative Area to Invest In

Agri-business has been termed as the most profitable area that one can invest in. There are lots of business opportunities in agriculture including commodities sourcing, commodities facilitation, sales representation, local purchasing agency, exporting of produce, local trading etc.

Watermelons have got a number of health benefits like the prevention of kidney disorders, high blood pressure, prevention of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, heat stroke, macular degeneration and impotence. More to these health benefits, the fruit can also be a source of income if seriously invested in where one pockets at least 70,000 shillings in a span of 80 days.

Watermelons are known for being juicy and sweet, reducing stress and fatigue.  Potassium, Vitamin C, lycopene and iron found in watermelon drives away any feeling of fatigue that one may experience. It is a nutritious fruit that is low in calories and has no fat, thus making it an ideal diet fruit.

Most of us are used to visiting our local markets or supermarket to buy watermelons but it is about time that we consider investing in this type of agribusiness which has not been well ventured into in Kenya.

The advantage of investing in this fruit Is that, it is not very costly. On the other hand, the fruits when ready to be harvested will end up generating good profits. Planting an acre of watermelon costs around 15,000 shillings, for someone who owns their own piece of land. An acre gives an average return of 70,000 – 80,000 shillings.  If you are hiring land factor in the rates. The demand for watermelons is consistent all year around meaning that watermelon farming in Kenya is easy to start and profitable.

Watermelons have good resistance to disease and pest problems. If planted in nutrient rich soil, watermelons don’t usually need to be fertilized. They require a fair amount of water for the first few weeks of growth. When the fruit sets, you can almost stop watering the plants. As the fruit develops, the less water the plant gets – the better. Less water will increase the sugar content and concentration in the fruit, leading to sweeter, more crisp melons.

It is about time that such investment areas are explored more in Kenya especially by youth who form the largest population and with the increasing unemployment rates in the country.

Read: Here’s Why You Should Consider Investing in Mandera County