Farmer reaping benefits of watermelon farming

Justice Mulamula hadn’t known the fortune he could make from growing watermelons until he tried the venture two months ago. Fruit Vendors, hotels, supermarkets and even hospitals within Kakamega town and its outskirts have always been supplied by the nutritious fruit from other regions in the country, not knowing that the fruit can be produced in large scale proportions within the County, and can help establish self-employment in the region.

In Munasio village, Ilesi area in Shinyalu Sub County, Justice stepped into the watermelon farming sector, and to his surprise, the outcome was great.

As a pilot project, Mulamula planted three acres of watermelon at a cost of Kshs. 300 000 and is now expecting at least Kshs. 3 million from the same.

Mulamula who has been growing maize and beans for quite some time says that he learnt of watermelon farming from a friend who gave up his job as a banker to pursue the much-ignored fruit farming.

He reveals that he noted a great change in the friend’s financial status and sought to know the business idea behind it. “Though I doubted if it would work here in Ilesi, but I’m quite glad at the outcome,” said Mulamula. According to him, he is willing to use his 25-acre piece of land to cater for watermelon farming.

Mulamula has called upon the Kakamega County residents to change their farming ideology from growing maize and beans and focus on farming that can change the economy.

He says that what he is about to earn in a period of three months is almost triple his earnings.

Titus Omenga, the agricultural officer based in Shinyalu, has advised farmers to venture into horticulture. Giving an example of Mulamula, Omengo says that horticulture can change the economy of Kakamega county within a very short period given that there is enough rainfall and the climate is also conducive. Omengo called upon the farmers to visit agricultural offices to be advised on the types of foods and crops that take a short period to mature and yield more produce.

The Kenya Seed Company Kakamega County branch manager Abraham Mokoli said that with the right seeds and instructions from professionals, one can actually realize a sustainable produce. He said that seeds are available at their company and they are always ready to help with advice.

He further urged farmers to indulge in agribusiness emphasizing on horticulture, which can help cater for the shortage of fruits and vegetables being witnessed in the County. Abraham said that most of the foodstuff being consumed in Kakamega comes from other regions yet the County has the resources and manpower to produce the same.