Mint Farming in Kenya: A Guide From Farm to The Market

If you are you looking for a profitable agricultural venture in Kenya, try mint farming.

This aromatic herb has many uses and in high demand locally and internationally.

This comprehensive guide about mint farming in Kenya – how to select the right varieties, master cultivation techniques. 

This blog post will give the the knowledge needed to start your mint farming journey and improve your livelihood.

Are you ready?

Well, lets get started now.

Why Mint Farming in Kenya?

Mint has many uses and a refreshing aroma. Its used in culinary, medicine, and cosmetic industries.

So, it is a sought after crop in Kenya and beyond.

The good thing is that the climate in Kenya is favarable for mint farming. 

Therefore, if the crops are well managed, farmers can achieve multiple harvests per year, ensuring a steady income stream.

The good news ist that mint farming requires low maintenance. So it is liked by most farmers.

Varieties of Mint Suitable for Kenyan Cultivation

There are sevaral varieties of mint. Which ones are ideal for the Kenyan climate?

Let’s find out the varieties that are ideal for kenyan cultivation.

Mint varieties that grow well in Kenya’s climate zones. 

1. Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Its known for its sweet flavor. Spearmint is used in culinary and is the most common variety grown in Kenya.
2. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): With its strong, cooling taste, peppermint is valued for culinary and medicinal uses.
3. Apple Mint (Mentha suaveolens): This variety has a mild, fruity flavor and is often used in teas and garnishes.
4. Moroccan Mint (Mentha spicata var. crispa): A spearmint cultivar known for its intense flavor, often used in North African cuisine and mint tea.

These varieties are unique. Each variety has its unique characteristics.

Climatic and Soil Requirements for Mint Farming In Kenya

Mint grows well in environmental conditions. 

Aspiring farmers should understand climate and soil requirements for mint farming.

Let’s look the requirements in detail.

Climate

• Temperature: Mint likes moderate temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.
• Sunlight: Although mint tolerates partial shade, it grows best in full sun for 6-8 hours daily.
• Rainfall: Usually. annual rainfall of 1000-1500mm is ideal, with supplementary irrigation during dry spells.

Soil

• Type: Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter is the best soil for mint growth.
• pH: Mint likes slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Drainage: Good drainage is critical. It prevents waterlogging and root rot.

Land Preparation and Planting

Farmers should adequately prepare their lands. Proper land preparation ensures healthy plants. 

Do you know what is involved in land preparation?

Well, there are a lot of things involved.

Let’s explore all the aspects involved.

1. Clear the land of weeds and debris.
2. Plough the soil to a depth of 20-30 cm to improve aeration and drainage.
3. Incorporate well-rotted manure or compost (about 10-15 tons per hectare) to enrich the soil.
4. Level the field and create raised beds if necessary, particulary in areas prone to waterlogging.

Propagation Methods

Do you know the methods used in land preparation?

Well, here are the methods.

1. Stem cuttings: This is the most common method. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy plants and root them in moist soil or water.
2. Division: Divide established mint plants, make sure each division has roots and shoots.
3. Seeds: Although less common because of genetic variability, mint is grown from seeds. Just start them in a nursery before transplanting.

Planting

• Spacing: Plant mint cuttings or seedlings 30-45 cm apart in rows spaced 60-75 cm apart.
• Planting Time: The best time to plant mint is during the rainy season (March-May or October-December in most parts of Kenya). If irrigation is available planting can be done all year-round.

Pro Tip: To prevent mint from spreading uncontrollably, plant them in raised beds or using barriers around the planting area.

Mint Plant Care and Management

Take good care of your crops. These crops need water, fertilization and weed control.

Let’s see what experienced farmers do. 

Watering

Of course, mint prefers moist soil but overwatering leads to root rot. 

Depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels, farmers can water the crops once or twice a week. 

Another technique is using mulch. Mulch retains soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization

Mint responds well to organic fertilizers. 

Just apply well-decomposed manure or compost at planting and top-dress every 3-4 months. 

However, avoid excessive nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen reduces essential oil content.

Weed control

Remove weeds from your field. Weeding should be done regularly, especially during the early stages of growth. 

You can also use the mulching technique. Mulching suppresses weed growth.

Pest and disease management

Pests and diseases the crops. What are the common pests and diseases?

The common pests are aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. 

While diseases to watch out for include mint rust and verticillium wilt. 

From personal experience, the best pest management strategy is the integrated pest management (IPM).

This approach uses organic methods like neem oil sprays and encourages beneficial insects.

Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Mints should be handled well to maintain quality. In addition, there’s a lot involved in harvesting and post harvest handling.

Let’s explore what is involved.

Harvesting

• Timing: Harvest mint just before flowering for the best flavor and oil content, usually 60-90 days after planting.
• Technique: Cut stems about 5 cm above the ground using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Post-Harvest handling

1. Wash harvested mint gently to remove dirt and debris.
2. Air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area or use a low-temperature dryer.
3. Store dried mint in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.

Pro Tip: Harvest mint early in the morning to preserve freshness and aroma for fresh market sales.

Mint Yield and Profitability

As I earlier said, mint is a profitable crop if well managed. What should be a farmer’s expectations?

Let’s find out the yield and profit.

Yield

A well-managed mint farm can produce 15-20 tons of fresh leaves per hectare annually, with 3-4 harvests per year.

Profit

The profit of mint farming depends on various factors – variety, market demand, and value addition. 

Let’ s see the basic breakdown.

• Production costs: Approximately KES 150,000 – 200,000 per hectare per year
• Revenue: KES 450,000 – 600,000 per hectare per year (based on average fresh mint prices)
• Potential profit: KES 300,000 – 400,000 per hectare per year

However, these figures vary based on market conditions and farming practices.

Marketing Mint in Kenya

Marketing is an important aspect in mint farming. It helps people know the products you are selling. 

Let’s know the markets available for mint farming.

Local market

• Fresh mint: Sell the product to local markets, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels.
• Dried mint: Supply the product to herbal tea producers, spice companies, and health food stores.

Export market

• Fresh mint: It has limited  perishability, but possible for regional markets.
• Dried mint and mint oil: They are in high demand in Europe, Middle East, and North America.

Value addition

What are the possiblities? 

Well, you can process your mint into different value-added products.

Let’s explore the possibilities.

• Dried mint leaves
• Mint tea blends
• Essential oils
• Mint-flavored products. For example, candies, chocolates

Pro Tip: Obtain necessary certifications to access the best markets and fetch the best prices.

Challenges and Solutions in Mint Farming in Kenya

Although mint farming is profitable, it has challenges.

What are these challenges?

Let’s explore these challenges.

1. Water scarcity: Use water-efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation.
2. Pest and disease pressure: Do crop rotation and maintain field hygiene.
3. Market fluctuations: Diversify your market channels and consider value addition.
4. Limited knowledge: Seek training from agricultural extension officers and experienced farmers.

Actionable Tips for Aspiring Mint Farmers in Kenya

From personal experience, don’t invest a lot of money in the business when you just start.

Just start small. Begin with a small plot. For example,  quarter acre, this will help you gain experience before scaling up.

Choose the right variety. Make sure you choose the right varieties based on your local climate and market demand.

Last but not least, invest in irrigation. Have a reliable water source and consider installing a drip irrigation system for efficient water use.

Final Thoughts On Mint Farming In Kenya

In my years as a farmer, I have learnt that success in mint farming requires dedication, continuous learning, and adaptability. 

As earlier said, start small, learn from experience, and gradually expand your agribusiness. 

Sincerely speaking, mint farming is a profitable venture. 

It has low maintenance requirements, multiple harvests per year, and high market demand. .

If you employ the right strategies, you can unlock the potential of mint farming and make a lot of money.