Dhania is a popular spice in Kenya commonly used in stews and kachumbari. Universally known as coriander, dhania is loved because of its pleasant aroma and the delicious flavor that it adds to food.
Getting into dhania farming is a profitable venture due to its high demand both locally and internationally. A report by Farm Biz Africa stated that the international demand for dhania and similar herbs has gone up by 40% with farmers gaining more revenues of up to 25% compared to traditional crops. If you are interested in making money out of dhania farming, here is what you need to know:
*STEP 1: GETTING SEEDS AND LAND PREPARATION*
You can get quality dhania seeds from Kenya Seed Company, Simlaw Seeds, Kenya Highlands Seed Co. Ltd and other seed companies for Ksh. 1000.
After tilling land, plant coriander seeds in drills 30cm apart at a sowing depth of 2.5cm – 3.5cm. You should expect germination to take place 10 days after sowing.
*STEP 2: MAINTENANCE*
To control weeds, thin the plants when they get to 7-15cm.
Dhania also requires regular watering as the plant responds well to even distribution of moisture. Also ensure the soil is rich in manure. If not, apply well decomposed organic manure regularly.
Some of the challenges you will face are attacks from pests like aphids and diseases like bacterial leaf spot, soft rot and powdery mildew. However, these are easily controlled through maintaining field hygiene, crop rotation, seed dressing and using disease free seeds.
Spraying with pesticides and fungicides is not recommended unless it is necessary.
*STEP 3: HARVESTING*
Dhania matures for harvesting within 4-6 weeks after planting. Start by harvesting the largest ones first to allow the smaller plants to grow. It is advisable to harvest dhania immediately the leaves are ripe for harvesting lest they get feathery and turn yellow.
For storage, soak the roots of the harvested dhania in water to keep them fresh.
*HARVESTED DHANIA
INVESTMENT*
For an acre plot of land, dhania seeds will cost you Ksh.1,000 in order to obtain maximum yield. Dhania is a fairly easy crop to maintain and you do not need to spend so much on labor. You can expect to make a profit of Ksh.30,000 to Ksh.35,000 monthly.
*FINAL WORD*
Dhania farming is a great side hustle if you wish to make extra cash. Planting dhania is also profitable, given it is not a labor intensive crop and does not require a lot of maintenance.
Dhania also has ready market both locally and internationally.
Coupled with the fact that dhania doesn’t take too long to mature, that makes it is an attractive hustle to venture into.
Also, We have created a WhatsApp group called *GREENHOUSE FARMING TRAINING*
In this group we are going to train and teach you for 20 days how you can start, grow and profit in Greenhouse Farming Business.
Greenhouse farming has been practiced in Kenya for quite some time now but it’s not until recently that most Kenyans have started realizing the great benefits of practicing greenhouse farming which requires a small space but produces high yields.
And it’s cool too. University graduates, fresh out of campus are soiling their hands in this business and they are not afraid of bragging about it.
Why?
Because it brings in the six figures. Something that would have taken them years to accomplish if they were seated behind a desk.
So, if you are there seated at home unemployed, or just bored out of your mind with your current job and are looking for a great business opportunity then you are in luck.
Join our Greenhouse Farming Training as we introduce to you greenhouse farming and its many benefits.
By
Timothy Angwenyi
Business Consultant
Justine Nyachieo
Business Man & Mentor