By Ann Macharia
A visit to various fresh produce markets across the country will often help one to appreciate the need for farmers to understand the three Ps formula of market planning. The first P stands for predicting the likely market forces that may come into play long before the planting can begin. The second P stands for planning, based on the predicted market forces eventualities.
Based on the first two Ps, the next most important decision for each farmer is planting on a timely basis. This means forecasting the harvesting period to a time when the demand for your produce will be higher than the supply. This 3Ps formula basically helps to maximize returns for farmers by forecasting the prevailing market and weather trends, and scheduling what to grow and when to grow it.
In the month of May, for instance, a head of cabbage was selling for as high as Sh150, and as much as Sh160 for a kilo of tomatoes. Consumers had to dig deeper into their pockets as savvy farmers reaped big. With the onset of the long rains this month, vegetable prices have started to decline.
Timely planting plays a crucial role in crop production. When the supply is low, demand is high, and therefore, prices shoot up.
Since farming is profoundly affected by the ecological conditions in a given area, a farmer should work out an enabling crop production model throughout the year.
To begin with, all-year-round crop production is possible where there is ready access to water and farming under a controlled environment such as a greenhouse or under a shade net.
Irrigation certainly cushions a farmer from unpredictable weather, hence the need to plan production.
Through timely planting, the plant benefits from the natural nitrogen flush and competition from weeds is contained. Secondly, the cross infestation of pests and diseases from neighboring farms is low, thus reducing the cost of production. Thirdly, farm labour is also readily available before every other farmer starts working on their farms. Lastly, timely planting ensures that the crop matures when the market prices are high.
A farmer planting maize under irrigation will always benefit by selling the green produce in times of scarcity. For instance, currently, green maize in Kajiado County is selling at Sh15-Sh20 per piece. The same produce would fetch Sh5 from September due to increased supply.
Source: The agronomist’s notebook, Daily Nation.