Make Ksh 500,000 Per Acre in 3 Months from Watermelon Farming in Kenya

Watermelon farming in Kenya has become one of the most profitable short-term agribusiness ventures for small- and medium-scale farmers. With proper planning, irrigation, and market timing, you can easily make up to Ksh 500,000 per acre in just three months.

watermelon fruit

🍉 Why Grow Watermelons?

Watermelons are sweet, red-fleshed fruits loved by many across Kenya. They are refreshing, nutritious, and in high demand—especially during the hot months. The fruit contains essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), and vitamin C, making it a favorite for both consumers and retailers.

🌦️ Best Planting and Harvesting Seasons

For rain-fed farming, watermelons are typically harvested in August and September.
However, for commercial irrigation farming, the best time to plant is July or August, allowing you to harvest in October, when market prices are highest.

At this time, farm-gate prices range between Ksh 25 and Ksh 30 per kilogram, making it a lucrative season for farmers who time their crops right.

💰 Profit Potential: How to Make Ksh 500,000 in 3 Months

• Average yield per acre: 20 tonnes (20,000 kg)

• Average farm-gate price: Ksh 25 per kg

• Gross income: 20,000 kg × 25 = Ksh 500,000

• Cost of production: About 20% (≈ Ksh 100,000)

• Net profit: Ksh 400,000 per acre in 3 months

This makes watermelon farming one of the most rewarding short-term crops in Kenya.

🌍 Ideal Growing Conditions

Watermelons thrive in hot, dry areas such as Makueni, Kitui, Embu, Machakos, and parts of Baringo and Taita Taveta.
They also grow well under irrigation in semi-arid areas.

In high-rainfall regions, production is possible but requires strict disease control, particularly against fungal infections.

🪴 Popular Watermelon Varieties in Kenya

1. Charleston Gray—Large fruits (up to 9 kg), light grey skin, firm, sweet red flesh. Great for transport.

2. Sukar F1 – Highly popular hybrid; sweet and medium-sized (7 kg).

3. Sunday Special—A seedless variety with dark green rind and bright red flesh (6–10 kg).

4. Sugar Baby – Small (4 kg), round, dark-skinned fruits with very sweet flesh. Ideal for local markets.

5. Crimson Sweet – Bluish-green rind, medium weight (4 kg), excellent taste.

6. Congo – Disease-resistant variety with firm flesh and oblong fruits.

🌾 Land Preparation and Planting

• Land preparation: Plough and harrow early to allow the soil to settle.

• Seed rate: About 500 g per acre.

• Spacing: 1.5 m × 1.5 m (approx. 2,000–2,500 plants per acre).

• Sowing: Plant 3 seeds per hole and thin to 2 after germination.

• Manure: Add 1 medium bucket of well-decomposed manure per planting hole.

• Fertilizer:

  • At planting: DAP – 125g per hole (≈ 200 kg per hectare)

  • Before vines spread: CAN – 110 kg per hectare (65g per plant)

  • Before flowering: CAN – 220 kg per hectare (130g per plant)

💧 Irrigation Tips

Under irrigation, apply water twice a week in early growth and reduce frequency during fruiting to prevent cracking.
Drip irrigation is ideal for conserving water and ensuring uniform moisture distribution.

🌻 Maturity and Harvesting

Watermelons take about 85–100 days (3–4 months) to mature.
Signs of maturity include:

• The curling tendril opposite the fruit turns brown and dries.

• A dull, hollow sound when tapped.

• The underside (where fruit rests on soil) changes from white to creamy yellow.

Harvest during dry weather to prevent rot and extend shelf life.

🐛 Pest and Disease Management

Common problems include:

• Fungal diseases such as anthracnose and powdery mildew.

• Melon flies and aphids damaging the fruit and leaves.

Control tips:

• Use certified seeds and rotate crops.

• Spray recommended fungicides and insecticides as needed.

• Avoid over-irrigation and ensure good field drainage.

🧠 Pro Tips for Maximum Profit

✅ Choose disease-resistant hybrid varieties like Sukar F1 or Crimson Sweet.
✅ Target off-season planting (e.g., July–August) to fetch premium prices.
✅ Use drip irrigation to improve water efficiency.
✅ Partner with wholesalers, fruit vendors, and supermarkets before harvesting to secure buyers.
✅ Keep records of expenses and yields for future planning.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Watermelon farming in Kenya is a high-return, short-cycle agribusiness that fits perfectly for both beginners and experienced farmers.
With the right variety, irrigation, and timing, you can earn Ksh 400,000–500,000 per acre in just three months.

If you’re looking for a profitable venture this season, it’s time to invest in watermelon farming—the fruit that truly pays.🍉💰