Growing Passion Fruits and Tomatoes: A Profitable Agribusiness Venture

If you’ve been thinking about venturing into agribusiness, passion fruits and tomatoes are two of the most promising crops to consider. Both have a strong local and export market, relatively short maturity periods, and offer impressive returns when well managed. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, these crops can turn your half-acre investment into a steady source of income.

1. Why Passion Fruits and Tomatoes Are Worth Investing In

Agriculture remains one of the most consistent sources of income in Kenya, and horticultural crops like tomatoes and passion fruits lead the way.

• Tomatoes are consumed in nearly every household and form a key ingredient in countless dishes. Their demand rarely fades throughout the year.

• Passion fruits, on the other hand, are among Kenya’s top three most popular fruits, valued for their flavor, nutritional benefits, and growing export potential.

Both crops are therefore not only profitable but also resilient in the local market.

2. Economic Benefits and Expected Returns

Let’s break down what your half-acre investment could translate to in terms of revenue.

Tomatoes

• Market Price: KSh 50–100 per kilo (contract prices can go up to KSh 150 per kilo)

• Yield per Acre: 30–35 tonnes (30,000–35,000 kg)

• Half Acre Yield: About 15–17.5 tonnes (15,000–17,500 kg)

If you sell at an average price of KSh 75 per kilo, your potential revenue per half-acre is approximately:

15,000 kg × 75 = KSh 1,125,000 (gross income)

Production Cost

Production costs range between KSh 30–35 per kilo, which includes seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor.
Let’s take an average cost of KSh 32.5 per kilo:

15,000 kg × 32.5 = KSh 487,500 (estimated cost)

✅ Estimated Net Profit:

KSh 1,125,000 – 487,500 = KSh 637,500

That’s over half a million shillings from just half an acre of tomatoes!

Passion Fruits

• Market Price: KSh 70–100 per kilo

• Yield per Acre: 15–20 tonnes (15,000–20,000 kg)

• Half Acre Yield: 7.5–10 tonnes (7,500–10,000 kg)

Assuming an average selling price of KSh 85 per kilo, your potential revenue is:

7,500 kg × 85 = KSh 637,500 (gross income)

Production Cost

At an average cost of KSh 32.5 per kilo, the total cost would be:

7,500 kg × 32.5 = KSh 243,750

✅ Estimated Net Profit:

KSh 637,500 – 243,750 = KSh 393,750

Over time, passion fruit vines continue producing for up to three years with proper care, making it a sustainable and semi-perennial source of income.

3. Factors to Consider Before Planting

To maximize profit, keep these key points in mind:

• Market Timing: Conduct a market survey to avoid selling during oversupply seasons.

• Climate: Tomatoes thrive in warm areas with moderate rainfall, while passion fruits prefer well-drained soils and moderate temperatures.

• Crop Management: Invest in quality seedlings, good pest and disease control, and proper irrigation.

• Marketing: Explore contract farming or cooperative marketing to secure better prices and reliable buyers.

4. Final Thoughts

Both tomatoes and passion fruits are viable agribusiness ventures with impressive returns. While tomatoes offer quicker returns due to their short growing cycle, passion fruits provide longer-term income with less frequent replanting.

The key to success lies in smart planning, efficient production, and strategic marketing. With about half an acre dedicated to each crop, you could easily generate over KSh 1 million in combined revenue within a single growing season.

Agribusiness isn’t just about planting; it’s about creating a sustainable business model that ensures steady growth and profit. Start small, plan smart, and grow big.