Hello wazuans. I have a small shamba which i plan to delve into watermelon farming next year (2016). Would want to try on 3 acres. Does anyone here know a farm i could visit around Thika or Kirinyaga i learn the science of watermelon farming!

Happy Hunting in 2016!

alma! please say something ata kama ni mambo ya swenani farming...

Rollins if you are serious, we are doing something come January which your 3 acres can benefit from.

My experience with most farmers is that they think about the produce first before thinking about the market. The watermelon market is controlled by the brokers in Marigiti. Now unless you know someone there, even though you make 1 m, someone else shall make 1 m from your 5 months of sweat.

Be wise with farming.

If you are really serious about going into it, get in touch. 3 acres is too much for a first time farmer without a distribution network.

You will end up like those guys who sell watermelons on their pickups in every estate.

Farming is not for the weak at heart. It is no longer the place for get rich quick schemes. It's a serious business.

Today I visited a very young guy's farm in Ruaka. Yes, Ruaka. Only 1/4 acre rented. By April, the guy shall be making more than the so called Bank managers. Why? Because he's got his whole supply chain in check.

Talk to me, you will be shocked to see what the business people are doing with less than half an acre as the farmers are still planting sijui 3 acres of watermelons.

@radio, could this be in mheshimiwa njagagua's constituency ?

I agree with Alma1. Leave melons alone unless you have a direct market.Alternatively try your hand in dairy or beef farming. You have better control of the market and production costs. If you are in a hot area you have pests such as dogs, birds and hippos when growing melons.