Dr. King’ori, the host of Wicked Edition, recently recounted his experience with farming, which ultimately proved to be unsuccessful and resulted in significant financial losses.
In a discussion with experienced farmer Caleb Karuga, King’ori disclosed that he had allocated Ksh 400,000 towards a watermelon farming initiative.
He mentioned that a friend, who rents land in Emali for agricultural purposes, had inspired him with optimistic stories of success associated with this endeavor.
This friend had reportedly earned over Ksh 340,000 in profit from his watermelon farming activities.
Enticed by the potential for substantial returns, King’ori decided to conduct further research.
Observing the increasing demand for nutritious foods in Kenya, he believed that this investment opportunity was well-timed.
“So I do watermelon on one and a half acres and then I mix with butternut on the advice of an agricultural professional,” he said.
King’ori sowed the watermelon seeds in April, and by July, he was prepared to market his inaugural harvest.
Initially, he had been informed that cultivating watermelons could yield a price of up to Ksh 18 per kilogram.
However, when his produce was ready, King’ori contacted a supplier at the Marikiti market in Nairobi.
To his astonishment, they proposed a disappointing rate of only Ksh 5 per kilogram, significantly lower than the anticipated Ksh 18.
“Eventually someone comes and offers Ksh 1,000 bob for the entire farm of watermelons…that project cost me Ksh 400,000,” he said.
King’ori started to question whether he had entered the market at an inopportune moment or if the supplier was exploiting his lack of experience in the watermelon industry.
“You come and park your lorry full of watermelons, then he knows there’s nowhere you will go with them,” he said.
