Growing Okra in Nyamira

Soil suitability analysis based on Nyamira's nutrient profile

Nyamira County is a challenging environment for Okra (soil-match score 35/100) and will need significant amendment before planting. At an average pH of 5.58 the soil is slightly acidic to near-neutral, below Okra's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is phosphorus and potassium — measured at N 0.84 g/kg, P 11.6 mg/kg, K 148 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing those deficits. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. At 1700 m, the county sits above Okra's preferred altitude ceiling of 1300 m, where frost risk and cold nights reduce the crop's productivity. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Nyamira's 35/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 2,188 kg/acre (~KES 131,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

35Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorNyamira soilOkra needsStatus
pH5.5867.5Adjust
Nitrogen0.84 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus11.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgLow
Potassium148 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,600 mm500–1,200 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m0–1,300 mHigh

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing & Pest Control
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Direct Sowing & Basal
Month 2
Top Dressing
Month 3
Continuous Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 3 and 6
Instruction
Top-dress lightly — excess nitrogen delays pod set.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 60/kg
Expected yield in Nyamira2,188 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 131,280/acre
Adjusted for Nyamira's 35/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Okra can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag