Growing Okra in Siaya

Soil suitability analysis based on Siaya's nutrient profile

Siaya County is a solid choice for Okra, with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 5.33 the soil is moderately acidic, 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 potassium — measured at N 1.2 g/kg, P 12.1 mg/kg, K 134 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/medium demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Okra, which favours loam. Okra's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 300,000/acre at KES 60/kg), but at Siaya's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 251,280/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

67Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorSiaya soilOkra needsStatus
pH5.3367.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.2 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus12.1 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium134 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,200 mm500–1,200 mmOK
Altitude1,200 m0–1,300 mOK

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 Siaya4,188 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 251,280/acre
Adjusted for Siaya's 67/100 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