By Bob Aston
Horticulture farming in Kenya has been on the rise in recent past. More farmers have diversified their activities by venturing into the field. Farmers in Kanyuka village in Ng’arua Division, Laikipia County, have not been left behind.
Charity
Wanjiku says that tomato farming is doing well in the area as the climate is conducive
for the crop. They access plenty of water from Kanyuka dam to irrigate their
farms.
Tomatoes
may be affected by diseases during heavy rainfall, maturity period is also prolonged.
Most tomato farms in the area are currently infected with tomato blight. Some
tomatoes now appear sunken, they have also developed dark green or brown lesion
on leaves and stems
Horticulture farming in Kenya has been on the rise in recent past. More farmers have diversified their activities by venturing into the field. Farmers in Kanyuka village in Ng’arua Division, Laikipia County, have not been left behind.
Charity at her farm in Kanyuka |
“I
have been a farmer for a long time, I was initially concentrating on maize
production but three years ago I started planting tomatoes. It requires a lot
of capital but the returns are great,” said Charity.
Tomatoes are botanical fruits, though they are widely considered as vegetable for culinary skills.
Tomatoes are botanical fruits, though they are widely considered as vegetable for culinary skills.
Tomatoes
are said to be rich in Vitamin A, B and C, they are said to be fat free as well
as being low in sodium. Tomatoes are also packed with phytonutrients, including
lycopene, an antioxidant that protects body cells from damage. Tomatoes are
also said to contain an array of nutrients that work to lower cholesterol and
prevent heart diseases.
‘I
have been able to take care of my family and even pay school fees for my
children from my farm proceeds. Farming has really helped people living in this
area,” said Charity.
Tomatoes
do well in an altitude range of 0-2100 m and in places with annual rainfall
between 760 and 1300 mm. They also need a fertile, deep and well drained soil.
Some of the farmers planting tomatoes |
“We
go for tomato varieties with early blight resistance or tolerance but despite
this the tomatoes will still end up being infected with tomato blight,” said
Charity.
Currently
a crate of tomato is said to be fetching between Ksh 3,400 -4,600 in Nairobi
and Nakuru. Charity is expecting to harvest her tomatoes in April when the
price will be high. A crate of tomatoes is expected to fetch Ksh 7,000 during
that period.
“Farmers here normally come together to fill a
lorry with tomatoes then we either transport them to Nairobi or Nakuru,” said
Charity.
Charity
believes that the future of horticulture is bright. She is now looking forward
to increase her farm production as she looks for more training on farming.
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