Kirinyaga County's Seedlings Propagation Centre Boosts Farmers' Access to Quality Planting Materials
Kirinyaga County's Seedlings Propagation Centre, established under Governor Anne Waiguru's Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, has enhanced access to certified planting materials for farmers.
In Brief
- •Kirinyaga County's Seedlings Propagation Centre, established under Governor Anne Waiguru's Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, has enhanced access to certified planting materials for farmers.
- •The centre, which became operational last year, has a capacity to produce up to 400,000 seedlings for crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, kales, spinach, and African night-shade.
- •Farmers have reported significant cost savings, with some reducing their expenses by up to Ksh. 1,200 per tray of seedlings and Ksh. 1,000 for transport.
- •The centre also serves as a farmers' training facility, linked to the Kirinyaga Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre.
- •Tomato production in Kirinyaga has increased from 46,000 tons in 2017 to 116,000 tons in 2022, earning farmers approximately Ksh 6.9 billion annually.
Why It Matters
The Kirinyaga County's Seedlings Propagation Centre is a significant development for the local farming community, offering affordable, high-quality planting materials and reducing the costs associated with sourcing these materials. This initiative is part of Governor Anne Waiguru's Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, which aims to boost horticulture production. The centre's impact on farmers' confidence and productivity is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy, particularly in the horticulture sector.
Key Details
- Seedling Production Capacity
- 400,000 seedlings
- Tomato Production Increase
- From 46,000 tons in 2017 to 116,000 tons in 2022
- Annual Revenue from Tomato Production
- Ksh 6.9 billion
- Cost Savings per Tray of Seedlings
- Up to Ksh. 1,200
- Transport Cost Savings
- Up to Ksh. 1,000
Context & Background
The Kirinyaga County's Seedlings Propagation Centre is part of Governor Anne Waiguru's Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, which aims to boost horticulture production in the county. The programme has seen significant growth in tomato production, which has increased from 46,000 tons in 2017 to 116,000 tons in 2022.
Original Reporting & Sources
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