A new seedlings propagation centre in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, is helping local farmers reduce costs and increase horticulture production. The centre, established under Governor Anne Waiguru's Wezesha Kirinyaga programme, provides quality, disease-free, and affordable planting materials. This has enabled farmers to save on costs previously spent on private producers. The centre has a capacity to produce up to 400,000 seedlings for various crops.
The Seedlings Propagation Centre at Kangai ward has greatly enhanced access to certified crop seeds for planting. County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, Dr. John Gachara, said the centre was established to address challenges farmers faced in accessing clean and quality planting materials. The centre uses certified seeds and modern propagation technology to produce high-quality seedlings.
The centre provides farmers with agronomic advice to support better crop performance after planting. Dr. Gachara noted that farmers are saving about Ksh. 200 per tray of seedlings and Ksh. 1,000 for transport. Previously, some farmers bought seedlings from private producers around Kirinyaga or as far as Naivasha. The centre has sold over 100,000 seedlings in the past two seasons.
The propagation centre also serves as a farmers' training facility linked to the Kirinyaga Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre. This year, the centre held its first farmer field day and expects to hold about three farmer field days annually. The goal is to educate farmers on proper agronomic practices for vegetables.
Farmers have reported benefits from the centre, including lower prices and greater confidence in the planting materials. Cabbage, tomato, and sukuma wiki farmer Daniel Githaka said the centre had given farmers greater confidence in the planting materials they purchase. Prices for tomato seedlings have been reduced from Ksh2,200 to Ksh2,000 per crate.
Tomato farmers have reported increased yields and profits due to the availability of high-yielding tomato varieties. Michael Mwangi said the county government provides Rafano and Ranco tomato seedlings, which are high-yielding, at affordable rates. This has seen his yields increase tremendously and his profits grow.
The centre's impact extends beyond farming, with potential wider economic benefits for Kangai Ward and Kirinyaga County. Farmer Sammy Maringa said the centre's biggest benefit is the ability to obtain seedlings when needed, avoiding delays that could affect production cycles. The centre is helping boost economic growth in the ward and county.
Key points
- The Kirinyaga County seedlings propagation centre has reduced costs for farmers and increased horticulture production.
- The centre provides quality, disease-free, and affordable planting materials, with a capacity to produce up to 400,000 seedlings.
- Farmers have reported benefits including lower prices, increased yields, and greater confidence in planting materials.
