Daniel Kimani beams as he holds handfuls of green, red, and yellow capsicums, clearly delighted with the bumper harvest. This is his second harvest in just a week, and the 200kg of produce from his greenhouse in Kagiko, about 20km from Thika town, signals just how well his crops are thriving.
“I’m now certain that growing capsicum was the right decision. It offers a great return on investment and keeps giving for about four months,” Kimani shares.
But capsicum is only part of his diverse farming venture. Kimani, a jack of many crops, also grows thorn melon, sukuma wiki (collard greens), spinach, and ginger, a combination that not only brings him financial reward but also immense satisfaction.
From the Middle East to Farming in Kagiko
Kimani’s farming journey began in 2013, soon after he returned from working in the Middle East. With a degree in Information Technology and experience in both local and international firms, he decided to invest in farming, both out of passion and as a source of income.
With guidance from the Youth Fund, Kimani secured two 15x24ft greenhouses and a drip irrigation system worth Sh350,000. The loan came with a six-month grace period and affordable monthly repayments of Sh10,000, a farmer-friendly approach that also included training on crop husbandry.
High Yields with Coloured Capsicum
Inside his greenhouses, Kimani plants red and yellow capsicums, which produce roughly 4kg per plant per harvest. With 140 plants, he enjoys consistent yields every three to four months.
“I chose coloured capsicum because it yields twice as much as the green variety, and there’s strong market demand,” he explains.
Before planting, he conducted soil tests at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in Thika, which revealed bacteria and fungi. Kimani treated the soil using a process called soil solarisation, heating it to 80°C, followed by antifungal treatment and manure application.
With proper crop rotation and fallow periods to prevent pest resistance, Kimani sells his capsicum at Sh100 per kilo, primarily to Nairobi City Market’s wholesale section.
Expanding with Garlic and Ginger
Outside the greenhouse, Kimani cultivates garlic on an acre of land, irrigating with water from a nearby river. Despite stiff competition from imported Chinese garlic, his locally grown variety commands Sh230 per kilo because of its superior taste.
Ginger is propagated from rhizome fingers, separated into 2.5cm sets, and takes eight to ten months to mature. While the weather can limit yields, he continues to supply his loyal customers.
“I’m comfortable with my current farming, but my dream is to expand to 10 greenhouses and grow a thriving commercial venture,” he says.
Learning from Challenges
Kimani’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. Upon returning to Kenya in 2010, he first tried pig farming, which ended disastrously when a disease wiped out over 50 pigs. He then moved to dairy before discovering the profitable world of crop farming.
Dr. Jane Ambuko, Head of Horticulture at the University of Nairobi, emphasizes the benefits of mixed crop farming:
“In mixed cropping, farmers should understand the nutritional value and complementary benefits of each crop. Some crops, like ginger, can prevent diseases and pests, making the farm more resilient.”
The Secret to a Happy Farmer
For Daniel Kimani, the secret is simple: diversify your crops, manage them well, and embrace sustainable practices. Capsicum, garlic, and ginger are not just crops; they are his ticket to happiness, financial stability, and a thriving farming future.
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