Kenya starts greenhouse tomato farming

Kenya has started greenhouse production of tomatoes, raising hopes that the popular vegetable will become available throughout the year at affordable prices.

In the new system developed by the Kenya Horticulture Development Programme (KHDP) and agricultural inputs suppliers Seminis Seeds and Osho Chemical Industries, a grower requires about 240 square metres of land and a greenhouse kit to get started.

The cheapest kit, comprising a 500 litre water tank, irrigation drip lines, plastic sheet, seeds and chemicals has been put at Ksh150,000 ($2,239) for those participating in the project. The plot of land can grow 1,000 plants.

The fourth demonstration site, for the Coast province, was launched last week at the Agricultural Training Centre in Mtwapa, Mombasa. Others are in Nairobi at the Horticultural Crops Development Authority compound near the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, at the Agricultural Training Centre, Kabiangi in Kericho, and at the Lake Basin Development Authority compound in Kisumu.

According to the KHDP, the greenhouse tomato project, one of the activities the programme is supporting to help increase the incomes of rural households, is borrowed from Israel, where the country has most of its agriculture under greenhouses due to scarcity of water and land. It is also widely practised in the United States.

If the concept is widely embraced, Kenya could start enjoying year-round supply of tomatoes, which currently get damaged during the wet seasons, pushing prices through the roof. According to Peter Randa, the marketing manager and project technical advisor, growing crops under greenhouses has many advantages, among them the ability to produce huge quantities on a small piece of land and continuous harvesting. The tomatoes have a shelf-life of 21 days compared with 14 for those grown in the open.

It takes a shorter period — two months — for greenhouse-produced tomatoes to mature, while it takes a minimum of three months with outdoor farming.

Due to controlled irrigation and temperatures, the crop sports a continuous output of flowers and fruits, all at different stages.

One plant has a potential of up to 15 kg at first harvest, going up to 60 kg by the time it has completed its full cycle — recommended at one year.

The plant vines are supported inside the greenhouse with sticks and strings, growing up to 50 metres in height. If well looked after, the minimum plot of land under greenhouse production can yield up to 25,000 tonnes of tomatoes.

Tomatoes are generally highly susceptible to diseases requiring heavy application of pesticides but under the greenhouse growing techniques, which come with basic training on hygiene, most of common infections are easily kept at bay. Also kept at bay are insects and other pests known to invade plants as well as weeds.

Apart from huge savings on crop protection chemicals, which constitute a huge part of production costs, less labour is employed in a greenhouse, while exposure to chemical toxins associated with application is minimised or eliminated altogether. It is also good for the environment.

Planting materials for the greenhouse tomato production have been specially developed as high yielding, although they can grow outdoors as well. For this programme, the partners are recommending the Annaf1 hybrid tomato seed developed by Seminis East Africa.

On its part, Osho Chemicals is providing free chemicals to farmers in the initial stages of planting as well as technical advice on application, said marketing manager James Ndabi.

The introduction of greenhouse tomatoes in Kenya heralds what could be a major shift from open pollinated farming to hybrid high yielding methods, which if adopted in other sectors could lead to massive improvements in crop production, output, incomes and ultimately self-sufficiency in food production.

According to Mr Randa, there has been a marked uptake of improved planting materials in the country, a sign that farmers are keen to adopt new products and technology.

In Eldoret, KHDP reports, greenhouse production of tomatoes is coming along fast since this is where the technology was first introduced. The horticulture programme, funded by the United States Agency for International Development, estimates that in the next five years, most tomatoes grown in Kenya will be under greenhouses.

Mombasa is seen as having a huge potential for the technique since the Coast province imports more than 75 per cent of its food from upcountry and Tanzania.



Source: nationmedia.com

Publication date: 10/5/2007

 


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Comments:

good work, let the nation learn from you.
robert njuguna kagunda, nairobi, good work, let the nation learn from you. - 11/10/2009 12:52:10 PM

ok
kennedy saliku , nairobi, ok - 10/23/2009 10:14:34 AM

Kindly send the information about product aviliblity
Sunil Patil, Bangalore, India - 7/10/2009 10:24:03 AM

Please I need someone to give me some kind of manual I can use to educate my workers on the green house issue.I want to start Greenhouses and I don't know where I can find anything.any assistance will be greatly appreciated
Whitney, Nyahururu, Ke nya - 7/10/2009 9:37:35 AM

Is there a KHDP or Seminis office/ contact in kisumu? how do i reach them?
Felix wafula, Kisumu, Kenya - 7/9/2009 1:39:02 PM

i have been reading the comments from the various farmers who are interested in the seeds, Drip Irrigation and the Amiran Farmers' Kit which we sell here in Amiran. For those who are interested in information or buying kindly forward me an email on pauline@amirankenya.com or call me on 020-824840-9 ext 236
pauline, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 7/9/2009 10:06:17 AM

would like to know which veriety is best for green peas in a green house within nakuru

george nganga, nakuru, kenya (email) - 7/6/2009 3:27:10 PM

Am a teacher and a Development worker currently doing programs in Huruma/Githogoro slum within Runda. I would like to introduce this tomato project to small scale farmers whom am working with. Kindly visit our centre and advice us . This is exactly what we need for sustainability of our projects in this slum. Come to New Dawn Educational centre Huruma Runda or call Juma 0722158768.
MICKA JUMA MAINA, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 7/4/2009 8:10:23 AM

I would like to get more information on this projcet, kindly get in touch with me via email
Mary Njambi, Nairobi , Kenya - 7/3/2009 10:56:29 AM

am interested in the green house farming for tomatoes.who should i contact for more information on succes or failure

#0714146807

changai, kirinyaga, kenya - 7/2/2009 12:41:36 AM

i am interested in growing tomatoes and i would like to to start as soon possible please help about the greenhouse i have the plot

timothy njehia chege, ruiru, kenya (email) - 7/1/2009 11:17:39 AM


i am greatly impressed and interested in trying
this green house tomato farming.i have 1 acre
land along Kangundo road Nairobi with borehole
water. I will also want to visit a success story,please advice.
C.Makori Nairobi,Kenya
Cosmas Makori, Nairobi, Kenya - 6/30/2009 6:00:03 PM

iam an organic farm manager in kajiado and i have come to know that green house tomatoe farming is the best in my place please show me the procedure
raphael, nairobi, kenya (email) - 6/30/2009 4:37:08 PM

iam interested in the new technology of growing tomatoes,please help.
peter mnyoto, mombasa, kenya - 6/26/2009 3:51:56 PM

I have a 2 acre plot in Kitengela, I intend to connect water from a borehole in the neighbourhood. Is Kitengela whether condusive for tomatoes, green peas, apples etc? How much water does a green house of the measurement you've given above require per month, approximate cost?
Mercy Warui, Nairobi, Kenya - 6/26/2009 1:21:21 PM

Very good information, Kindly please let me know how you prepare the ground for green house in plantinmg tomatoes, onions p eas etc.
Ann Kawira, N/A, Kenya - 6/26/2009 8:00:29 AM

Am interested in Green house Farming and the climatic conditions here are condusive for these venture.

Is there a stable market for these quality green house products?

Please advise.
Fredrick nyaga Mwaniki, Molo, Kenya - 6/25/2009 12:22:43 PM

I am interested in starting production of tomatoes under a greenhouse in Western Kenya, Busia- Bumala area. Please advise me on the type that would fit the area and tell me whether the project is viable.
Victor Musebe Namboka, Busia, Kenya - 6/24/2009 3:12:51 PM

I would like to farm Tomatoes in my 1/4 acre land. Is it sufficient.
Help me acquire the seed.
0721932931
Jafford Rithaa, CHuka, Kenya (email) - 6/21/2009 10:42:14 AM

I would like to farm Tomatoes in my 1/4 acre land. Is it sufficient.
Help me acquire the seed.
0721932931
Jafford Rithaa, CHuka, Kenya (email) - 6/21/2009 10:41:34 AM

Would like to have the Amiran farmers kit. How can I purchase one and how much is it for a small scale farmer?
Justina Mwendwa, Nairobi, Kenya - 6/19/2009 5:24:46 PM

Looking for market for green house tomatoes and cucumber.


Justina Mwendwa, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 6/19/2009 5:22:41 PM

its agood idea.however i need some information about market guaratee and regulation so that farmers can have sustainable income.please give me the contacts.Thanks.
0722542623
kelly khabala, Busia, kenya - 6/17/2009 6:34:07 PM

am interested in the green house farming for tomatoes.who should i contact for more information on succes or failure
fredick ombanya, kisumu, kenya (email) - 6/17/2009 3:13:15 PM

I would like to know whether if I was to introduce greenhouse farming in Nyando (Kano - Number Okana area) would it do well. I am so eager to do it as soon as possible especially in a farm right next to my home. Would you advice on the contact person to use who can help in my enquiries.
Rosemary Outa, Nairobi, Kenya - 6/17/2009 9:34:13 AM

Greenhouse farming is the cheapest way to husband sensitive crops since you control pests and weather conditions.Experiment !
Harun Kiura, Githure, Kenya (email) - 6/16/2009 10:38:40 AM

Greenhouse farming is the cheapest way to husband sensitive crops since you control pests and weather conditions.Experiment !
Harun Kiura, Githure, Kenya (email) - 6/16/2009 10:36:53 AM

Thanks for this useful info. Is it possible to provide a package of greenhouse construction, provision of seed and agrochemicals together with bore hole drilling and drip irrigation equipment? Am keen on this project but cant get borehole drilling and water pumping facilities. Anyone with useful information on drilling boreholes around Kisumu?

Ronald
Ronald, Kisumu, Kenya - 6/13/2009 1:00:46 PM

Please share information on how to start a greenhouse to grow vegetables.
Eric Mungai., Kiambu, Kenya - 6/13/2009 11:14:33 AM

i have a plot but the water there is salty please advise whether i can adopt the green house tomatoes using the water,
anthony mutisya mutunga, nairobi, kenya - 6/12/2009 7:06:42 PM

Great idea but what is the future in tomato markets. Let there be an organisation to cater for the marketing and it should start by giving demand levels as early as now. We have an experience of heavy losses in commodity floods in markets for thoce perishable ones like tomatoes.
Nathan Muhoro, Nyeri, Kenya (email) - 6/11/2009 10:45:20 AM

I intend to do green house farming in Gachika Nyeri District. Please i ned advice on the estimated total cost for setting up a house 50m by 50m and estimated production on the same peace of land.
Thanks.
PETER, NAIROBI, KENYA - 6/10/2009 12:53:18 PM

For those who want to built green houses but are limited with funds, you can start by going to large horticultural farms near you for the polythene paper that has been used. You can also use wood for the structure rather than metal. Irrigate using drip since it uses less water.
Mike Magero, Kitale, Kenya - 6/9/2009 11:06:04 PM

I m very interested with greenhouse tomatoes, we have a land and water and I need a consultant to help me to start this project.would you like to assist me please.

thanks and God bless you.
my phone is +250 78-8525778 or +250 750 211172

edison
uhawenimana edison, kigali, rwanda (email) - 6/9/2009 6:36:28 PM

thanks for the abave infomation i would wish to farm green peas any info abaut the same
george nganga, nakuru, kenya - 6/8/2009 11:55:29 AM

contact me on crop production & pets,disease control issues
0727 618 650
ngeno, kericho, kenya - 6/6/2009 3:59:35 PM

we are based in nyeri and very interested in greenhouse farming. we would like to know how to build the greenhouse and the estimate costs of installing the greenhouse system. also it will be of interest for you to furnish us with estimated income on a 30*100 piece of land. besides tomatoes we intend to grow other horticultural plants and mushrooms. thank you in advance.
charles kamau and daniel muthomi, nyeri, kenya (email) - 6/5/2009 12:47:05 PM

Hi, we are about to embark on greenhouse tomato farming in Nairobi. Any advise or pointers that we should look out for?
Caroline Waiyaki, Nairobi, Kenya - 6/4/2009 10:49:07 AM

Hi I will be intrested in the green house farming project, can i get more infomation on how to get started. my number is 0722722633
i look forward
Regards
Mrs Liz Tapawa
Liz Tapawa, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 6/3/2009 5:18:41 PM

I would like to put up a greenhouse for tomato farming in Kisumu Asembo. The soil on my farm is majorly sandy. I have a borehole for the watersupply but I need expert advice on what I need to do for the construction and soil type. Please give contact person to talk to
Beth , nairobi, kenya (email) - 6/3/2009 11:42:31 AM

Am in the process of harvesting rain water for use in tomatoes growing somewhere in Kajiado Central along Mombasa Road.Can someone advice . Is the climate in this area okay for tomatoes.
Pastor Charles N Mutuku, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 6/2/2009 2:36:00 PM

Hi,I would like to start a small scale mushroom production.Please advice.
Paul Samoey, Ongata Rongai-Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 5/30/2009 1:51:19 PM

yes i have just read the good news about tomato farming and i want to practice it in rachuonyo district oyugis division,how do i get technical help?
Eng Tom okoko, kisumu, kenya - 5/29/2009 2:39:13 PM

yes i have just read the good news about tomato farming and i want to practice it in rachuonyo district oyugis division,how do u get technical help?
Eng Tom okoko, kisumu, kenya - 5/29/2009 2:35:40 PM

hi, am interested in green house potato farming, i have the land in the central province with shifting temperatures between 21 to 27 degrees centigrade, but i lack the technical know how of what is needed structural wise, area duration etc.. for the smallest green house i can afford, could someone out there please help me?
thuku fred, nairobi, kenya (email) - 5/28/2009 9:32:15 AM

I am interested in Onion Green house.
I need advise on the procedures and the type condusive forgrowing in a Greenhouse.
KIBET MUTAI EDWIN , Kericho, Kenya - 5/27/2009 7:35:24 AM

am intrested in growing vegetables and i want to know how to construct a gereen house.please help me
violet, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 5/26/2009 1:04:22 PM

am intrested in growing vegetables and i want to know how to construct a gereen house.please help me
violet, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 5/26/2009 1:02:56 PM

It seems many people are embracing the new technology of green house tomato farming.
Now please someone should answer some of the questions raised because this page have very many questions which should be answered by the specialists.



James Kiptisia Saina, Nakuru, kenya (email) - 5/25/2009 6:54:10 AM

i have been thinking about putting up a green house in kabaa area in mwala district. the farm is next to athi river and that means there is water flowing throughout the year. i think tomato farming would be ideal for the place because the weather is hot and the soil is red. i would really appreaciate it if you gave me some input on how to get started. and what else could be grown in such an area
cedric kithome, nairobi, kenya (email) - 5/20/2009 9:42:26 AM

this has really interest me. i would like more advise on this please send me contact details as soon as possible.
wambugu richard, nairobi, kenya - 5/7/2009 3:19:59 PM

i am an irrigation agronomist and i am looking forward to working with your. i have great experience working with out-growers ( advising on irrigated agriculture).
I have just returned from Malawi, where i worked with the ministry of Agriculture and food security for 2 years.
For more details about my skills and experience kindly send me your email so i you my CV
my email account "maingikim@yahoo.com"
Cell:0722 611126
stanley kimani, Murang'a, Kenya (email) - 5/4/2009 10:51:03 AM

Very interested in the project. i have prime land in Ngong with considerable water sources and this is the idea I had in mind for its development. i need information and contacts for technical support. I am financially ready to implement project.
isaac kiarie, Nairobi, Kenya (email) - 5/4/2009 7:46:02 AM

Im really intrested in staring a greenhouse for Tomao Farming in Ruai area on a 1 acre farm and am very intersted in visiting your Demo Farm. Kindly send me the details
Benard Gichiru, Nairobi, Kenya - 4/21/2009 7:43:55 PM

Thanks for the educative article concerning tomato growing.Am intending to apply the same with my youth group called CYCOE based here in Eldoret.God bless you for the good work.

Matt
Mathew, Eldoret, Kenya (email) - 4/21/2009 3:39:01 PM

i am giving consultancy services to farmers about tunnel farming in pakistan. i want to trail this tomato variety in pakistan. please send me details for this.
Regards,
mohsin hussain ch.
0092-313-4488115
mohsin hussain ch, lahore, pakistan - 4/17/2009 8:57:22 PM

I have a shamba in central province ie around kagio-kirinyaga am very interested in this kind of farming--my main problem is water ---i have dug about 7 wells but sija bahatika. i saw an article in the press and i got interested in this farming-Please send me any articles on this plus any other help you can offer me to get started.thank you YOU CAN USE MY EMAIL TO KEEP ME UPDATED
kiigeh ngare, nairobi, kenya (email) - 4/17/2009 10:42:48 AM

I have a 2acre farm in Muranga-Kangari ,and i feel interested to start the project.
Kindly furnish me with your contacts.
2. can one pay a visit to the demos ?.
Regards.
Willie Munoru, Nairobi, Kenya - 4/17/2009 8:13:33 AM

I am very interested in greenhouse farming in Ololoikitosh area. What are the chances this project succeding there? Part time available but have a worker ready to learn.

Emily
Emily Miheso, Nairobi, Kneya - 4/15/2009 2:43:09 PM

I would like to start the green house project in Mombasa. Who can i contact in Mombasa for advise?
Capital not an issue.
Urgently but kindly get in touch.
Fred Ochieng, Mombasa, Kenya - 4/14/2009 4:42:52 PM

Thank for the information. I live in Githunguri Kiambu Discrict. I have enough land and water form a bore hole. Tell me more about this. How much capital I need to put in the project and when is your field day.
Thank you

Annie Njoroge, nairobi, kenya - 4/14/2009 10:18:03 AM

I have alot of interest in starting agreenhouse project for tomatoes in rongo southern nyanza.I am employed but i can not afford toraise the 150,000 at once how best can i get support toestablish this facility.I have my own land 2 hacters and i have done enough pheasibity study over market.
I will appreciate you assistence.
ken omollo, nairobi, kenya (email) - 4/13/2009 9:48:53 AM

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