A man holding a sample of pyrethrum. [Photo: nation.co.ke]
Up to 5,000 pyrethrum farmers in Nakuru County are poised to tap from a liberalized pyrethrum sector.
In a deliberate public-private partnership, the state Department of Agriculture and Kentagra- a biotechnology company, has established a 45-acre pyrethrum seedbed to enable farmers to access free certified pyrethrum seedlings and extension services in a bid to jump-start the crippled pyrethrum sector the region.
Kentegra bio technology Ltd Senior Technical Director Peter Mwaura says his company is aimed at raising farmers’ standards.
“ Part of the project`s component is to contract farmers on a three-year term to plant pyrethrum and supply the company`s processing plant to set to begin operations in Athi River starting January next year," said Mwaura.
The nursery has 100 million seedlings enough to be planted on 4,500 acres of high potential areas in Nakuru, Nyandarua and West Pokot Counties.
“The regional and global market for pyrethrin - an extract of the crop is stable and farmers contracted will sell the pesticide manufacturing raw material at globally competitive prices. This move is aimed at scaling up production of the crop while improving livelihoods of the farmers," he added.
The partnership is anticipating to expand the seedbed located in Turi area of Molo sub-county to 100 acres by early next year with a view of engaging at least 20,000 farmers by the end of next year.
At this scale, the director says the company`s extraction capacity will rise to 900,000kilogrammes per month with farmers paid upon delivery of their crop.
Mwaura saaid farmers who will demonstrate commitment to the deal will receive an increment in the supply of free seedlings and assorted fertilizer to encourage them to expand their pyrethrum acreage.
He commended liberalization of the sector saying it allowed private players steer the once lucrative enterprise.