A youth group in Nakuru has kicked off a mapping project of castor oil plants that grow naturally in parts of Nakuru County with an aim of harvesting them for commercial purposes. While talking to this writer at Hyrax hill area in Teachers estate on Friday during the launch of the mapping project, Mariakani Youth Group (MYG) that specialises in agri-business and environmental self help activities, chair Benson Kinyua said the mapping project will provide information for managing the natural plants selected fields in parts of Nakuru town and other adjacent areas. “We have been doing a lot of research on these plants and we have discovered beyond doubt that they have a big commercial value. As a self help group we intend to earn a living by tapping the natural resources around our area,’’ said Kinyua. The youth group leader added that the mapping that is concentrated on bushy road sides and undeveloped lands where the plants grow in plenty, will also involve earmarking the sites with the group’s name to give an indication to members of the public about the commercial importance of the plants. He explained that his group aims at popularising the castor oil plant in Nakuru region as a new cash crop and will be ready to provide meaningful information about the commercial and other values of the plant to interested groups including the government. “Our ultimate goal is to harvest the crop, process it and market it as per our research in order to provide an eye opener to society. There is a need for local farmers to try new and unique crops to add value to their farms and agricultural activities,’’ added Kinyua.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!