Agri-Blog Buzz

When you think of Kenya’s agricultural exports, chances are tea, coffee, or avocados come to mind. But there’s a small, vibrant crop quietly making waves in local markets, hotels, and export channels: cherry tomatoes.   These bite-sized powerhouses are more than just a garnish on a salad they represent a high-value, climate-smart opportunity for farmers, investors, and agripreneurs ready to think differently about food systems.   Why Cherry Tomatoes? - High Demand, Premium Price: Urban consumers, restaurants, and supermarkets are increasingly seeking cherry tomatoes for their flavor, nutrition, and aesthetics. They fetch 2–3x the price of ordinary tomatoes.   - Short Maturity Period: With proper care, cherry tomatoes can be harvested in as little as 75–90 days, ensuring quick returns.   - Export Potential: Global demand for organic, pesticide-free cherry tomatoes is rising, especially in Europe and the Middle East. Kenya’s climate gives us a compe...

Starting in 2025, the European Union will fully enforce its new sustainability and deforestation-free regulations. For Kenya’s coffee industry, this is more than a compliance hurdle  it’s a defining moment.   The EU is Kenya’s largest buyer of coffee. But from next year, only beans that meet strict new standards will make it to European shelves.   🔎 What the EU Requires - Proof that coffee is deforestation-free, traceable right down to the farm.   - Compliance with environmental and social standards, including workers’ rights.   - Digital traceability systems that show exactly where beans were grown.   🇰🇪 What This Means for Kenya Kenya’s Arabica already enjoys a global reputation for quality and sustainability. But to stay competitive, we must go further:   - Equip farmers with climate-smart training.   - Build transparent supply-chain records from cooperative to exporter.   - Invest in digital mapp...

Imagine harvesting a bountiful crop and believing you’re providing safe, nutritious food only to discover that an invisible enemy has infiltrated your yield. Aflatoxins, produced by certain fungi, slip past all senses. They’re colourless, odourless and tasteless, yet their impact can be devastating, from liver damage to cancer. The Invisible Danger on Our Plates - Aflatoxins develop under warm, humid conditions common in maize, sorghum and groundnuts. - Chronic exposure carries severe health risks, undermining community well-being and productivity. - Economic losses spike when contaminated grain is rejected, affecting farmers’ incomes and market reputation. We can’t afford to ignore this hidden hazard. Every kernel matters both for the farmer’s livelihood and for the health of families across Kenya and beyond. Aflasafe KE01: Nature’s Answer to Aflatoxin Control Enter Aflasafe KE01, developed by KALRO to break the cycle of aflatoxin contamination. This biocontrol product harnesses harml...

  For decades, industrial agriculture has sold us a dangerous myth: that chemical fertilizers and pesticides are the only way to feed a growing population. But science and lived experience in the fields tells a different story.  Agroecology, regenerative farming, and organic practices are proving that we can grow more food, more sustainably, and more profitably without poisoning our soils, our water, or our bodies.   🚜 The False Choice: Yield vs. Sustainability We’ve been told that farmers must choose between high yields and healthy ecosystems. Yet research across Africa, Latin America, and Europe shows that regenerative and organic systems often outperform conventional farming in the long run especially under climate stress.   - Soil Health = Productivity: Healthy soils rich in organic matter retain water, resist erosion, and support diverse microbial life. This resilience translates into higher yields, even during droughts.   - Biodiversity as ...

In the race to feed a growing population while protecting our planet, the solutions we need are often right beneath our feet literally. One of the most underrated yet powerful tools in sustainable farming is well-decomposed manure. Far from being just “farm waste,” it’s a natural powerhouse that transforms soil, boosts productivity, and nurtures ecosystems.   Here’s why it deserves more attention in modern agriculture:   Improved soil structure   When manure is well-decomposed, it enriches the soil with organic matter. This improves aeration, enhances water retention, and creates a fertile environment where crops can thrive. Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy harvests.   Nutrient-rich   Packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, manure provides plants with the building blocks they need for strong, vibrant growth. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, these nutrients are released gradually, ensuring long-term...

Glyphosate didn’t begin as a farming tool. It was first discovered in 1950 by a chemist named Henry Martin.  But it wasn’t until the 1970s that a company began using it as a weed killer. They later sold it as Roundup, and since then, glyphosate has become one of the most widely used herbicides in the world. At first, it was praised. They said it kills weeds quickly and breaks down easily in the soil. Farmers saw their farms clean and believed they had found a miracle. But over time, stories began to change. It started with the soil, how it was losing life. Farmers noticed their soil was becoming hard, crusty, and less fertile over the years.  Scientists like Zaller et al., 2014 confirmed that glyphosate reduces soil microbial activity. That means the very tiny creatures that keep the soil rich were dying silently. Then came the water. A 2014 study by Battaglin et al. found glyphosate in over 75% of rain and stream samples in farming regions of the U.S. Midwest. What we spray d...

  Green Onions: Place the roots in water, and within days new shoots will sprout. Romaine Lettuce: The base set in water produces fresh, tender leaves. Celery: The cut stalk base grows back into crisp stems when kept in water. Garlic: A single clove planted in soil can grow into a full bulb or flavorful green shoots. Leeks: Root ends placed in water regenerate tall, aromatic stalks. Basil: Stem cuttings form roots in water, ready to be transplanted into soil. Potatoes: A sprouted piece can be planted to yield a new underground harvest. Carrots (for greens): Carrot tops in water regrow fresh leaves, perfect for garnishing. Ginger: A rhizome planted in soil will develop new roots, ready to harvest in time. A simple, affordable, and sustainable way to enjoy fresh vegetables all year round.

  Overview Banana farming is a rewarding venture that requires minimal investment and can generate significant income. With the right techniques and knowledge, beginners can successfully grow bananas and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Step 1: Choose the Right Variety Select a banana variety suitable for your climate and market demand. Popular varieties include: 1. Cavendish 2. Gros Michel 3. Lady Finger Step 2: Prepare the Soil 1. Well-draining soil: Bananas prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. 2. Soil preparation: Add organic matter like compost or manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Step 3: Plant Banana Suckers 1. Obtain healthy suckers: Get banana suckers from a reputable source, ensuring they are free from pests and diseases. 2. Planting: Plant suckers 2-3 inches deep, 6-8 feet apart, and water thoroughly. Step 4: Provide Optimal Conditions 1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. 2. Fertilization: Feed bananas wit...

At just 10 years old, Jaina Beckford of Huntley, Manchester, is already pulling in bigger paydays than some adults, thanks to her love for farming and a natural business flair that seems beyond her years. Her mother, 37-year-old farmer Shamar Dayes, beams with pride when she recalls how it all began. "As a young single mother going in the farm as early as 5 a.m., I didn't have a babysitter, so I had to take her with me," Dayes said. She said that instead of leaving young Beckford in the vehicle, she opted to take her on the farm. Beckford did not just watch her mother, she also got her hands dirty and in the process, trained her green thumb. Dayes, who once worked as a junior accountant, said she gave up crunching numbers to focus on planting crops. Today, she farms sweet potatoes and carrots in Huntley, and manages a greenhouse full of peppers in Nain, St Elizabeth. "I've had the farming background since I was a child but I switched over into farming in 2018. I ...

Baking soda, a common household item, can work wonders in your garden. It’s an affordable and eco-friendly solution for a variety of gardening challenges. Here are ten unique and effective ways to incorporate baking soda into your gardening routine: 1. DIY Fungicide for Healthier Plants Create a homemade fungicide by combining baking soda, water, and a few drops of liquid soap. This natural solution can be sprayed onto your plants to prevent and treat fungal infections such as powdery mildew and black spot, helping your greenery thrive without harsh chemicals. 2. Weed Control Without Harmful Chemicals Tired of weeds invading your garden beds? Sprinkle baking soda directly on weeds in sidewalks, patios, or garden paths to dehydrate and kill them. Its high salt content will wither away unwanted plants without affecting nearby flowers and veggies. 3. Effective Pest Repellent Mix equal parts of baking soda and flour to create a pest-deterrent powder. Lightly dust this mixture on your plant...

  Long before the arrival of fertilizers and modern agriculture, the Indigenous peoples of the Americas had already developed a perfect system: the co-cultivation of corn, beans, and squash. This method, known as The Three Sisters, operated symbiotically: 🌽 The corn provided support for the beans. 🫘 The beans enriched the soil by fixing nitrogen, benefiting the corn. 🎃 The squash, with its broad leaves, covered the soil, helped retain moisture, and prevented weed growth. A natural balance that is efficient and sustainable, devised centuries before science could explain it. 📌 A testament to ancient wisdom that still has much to teach us today. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087491709608

  Most pig farmers lose profit during the grower stage (8–25 weeks) without even realizing it.  Why? Because this is the stage where your pigs should add weight FAST, build muscle, and prepare for the market. 👉 If your pigs are eating but not growing… it’s time to check these: ✅ Feed Quality: Use balanced rations with 16–18% protein for strong growth. ✅ Health Care: Deworm, vaccinate, and watch out for sneezing, coughing, or weight loss. ✅ Housing: Pigs need clean, dry, and ventilated pens to stay stress-free. ✅ Water Supply: Fresh water 24/7 = better feed conversion. Remember, healthy grower pigs = fatteners that make you MONEY. Farmers, tell me in the comments 👇 what’s your biggest challenge with grower pig management: feeding, housing, or health care? Let’s share solutions and grow profitable farms together!  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087491709608

  Stop guessingthere’s a simple trick! Instead of squeezing the fruit, gently remove the small stem cap and look at the color underneath. Yellow beneath the stem: The avocado isn’t ripe yet and needs more time to soften. Green beneath the stem: It’s perfectly ripe ideal for slicing, mashing, or making guacamole. Brown beneath the stem: The fruit is overripe and may have a bitter taste or mushy texture. By checking under the stem rather than pressing the avocado, you can avoid bruising and enjoy the fruit at its best. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087491709608

Zones: 4–9 (adaptable with local trees & shrubs). • Bluebird box – post-mounted, perfect for Eastern Bluebirds. • Chickadee box – tree-mounted, ideal for Chickadees & Nuthatches. • Wren box – branch-hanging, loved by House Wrens. • Bat box (bonus) – helps bats that eat thousands of insects each night. • Serviceberry – native berries for Robins and other fruit-loving birds. • Red Columbine – nectar source for hummingbirds and pollinators. • Sunflowers – seed-rich heads for Goldfinches and Sparrows. • Wild Bergamot – blooms that feed butterflies and bumblebees. 🌿 Nest boxes + native plants = a thriving backyard full of song, color, and pollinators year-round. 🐦✨🦋🐝 Follow : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087491709608

Maximizing milk production in Nubian goats requires proper genetics, nutrition, management, and health care.  Here’s a detailed guide: 1. Genetics & Breeding Select high-yielding Nubian does from proven milking lines. Use a quality buck with strong dairy traits to improve milk production in offspring. Implement a structured breeding program to ensure optimal kidding intervals (usually once a year). 2. Nutrition & Feeding Balanced Diet: Provide a high-quality diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Forage & Roughage: Good quality hay (alfalfa, lucerne) should make up the bulk of their diet. Concentrates: Offer dairy meal or grain mix (corn, oats, barley) to increase milk production. Minerals: Ensure access to mineral supplements, especially calcium and phosphorus. Water: Always provide clean, fresh water, as dehydration affects milk yield. 3. Milking Routine & Hygiene Milk twice daily at consistent times to maintain supply. Maintain clean milking practi...

  Looking for a natural way to energize your plants without buying expensive products? This homemade fertilizer is quick to make, eco-friendly, and uses simple kitchen leftovers. Ingredients ½ cup used coffee grounds ½ cup chopped banana peel ½ cup crushed eggshells 1 liter of water Instructions Blend all ingredients until you get a smooth mixture. The smell may not win awards, but your plants will thrive on it. Before applying, dilute the mix: one part fertilizer to three parts water. Too much of a good thing can harm, so keep it balanced. Water your plants with this once a month. You’ll notice greener foliage and stronger growth. Storage Tip If you make extra, keep it in the fridge in a clearly labeled container. You don’t want anyone mistaking it for a smoothie!

A thriving garden isn’t just about plants  it’s also about the helpful insects that keep everything in balance. By welcoming these natural allies, you can reduce pests, improve pollination, and enjoy healthier harvests. 1. Attract Bees Plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender or rosemary. Bees pollinate your crops and ensure abundant yields. 2. Invite Ladybugs Ladybugs love aphids. Grow plants such as dill or fennel to encourage them into your garden. 3. Protect Praying Mantises These skilled hunters feed on a wide variety of pests. Leave a few wild corners in your garden to provide them with shelter. 4. Welcome Dragonflies If you add a small water feature, dragonflies will help control mosquitoes and flies naturally. 5. Encourage Lacewings Their larvae consume whiteflies and other soft-bodied pests. Flowering shrubs and hedges make excellent habitats for them. 6. Preserve Butterflies Butterflies not only pollinate, but their caterpillars also provide food for birds. Plant colorful ...

In today’s agricultural landscape, farmers face a delicate balancing act: protecting crops from destructive pests while safeguarding soil health, pollinators, and the environment. The good news? Organic pest management offers a powerful toolkit that does exactly that without relying on harmful chemicals.   At Jaick Produce Limited , and across many sustainable farming communities, we’ve seen firsthand how the right organic solutions can transform fields into thriving, resilient ecosystems. Here are some of the most effective and trusted options making a difference:   🌿 Plant-Based Sprays: Nature’s Own Defenders - Neem Oil – A dual-action insecticide and fungicide that controls aphids, mites, caterpillars, and even fungal diseases. OMRI-listed and widely trusted.   - Spinosad – Derived from soil bacteria, it’s highly effective against caterpillars, thrips, and leafminers, while remaining safe for most beneficial insects when applied at dusk or dawn. ...

1. Biopesticides & Sprays - Neem Oil Extracts – Natural oil that controls aphids, whiteflies, mites, caterpillars, and fungal infections.   - Yellow & Blue Sticky Traps – Simple traps that attract and capture flying pests like whiteflies, thrips, and leaf miners .   - Fruit Fly & Adult Moth Pheromone Traps – Specialized lures that attract and trap fruit flies and moths, protecting crops like tomatoes, mangoes, and vegetables.   2. Soil & Mineral Defenses - Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade) – A natural powder that dehydrates crawling insects such as ants, beetles, and slugs. Safe for humans and animals when food-grade is used.   - Kaolin Clay Sprays – A fine clay spray that coats plant leaves, creating a protective barrier that repels insects like leafhoppers and beetles.   3. Farmer-Made Solutions - Garlic-Chili Spray – A homemade mixture that repels chewing and sucking insects naturally.   - Ash + Soap Solution –...

Kenya’s coffee sector just delivered another compelling performance. Sale No. 40 saw a jump in both volume and prices, underscoring global appetite for our specialty beans. This momentum is a powerful reminder that quality, consistency, and collaboration are driving Kenyan coffee forward.   Rising Volumes and Strengthened Prices Kenya’s coffee community recorded significant gains in Sale No. 40: - 14,726 bags sold, up from 12,762 in the previous session   - Average price of USD 426.91 per bag, rising from USD 413.09   - Equivalent to Ksh 1,105 per kg of clean coffee or Ksh 170 per kg of cherry   These numbers translate into renewed income opportunities for farmers and cooperatives, setting the stage for strategic reinvestment in quality, processing infrastructure, and sustainable practices.   Premium Grades Leading the Charge Premium coffee remains the engine of our success. In Sale No. 40: - 10,901 bags of Grades AA, AB, and C were trad...

Digital innovation isn’t just about the latest gadgets or flashy apps. It’s about flipping the script on who gets access to critical knowledge and when. For smallholder farmers, timely advice on planting, pest control, and weather can mean the difference between a thriving harvest and an empty market stall. Today, we’re proud to announce the pilot of Bangladesh’s first Strategic Action Plan for e-Extension, a game-changer in real-time agricultural guidance. A New Era of Agricultural Extension Traditional extension services have long struggled with limited staffing, vast geographies, and one-size-fits-all messaging.   With mobile penetration skyrocketing over 80% of rural households in Bangladesh now own a phone there’s an opportunity to revolutionize outreach.   e-Extension leverages call centers, SMS alerts, and smartphone apps to deliver hyper-local, context-specific advice straight into farmers’ pockets.   This isn’t about replacing human experts it’s ab...

Introduction Picture a farm humming with life: bees flitting between flowers, earthworms aerating the soil, and beneficial fungi protecting roots. This vibrant ecosystem is more than a scenic backdrop it’s the engine driving crop health, yield stability, and resilience against stressors. Yet too often, chemical pesticides undermine these allies, eroding soil vitality and crippling pollinator populations.   The Hidden Cost of Chemical Control Chemical pesticides deliver quick pest knock-downs, but their collateral damage is profound: - Pollinator decline   - Soil microbiome disruption   - Resistance buildup in target pests   - Harm to non-target wildlife   These ripple effects force farmers into a cycle of escalating inputs, rising costs, and diminishing returns over time.   Biocontrol: Nature’s Targeted Solution Biocontrol harnesses living organisms predators, parasitoids, pathogens, and competitors—to suppress pests. Unlike bl...

Coffee farmers know the heartbreak of finding perfectly ripened cherries riddled with holes. The coffee berry borer can obliterate up to 80 percent of a yield often before anyone even knows it’s there. Climate change is turning up the heat on this tiny pest. Warmer nights and shifting rainfall make infestations harder to spot and control. By the time you see the damage, your harvest is already on the line.   Why Waiting to React Isn’t Enough - Outbreaks move faster in rising temperatures   - Traditional scouting misses early infestations   - Chemical controls become less effective when pests spread   Every season without an early warning is a gamble between a good harvest and devastating loss. A New Chapter: Early Warning Powered by Kenyan Farmers Imagine getting an alert on your phone the moment conditions favor an outbreak—before the borer ever lands on your farm. That’s exactly what our team built alongside farmers and partners through the PRIS...

Every conversation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) stirs passion. For smallholder farmers in Kenya’s fertile highlands or India’s monsoon-fed fields, the promise of drought-tolerant maize or pest-resistant cotton can feel like a lifeline. Yet the specter of corporate control over seeds and the erosion of traditional varieties looms large. How do we reconcile innovation with local sovereignty, yield gains with ecological balance, and global tech with grassroots voices? The Promise of GMOs - Improved resilience to pests and diseases   - Enhanced tolerance for drought and salinity   - Potential reductions in chemical pesticide use   - Higher yields that can bolster food security   - Examples: Bt cotton adoption in India; drought-tolerant maize trials in Kenya These breakthroughs can translate into more predictable harvests, steadier incomes, and reduced environmental impact i f rollout is accompanied by training, transparent pricing, and ...

Why Choose Organic Fertilizers? Relying on chemical fertilizers can offer quick results, but they often strip soil of vital life over time. Organic alternatives work with natural processes to build richer, more resilient soil.   When you feed your garden organically, you’re investing in long-term health, stronger plant defenses, and greater biodiversity.   9 Natural Powerhouses for Your Soil 1. Banana Peels: High in potassium, they strengthen root systems and encourage abundant flowering.   2. Eggshells: Packed with calcium, they prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting crops.   3. Used Tea Leaves: Work them into the soil to improve texture and introduce gentle nutrients.   4. Wood Ash: Supplies potassium and raises pH perfect for beds that lean too acidic.   5. Vermicompost: Worm-processed compost teeming with beneficial microbes and micronutrients.   6. Onion Skins: Rich in antioxidants and p...

Rabbit farming is transforming small-scale and urban agriculture by delivering high returns on minimal land, time, and investment. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to diversify your operation, cuniculture offers a compelling mix of efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. Space Efficiency: Profit per Square Foot Rabbits thrive in compact setups just 30 sq ft can house a dozen animals making them perfect for backyard, rooftop, or peri-urban farms. This density dramatically boosts revenue per square foot compared to cattle or goats. Even on a shoestring plot, you can turn underused land into a steady income stream. Unmatched Reproductive Performance A single doe can produce 8–12 kits per litter and kindle up to eight times annually, yielding 60–80 offspring each year. That reproductive turnaround dwarfs cattle’s one calf per year and lets you scale quickly in response to market demand. Fast breeding cycles also mean you can experiment with genetics, coat colors, or speci...

Beans farming can be a rewarding venture but only if you get your practices right. This year, I rolled up my sleeves and dove into the soil myself. What followed was a season of learning, adapting, and growing not just crops, but perspective. Here are some of the DOs and DONTs I wish every farmer knew before planting their first seed: ✅ DO: Choose the Right Variety Not all beans are created equal. Kenya’s agroecological zones demand precision. Consider: - Climate & Soil: Ideal soil temp is 10–15°C, with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). - Market Demand: Are you targeting local or export markets? Popular varieties include  Rosecoco (Red Haricot)  Mwitemania Nyayo Yellow Beans Wonder Beans Wairimu KAT X71 KAT B1. - Seed Access & Maturity Period: Choose varieties with short maturity cycles if you're working within a tight season. - Yield & Disease Resistance: Go for high-yield, resilient varieties to maximize returns. ✅ DO: Prepare Your Land Thoughtfully - Till...

Coffee enthusiasts and growers alike are always on the lookout for methods that boost both yield and quality. The single-stem coffee system is a modern approach that funnels the plant’s energy into one main stem, resulting in healthier, more productive trees and, ultimately, a better cup of coffee. What Is the Single-Stem System? In traditional coffee farming, trees often develop multiple stems, each competing for nutrients and sunlight. The single-stem system flips that script. By training each coffee tree to grow a sole, robust main stem, you: - Concentrate resources water, nutrients, and light on one trunk   - Simplify canopy management and harvest timing   - Reduce disease risk by improving airflow around the bearing wood   This focused strategy lays the foundation for a consistent, high-quality harvest season after season. Every node along those branches is a spot where coffee cherries can form. By keeping branch numbers controlled, you ensure each ber...