Small scale farmers in Central Kenya are making inroads into the floriculture industry, encouraged by the arrival of flower varieties that do not require greenhouses. The new varieties, developed by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, save farmers the trouble of marshaling huge capital investments that have been limiting entry into the business.
Ms. Rahab Magoti of Kari's Embu station said the varieties can be grown in open fields using rain water. They are expected to be in the market in the last quarter of this year. They include Arabicum, Crocosmia, Mobydick, Tuberose and Gladiolus.
Magoti said the supply of seedlings to farmers is hinged on formation of groups that will enable them to meet buyers' quantity requirements. "Exporters need 3,000 stems at any one time, therefore farmers need to form groups of 15 to 60 to meet the demand," she said.
Besides providing the seedlings, Kari is promising to roll out an elaborate extension services network that includes seed management, pest and disease control, post harvest handling and chilling requirements. Kari also plans to help farmers sign supply contracts with buyers to assure them of a market. Buyers are also expected to help farmers meet quality standards such as Eurep-gap.
Statistics from KARI indicate that farmers could nearly double output compared to greenhouse-based farming using the new varieties.
Mr. Richard Matheri, the chairman of the Umoja Farmers Self Help Group in Nyeri district, said returns from flower farmers were nearly double those of traditional cash crops such as coffee and tea. But he pointed to the high cost of seeds, fertilisers and pesticides as key obstacles to the participation of small scale farmers in the business. "We do not have enough seeds and they are very expensive since one bag of Arabicum seeds costs Sh2,500 ($37)," he said.
Other challenges include meeting the Eurep-gap specifications and adequately refrigerated vehicles to avoid quality degenaration.
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