Over 400 Kirinyaga residents reap big from organic farming

Some 400 farmers from Kirinyaga county have ventured into organic farming in the wake of growing demand driven by health concerns.

The farmers organised in 14 groups with the support of the county government have been federated into a cooperative that is helping them tap into the growing market while at the same time offering them financial support to expand their ventures.

Organic farming is an agricultural system that uses ecologically-based pest controls and biological fertilisers derived largely from animal wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops.

Governor Anne Waiguru said organic farming is gaining traction in the county, with farmers embracing the practice for health and economic benefits.

She praised organic farming as an important aspect of a sustainable agricultural system whose benefits extend beyond profits to good health, well-managed environment and food security.

“We are training farmers on organic farming because we want to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Statistics show that cancer cases are still rising and though we do not know the cause, we want to avoid use of agrochemicals on horticulture where possible,” the governor added.

Her administration is  helping farmers to maintain the integrity of organic standards through training and monitoring.

Henry Muriuki, a farmer, has been practicing organic farming at since 2019 at Kimunye area in Gichugu constituency, specialising in purple cabbage.

He listed cancer and neurological disorders as some of the disorders that researchers have associated with long-term and excessive exposure to agrochemicals.

Organically produced foods are sold at a premium price and as consumer demand continues to rise; this will translate into higher profit. Farmers also reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals by avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers.

While noting that organic farming has become a global phenomenon because of health concerns associated with synthetic chemicals, Gachara said Kirinyaga farmers will reap huge profits from the venture that is gaining traction internationally.

He noted that there is growing global consumer demand for organically grown food that is mainly driven by increasing concerns over synthetic chemicals and industrial farming methods.

“One of the challenges in agriculture sector has been excessive use of agrochemicals. We have been able to bring the farmers together and we are hoping to raise the number to about 700 this year."

Gachara said organic farming is one of the approaches that the county government is using to reduce excessive use of agrochemicals to grow food.

Agriculture executive John Gachara said efforts by the county administration to help farmers shift into organic farming will have a major ripple effect on health.

“We are promoting organic food farming in our county because there is no good health without food safety. One of our reasons to support organic farming is its positive impact on health of the people and the environment”.

She said as farmers tap into the organic produce market, they will be protecting their families and consumers from harmful chemical residues that are blamed for many illnesses.

increasing concerns over synthetic chemicals and industrial farming methods.

Muriuki works with Kenya Organic Agriculture Network and the county government to promote organic farming practices in the county.

He said the demand for organically grown food is high and farmers have not been able to meet it.

“Organic farming has not only improved my income but also provided a healthier alternative for my consumers,” he said, adding that by coming together under a cooperative society, the farmers have more bargaining power while marketing their produce.

Another enthusiastic organic farmer, Newton Kariuki, emphasised on the health benefits and profitability of organic farming.

“Organic farming is not only healthier but also more profitable. The demand for organic products is growing, and with the support of the county government, we are achieving even greater success,” Kariuki said.

George Maina pointed out that organic farming helps reduce input costs, thus translating to higher profits for farmers.

 “By avoiding chemicals, we reduce on expenses significantly. Fertilisers and the chemicals are very expensive yet only jeorpardise one’s health”.

INSTANT ANALYSISThe farmers organised in 14 groups with the support of the county government have been federated into a cooperative that is helping them tap into the growing market while at the same time offering them financial support to expand their ventures. Agriculture CECM said there is a growing global consumer demand for organically grown food that is mainly driven by