TOMATO FARMING IN MAKUENI: A Hidden Agribusiness Gem.
Tomato farming in Makueni holds untapped potential in agribusiness. Given the county’s semi-arid climate, farmers are advised to select disease-resistant seeds to maximize their yields.
In tomato farming, proper land preparation for adequate soil drainage and aeration, combined with regular weeding, minimizes competition for nutrients and water.
While farmers are advised to use organic manure or balanced fertilizers for healthy plant growth, mulching also helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.
As tomatoes mature, staking provides essential support to the plants, helping to prevent fruit rot. Additionally, farmers should practise timely pest and disease control to reduce losses.
Consistent water management practices are essential for irrigation, particularly during dry seasons, and tomatoes should be harvested at the appropriate maturity stage to maximize market value.
On Thursday, Makueni County’s Ward Agricultural Officers (WAOs) completed an intensive three-day training and practical sessions at the Kiboko Zoological Investigations and Efficacy Trial Centre, aimed at enhancing tomato farming practices to increase its productivity.
The training, conducted under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), aimed to equip WAOs with essential knowledge and skills to support tomato farmers.
It covered key areas such as the economic importance of tomato farming, climate-related challenges, seed varieties, selection, and optimal growing conditions for improved productivity.
Participants gained insights into Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety, as well as pest, weed and disease management in tomato farming. The training also focused on soil fertility and water management strategies to maximize yields.
Additionally, the program introduced mechanization solutions tailored for small-scale farmers to enhance efficiency, while also covering value addition, business management and effective techniques for training and supporting farmers in the field.
The WAOs were well-prepared to disseminate knowledge, promote best practices and support farmers in optimizing tomato farming.
This initiative is expected to enhance food security, improve incomes and strengthen the tomato value chain in Makueni County.
