By Stephen Kaindo

Muhia Samuel, a young Limuru man, who is now a commercial farmer, increased his tomato harvest fivefold by growing the crop in peat made from coconut husks, instead of in soil, and reducing his needs for water.

“In the past, I planted vegetables in the ground using the traditional method,” said Samuel, who farms eight acre plots in Limuru. “But the results have been amazing since I started using the coco peat to grow them in my nursery. Before, I was getting about 20 kg of tomatoes each season, sometimes lower. But now I harvest more than 100 kg, meaning the coco peat has significantly altered my financial situation.”

Samuel is now majoring on growing tomato seedlings in the peat that he sells to other farmers.

Before the change, his nursery experienced many losses due to insect pests, illnesses, and inadequate water and reduced germination. “Nearly half of my seeds would not mature if I used the conventional method. But now almost all my seeds sprout and develop into healthy seedlings.”

Coco pest is free of soil-borne diseases, allows a good flow of air and retains moisture well. These benefits make it worth the initial expense, said Samuel.

“Although a bag of coco peat blocks costs roughly Sh2,500, it can fill many trays, because it expands when it is wet. I get the cost back in just one season because of the high germination rate. I’ve been able to train other farmers and hire two permanent employees because my income has increased so much,” he said.

Samuel has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in crops, but “I never thought I’d be a farmer’s trainer. I began modestly, growing vegetables and tomatoes on a small plot of land. Low yields, expensive pesticides, and numerous losses made it difficult at first. Then I discovered coco peat,” he said.

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“A lot of farmers continue to operate in antiquated ways. They are unaware of how costly traditional seed propagation is. I advise them to use coco peat instead. At first, it might seem expensive, but the results persuade them.”

“There are no soil diseases in coco peat, because it is sterile. My plants are healthier, and I spend less money on chemicals. I also don’t need to irrigate as frequently because the coco peat retains moisture even during dry seasons.”

“The reaction of the market has been good. Due to their strength and lack of disease, buyers now favour my seedlings. I transplant the remaining seedlings for my own tomato production, and I sell the majority to other farmers. My finances have stabilised thanks to this dual source of income,” he said.

Samuel now intends to apply the technique to other crops, such as onions and cabbages, after his success with coco peat farming. “I wish to assist more farmers in their transition. Sustainable, intelligent farming is the way of the future.”