A ray of hope may soon crack for Narok farmers if a KSh1.02b deal is signed for the construction of a tomato paste plant in the county.
The news comes against a backdrop of low production of tomatoes, which is partly blamed for framer’s difficulty in accessing markets. The county government is in talks with potential investors for the project, with an agreement expected soon.
The total amount of land suitable for tomato cultivation in Narok County is approximately 500,000 acres, with a potential of more than 60,000MT, yet the current annual production is approximately 3,000MT, only.
In December, Governor Samuel Tunai secured more than Sh54b deals during an investors’ conference held in his area.
Of the total amount, Sh28.4b went to agricultural projects, with a further Sh2.5b, of which the tomato paste plant deal is a part of, still in discussion.