My name is Peter Denis Muiruri Mburu, a Kenyan, 29 years old. I am an agricultural economist with a Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Nairobi, with agribusiness management as my major. Also, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education and Extension from the same university.
I was a research scholar for the last three years at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology until last year December. I observed and wondered, why not utilize my agricultural knowledge in creating employment, and contribute to the national breadbasket?
As an agriculturalist, I intend to venture into vegetable greenhouse farming (tomatoes and capsicums). Currently, I am offering services as a private consultant in data management and analysis to raise the capital needed for the venture.
I have already acquired a piece of land that I intend to set up six greenhouses of eight by 30 metres. However, I would like to start with one greenhouse and the others will be built from the proceeds of the first and through credit.
The estimated output from one greenhouse (1,000 tomato plants x 20 kg per plant on average x KSH 50 ksh per kilogram of tomatoes) = KSH 1,000,000 (USD 9803.92).
The project will generate revenue contributing to income and food security. Tomatoes, herbs and capsicums are viable crops because they are a delicacy for most of the households within and outside the region. The vegetables can be sold locally, internationally, and to nearby markets such as Nairobi (34 km) and Githurai (15 km). Further, traders come from these markets seeking for agricultural produce for sale in the city.
This project is highly informed by the unfriendly environmental conditions of the locality that does not favor open field tomato production. Most of the year, it is cold and humid, facilitating development of blight and other bacterial diseases that undermine production of the vegetable leading to its acquisition from warmer areas.
Success of the project will create employment for me and some other people, and serve as a model farm that will introduce modern farming practices amongst farmers using traditional methods in the tea-growing zone.
The farm will be an avenue for me to share my agricultural knowledge with other farmers, both young and old.
Currently, I have acquired a piece of land for the venture. It has been cleared in preparation for the venture and plans are under way to get piped water connection and electricity.
It also needs fencing and construction of a store. I have sought various quotations from greenhouse suppliers and I have settled for one company to do the installation by the name of agro-tunnel international. They have an attractive package that offers agronomic advice, seedlings and purchase your produce after harvest. Therefore, that solves the market issue that is often a farmer’s nightmare since markets are not structured.
The grant will help in speeding up the project and bringing it to reality. The budget items no met so far are as follows:
| Estimated costs | ||
| Budget Items | Cost (KSH) | Cost (USD) 1 USD = 102KSH |
| 1. Construction of the first green house, 8 x 30 m, consist of seedling, drip irrigation system, water tank, nursery pallets, and labour | 300,000 | 2,941.18 |
| 2. Fencing Poles, 40 @600; barbed wire 2 rolls @ 5,000; razor wire; 2 rolls @8,000; labour cost; 5 days, USD 2 persons @600 | 56,000 | 549.02 |
| 3. Water connection water pipes 6 pieces @300, connection fee 3,000; labour cost 1,000 | 6,400 | 62.74 |
| 4. Rural electricity connection | 35,000 | 343.14 |
| 5. Casual Labor needed for the first 3 months till production | 54,000 | 529.41 |
| 6. Office and store construction (irons sheets, sand, ballast, and cement) | 52,000 | 509.80 |
| TOTAL | 503,400 | 4935.29 |
Money acquired from other sources of income has been used to meet and is progressively tackling item by item in realization of this dream.
Blogpost and picture submitted by Peter Denis Muiruri Mburu (Kenya): peterdenoh[at]gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar are at the discretion of the author only.
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Wow! Lets get it done.
Great idea and will go a long way if the needed support is accorded. Agribusiness is the way to focus due to its ability to create sustainable jobs and boosting of food security.
True. Especially for the youth who are unemployed. That will solve food and income insecurity.
This is awesome bro, go for it sir!
Thanks Bett, I have just started
Good planning Denis.
Thanks Ken
A wise decision on a country with low employment rates. Being your own boss makes it a viable idea.
True. Actually, most peers of my age are lamenting due to low employment rates. Why not utelize your education and skills into achieving food security? I believe that the youth can do better in agriculture.
Make the move peter, the future is brighter than light in this venture
Thanks Irene.
Peter, this is the way to go man! Nice plan, wishing you the very best.
Thanks Josphat, where there is a will there is a way.
This is great PD!! All the best
@ Idah, Sure. Thanks for the encouragement.
This is the way forward in ensuring food security,.. Go for it bro. You know am behind you, following your big steps!
Thanks Kibet, its good to have someone you can follow, mentor and encourage you.
great idea…go for it!!
Thanks Uzel, am working on the idea.
That’s great Peter. All the best.
Thanks Rhodah.
Great move Peter…don’t drop the zeal.ur right in this directio
n.all the best
Thanks Edward for the encouragement, I feel like I want everything working out tommorrow. Am amazed by the moral support accorded.
super idea Peter.There is an insatiable demand for food in Kenya & around .The market is big.go go for it Peter
Thanks Rose, sure. Demand for food never ceases.
Great Peter.Your the kind of youth our nation needs.seek & you shall find
Amen. I have stood out to be counted as the change pioneer. Thanks Jimmy
excellent Peter.Iam proud to see a young man with a strong will & focused
Thanks Willy, I have put all my energy into actualizing the venture.
Great work. All the best.
Thanks Joyce.
Great idea Peter, with your agricultural background you will make it with less hastle. All the best
Thanks Eva for the encouragement. The power of positivity is sufficient now.
Hey! Thats wonderful. You will do great. May that idea flourish. The time is now!
Amen. I am certain that better times await ahead.
Amen. It will flourish. I believe blighter days are ahead.
That great bro. It a great idea with alot of potential. With the urban rural migration among the youth, its special you return to the village and challenge the status quo by bringing modernity to the old folks. I support your idea for it will thrive…all the best
Thanks Kate. I am ready to bring the difference home
Your vision is valid. Kudos! Action and execute = Return
True. Thats the formulae for development and every vision. Thanks for the encouragement Felix.
Wise decision agri-preneurship will meet development needs!
True. Thats what is needed
Great thinking and a further step not only for improving food security but also creation of employment. Go ahead PD…
I am upto the task. Thanks
How the work going Denis
Any update Peter