Tomato farmers reap benefits of new seed variety from China
Farmers in Nakuru County who have adopted the new grafting technology for tomatoes are reaping bumper harvests, benefitting from both increased yield and quantity.
The technology transfer, facilitated by the Confucius Institute and China South-South Cooperation, involves grafting a locally available breed with a new breed from China.
This process results in a resilient stalk and a high-value commercial scion.
Professor Joshua Ogweno from Egerton University, which collaborates with the Confucius Institute, reports that over 4,000 farmers have been trained, with 15 demonstration sites established in Molo, Subukia, Gilgil, Kuresoi South, and Naivasha Munyu, all of which have shown successful results.
Farmers participating in the pilot project noted that bacterial wilt had previously been a significant challenge. However, this new technology has enabled them to revitalise their harvests and improve their farming methods.
Mary Wanja, a potato farmer in Nakuru County, shared that she initially harvested only 30 kilos. With the introduction of grafted tomatoes, she has seen remarkable improvements in her yields. She now harvests weekly, selling her tomatoes at Ksh.10 each, and customers are drawn to their size.
Another farmer, Mary Muthoni, expressed her satisfaction with the new technology, stating that in the past, her tomato crops were not productive. Now, she harvests Ksh.7,000 per week, a significant increase from the Ksh.3,000 she previously earned.
Mary Wanjiku, a farmer in Kuresoi North, has practised potato farming for many years without notable success. She believes that the support to establish 8 by 15-foot greenhouses for grafted tomatoes is phenomenal, allowing her to achieve sustainable farming thanks to the teaching and resources provided by Egerton University and the Confucius Institute, which included initial stalks imported from China.
Initially, she thought the cold environment was a limiting factor, but now her production is thriving. Neighbours who have visited her farm have shown interest in adopting the same technology, as she is now equipped with the knowledge to share.
The Project’s Co-Principal Professor Liu Yutao stated that the project, funded by IFAD and promoted by China South-South Cooperation, is a collaboration between Egerton University and Nanjing University, aimed at advancing grafted tomatoes.
He explained that, on average, each grafted tomato plant yields between 18 and 22 kilograms per season, enabling farmers to harvest weekly, even during periods of low rainfall, thanks to drip irrigation systems and greenhouse technology.
Professor Liu emphasised the importance of technology transfer within the project, noting, “The trained farmers can now perform grafting on their own farms, which ensures the sustainability of the practice.”
He also mentioned that Egerton University is actively producing grafted, disease-resistant seedlings, guaranteeing a consistent supply for farmers in the region.
The Chinese scholar advocates for investments in the commercialisation of grafted seedlings.
“I urge investors to consider engaging in the commercialisation of grafted seedlings. This will allow farmers to continue producing tomatoes once their current crops are harvested,” he added.
Agriculture and food security are key areas of cooperation between China and Africa. With China’s commitment to supporting Africa’s agricultural modernisation, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has flourished, leading to significant achievements in technical assistance and training for agricultural experts, the transfer of advanced technologies, the establishment of agricultural parks, and the promotion of farming projects.
President Xi Jinping’s administration has pledged to assist Africa in eradicating hunger, achieving food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural development. This includes the establishment of a network for China-Africa cooperation on agricultural modernisation and support for the construction or upgrading of ten agricultural technology demonstration centres.
