TRANS NZOIA, Kenya – Any farm that is under cultivation can empower communities by providing a reliable source of income through diverse crop production.
Such an initiative often allows greater participation from women and youth by improving food security, fostering local economic development, and enabling skills training.
Ultimately, this leads to a stronger and more resilient community with increased livelihood opportunities that spur economic empowerment, especially in rural areas.
Agriculture, being Kenya’s economic backbone, offers a flexible and accessible way to generate income and improve nutrition.
Against this backdrop, Y News recently pitched a tent at the Hortigrow Farm located on the outskirts of Kitale town in Trans Nzoia County.
What does seedling propagation refer to
During the visit to the farm in the Sibanga area, Y News established that the five-acre farm with at least three greenhouses stands as a thriving hub for seedling propagation.
Y News understands that seedling propagation refers to the process of growing new plants from seeds.
It involves utilising seeds to multiply or reproduce plants, thereby generating new seedlings that can develop into mature plants.
And so, Hortigrow Farm is dedicated to producing quality seedlings for various crops, including cabbage, tomato, capsicum, and kale.
The Ministry now has a clear road map on leveraging the Ministry of Education’s wide network of institutions and partners to accelerate tree growing and seedling propagation as Kenya journey’s towards the attainment of the 15bn national tree growing target by 2032.1/6
This agricultural business has become a cornerstone in the agriculture-rich region, not only serving local farmers but also playing a pivotal role in community development and employment.
How much do some of the propagated seedlings cost
For instance, single seedlings for Capsicum Open Field, Cabbage Gloria, Cabbage Victoria, Tomato Open Field, Kales, and Spinach go for Sh 3.5, Sh 2.5, Sh 2.5, Sh 4.5, Sh 2.0, and Sh 2.0, respectively, at the Hortigrow Farm.
The proprietor of the farm is Malovi Antony, who doubles as the director for youth at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI).
According to Malovi, who maintains that he is out to empower smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices with the potential to drive greater resilience in farming communities, Hortigrow Farm has grown to produce an impressive 250,000 seedlings each month.
“These seedlings are sold to farmers, schools, government organisations, and other community-based initiatives,” Malovi told Y News in an exclusive interview.
Pleasure to host the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry president @DrErickRutto at Hortigrow Farm Kitale, where I do seedling propagation of 100,000 seedlings monthly. @kenya_chamber .
The farm’s wide reach has made it an essential part of the agricultural supply chain in Trans Nzoia County and beyond.
Where does Malovi Antony sell the propagated seedlings
The seedlings Malovi disclosed that they are sold to farmers, schools, government institutions, and other community-based organisations.
“A major aspect of Hortigrow’s success is its positive impact on employment. By providing jobs to residents, the farm is contributing significantly to the community’s economic growth,” explained Malovi.
The Chamber we want. The dream team. #DrEricRuttoAndMustafaRamadhan
From seedling cultivation to packing and distribution, the farm offers a range of opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour, empowering local workers and enhancing their livelihoods.
Hortigrow’s commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices has earned the attention of notable visitors, including Dr. Erick Rutto, the President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kiprono Kittony, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), and Phanice Khatundi, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture in Trans Nzoia County.
“These influential figures have visited the farm to witness firsthand the impact of its operations on both the local economy and the agricultural sector,” said Malovi, who holds a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management from Moi University.
How Hortigrow farm is supporting food security in Kenya
Malovi emphasised that in addition to serving the farming community, Hortigrow Farm plays an important role in supporting food security and sustainable farming practices.
“By supplying high-quality seedlings, the farm is enabling farmers to grow healthier and more abundant crops, contributing to improved yields and food security for the region,” said the youthful entrepreneur.
Impressed by my visit to a local vegetable seed propagation project by Mr Malovi, a KNCCI Director in Kitale.
In August 2024, Malovi was privileged to visit the Weili Seed Propagation Company Limited and Shandong Agricultural Sciences in Jinan City, Shandong Province.
“The Chinese agriculture on one platform. Big data, intelligence agriculture,” Malovi told Y News after the visit.
Anne Nechesa, a resident of Cherangany in Trans Nzoia County, told Y News that she was impressed by Malovi’s venture, insisting that venturing into seedling propagation has helped her earn extra income to meet the needs of her family.
Why Trans Nzoia farmers are fast embracing seedling propagation
Due to the unpredictable market for some of her farm produce, including tomatoes, Nechesa revealed that she decided to reach out to engage in seedling propagation after realising there was no gap in the sector.
“I realised that local farmers were being forced to travel as far as Naivasha in Nakuru County to buy readily available propagated tomato seedlings. The demand is high, and I expect slowly to propagate more seedlings moving forward,’ said the dedicated farmer.
Meanwhile, for those thinking of venturing into the seedling propagation business, Malovi has advised them to master the art of propagating.
“Also, seek advice where necessary because the market is there; everyone has to eat,” explained Malovi.
Under the leadership of Malovi, Hortigrow Farm continues to thrive, offering valuable insights and expertise in seedling propagation.
It is beyond no doubt that through its dedication to excellence, community empowerment, and agricultural innovation, Hortigrow Farm has firmly established itself as a key player in the agricultural landscape of Kitale and Trans Nzoia County.
