BUNGOMA, Kenya– Paul Barasa has become a case study for aspiring farmers looking to venture into commercial tomato farming.
Some residents of the Sikata area in Bungoma County have visited his farm since it was established almost six years ago to seek expertise on successfully building wealth from tomato farming.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Barasa started his long journey into tomato farming.
Nevertheless, Barasa has now found comfort in tomato farming, and his story is that of resiliency, tenacity, and unwavering faith.
During a recent interview, the 39-year-old told Y News he tried applying for job opportunities, but they have yet to come by.
At this point, to secure a steady income, he decided to move back to the village and start a farming business.
“I could not find employment after obtaining a Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting Option). At this point, I decided to focus all my efforts on expanding the business,” Barasa adds.
Y News bumped into Barasa as he oversaw a worker spraying the tomato farm.
Why Paul Barasa has embraced these tomato varieties
His favourite tomato varieties are the Rio Grande and Star 965, which he says can withstand any season.
“Out of 300 tomato plants, I earn over Sh 300,000. Anyone wishing to venture into tomato farming should try out these two varieties because if you tend to them well, you will go far,” the youthful farmer explained.
He claims that his agribusiness venture, established in 2017, has helped him to support his family.
Barasa disclosed that he employs the knowledge he gained at the university to run his agribusiness venture successfully.
“I started with just a quarter-acre plot of land and used to sell my farm produce locally,” said Barasa, who initially started with Sh 40,000 and made Sh 100,000 profit after the first harvest.
Y News understands that tomatoes are an important commercial crop for horticulture farmers in Kenya.
The market is strong, and the crop is relatively easy to grow. It is a favourite for greenhouse farmers.
However, to earn maximum benefit, the farmer should consider growing the crop on deep, well-drained soils, use high-producing and resistant varieties, do proper staking, also do adequate control of pests and diseases (Blights, Cankers, sucking pests, etc.).
What are the benefits of tomatoes to the human body
Studies show that tomatoes are nutrient-dense and have several health advantages.
They are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in preventing cell damage.
Lycopene, a potent antioxidant associated with a lowered risk of cancer and heart disease, is another abundant antioxidant found in tomatoes.
Tomatoes’ high vitamin C concentration may also assist in promoting skin health.
Meanwhile, Barasa reiterated that to establish a tomato farm, one needs to check the soil type and ensure it is very healthy.
For instance, Barasa observed that if one intends to plant heirloom tomatoes, the soil should have lots of organic matter and humus and a neutral pH under 7.
Barasa indicated that this will ensure the tomatoes are not infected with pests and diseases.
“You should test your soil before planting; you can do this yourself or ensure that you take it to a soil laboratory to determine its health. Once your tomatoes are fully developed and ready for harvest, they will turn into their natural colours – red, yellow, purple, or pink,” Barasa explained.
Why Paul Barasa hasn’t embraced greenhouses
However, Barasa clarified that he cannot grow the crop in a greenhouse due to insufficient funds.
“It is a massive investment that requires a lot of funds,” he explained.
He also singled out the need for sufficient capital to expand the venture, unreliable labour force and lack of adequate water as some of the major challenges facing him.
“Pests and diseases occur mostly during heavy rainfall, where we have complicated pests like spider mites, which are difficult to eliminate. I also need wires to stake the plants. Tomatoes need enough reliable water throughout,” Barasa added.
Y News established that tomatoes require temperatures from moderate to hot and humidity from moderate to high. Rainfall should be mild.
These conditions are best achieved through irrigation or under greenhouses where possible. They do not do well in cool, soggy, or high rainfall.
Barasa has adopted the practice of evenly fertilising his crops.
Since this is the source of all the nutrients needed by fruits and other plant parts, healthy leaves are like well-cropped crops when grown in the proper amounts and ratios.
How locals have benefitted from Paul Barasa’s tomato farm
A Sakata resident, Fiona Nekesa, said visiting Barasa’s farm improved her tomato yields.
“I also benefitted from the training at Barasa’s farm, which changed how I run my farm. My income from tomato farming has increased,” she said.
Barasa said he was pleased that he had been an inspiration.
“What you see in my farm did not come on a silver platter. I had to go out of my way to make this a reality.”
He has petitioned the National and County Governments to support horticulture farmers by providing them with affordable loans to grow their ventures.
“Such loans can easily help some of us invest in greenhouses, drill boreholes for sufficient water provision, and of course, as a source of livelihood, this is likely to create employment opportunities for many jobless youths out there,” he said.
He also urged his fellow youths to refrain from choosy career-wise, saying they can utilise whatever resources they have to empower their livelihoods.
“I started farming while in secondary school, and it’s through that I could pay my school fees. My fellow youths out there waiting for white-collar jobs can emulate me or others who have done what I am doing,” he concluded.
Apart from growing tomatoes, Barasa, who says he plans to expand his tomato farm, has also set aside a small parcel of land where he grows cabbage.
