Kirinyaga farmers embrace organic farming amid growing health consciousness

The farmers, organized into 14 groups, have formed a cooperative that not only helps them tap into the expanding organic market but also provides financial support to help them grow their businesses.

Organic farming is an agricultural method that focuses on ecological pest control and uses biological fertilizers, primarily derived from animal waste and nitrogen-fixing cover crops.

Governor Anne Waiguru highlighted the rising popularity of organic farming in the county, citing both health and economic benefits. She explained that organic farming plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture, benefiting not only farmers but also public health, environmental management, and food security.

"The county is committed to helping farmers reduce the use of agrochemicals, especially given the rising number of cancer cases, the cause of which remains unclear," Waiguru said. "We are actively training farmers in organic practices to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, particularly in horticulture."

The Governor emphasized the importance of food safety in promoting good health, stating that her administration is dedicated to helping farmers maintain organic standards through continuous training and monitoring.

“We are promoting organic farming because there is no good health without food safety. By encouraging organic farming, we are ensuring that our farm products are free from harmful chemical residues," Waiguru added.

Dr. John Gachara, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries, also noted that the county government is backing organic farming due to its health, environmental, and economic benefits.

"Excessive use of agrochemicals has been a major challenge in the agriculture sector," Dr. Gachara said. "We have brought farmers together, and we hope to increase the number of organic farmers to about 700 by the end of this year."

He pointed out the growing global consumer demand for organic food, driven by concerns over synthetic chemicals and industrial farming practices. "As consumer demand for organic produce continues to rise, farmers will benefit from premium prices, translating into higher profits," he added.

By avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, organic farmers reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, which have been linked to health issues like cancer and neurological disorders. Dr. Gachara emphasized that organic farming is not only healthier for consumers but also provides a safer working environment for farmworkers.

Henry Muriuki, an organic farmer from Kimunye in Gichugu Constituency, has been practicing organic farming since 2019. Specializing in purple cabbages, Muriuki avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides, working alongside the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) and the county government to promote organic farming.

Muriuki shared that the demand for organic food is high, but farmers are struggling to meet it. “Organic farming has boosted my income and provided a healthier alternative for my consumers,” he said. “By working together in a cooperative society, we have more bargaining power for our produce.”

Newton Kariuki, another organic farmer, echoed Muriuki's sentiments, emphasizing both the health benefits and profitability of organic farming. "Organic farming is not only healthier but also more profitable. With the support of the County Government, we are achieving even greater success," Kariuki said.

George Maina, a fellow organic farmer, highlighted how the practice reduces input costs, leading to higher profits. "By avoiding chemicals, we significantly reduce expenses. Additionally, our produce is more nutritious, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. The county government has been instrumental in helping us form cooperatives and providing training to grow our ventures," Maina said.

With increasing interest in organic farming, Kirinyaga County is positioning itself as a leader in the sector, ensuring that both farmers and consumers benefit from healthier, sustainable agricultural practices.