In the rolling landscapes of Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, Elisha Onzillu has turned his passion for farming into a thriving agribusiness.
For over a decade, he has been cultivating tree tomatoes with unwavering dedication, establishing himself as a successful farmer with multiple farms across various locations.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
A Fruitful Beginning
Elisha Onzillu’s journey into tree tomato farming began in 2010.
“I ventured into tree tomato farming in 2010 when I noticed that it was much more profitable than the tree nursery which I was operating,” said Mr Onzillu who harvests between 700 kilos and 1,000 kilos per acre every two weeks.
His keen eye for profitability led him to transition from operating a tree nursery, which was his initial endeavor.
Recognizing the potential of tree tomato cultivation, he seized the opportunity by leasing half an acre for this purpose.
With Sh100,000 obtained from selling seedlings, he took his first steps towards what would become a flourishing enterprise.
Nurturing Farms
The heart of Onzillu’s success lies in his commitment to nurturing his farms.
He established farms in Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County, Nyaru (situated 47 kilometers from Eldoret), and Kipkabus.
Across these three locations, he manages an impressive five acres of tree tomato crops, each carefully tended to ensure optimal yields.
Harvesting the Fruits of Labor
The rewards of Onzillu’s efforts are evident in his harvest. Every two weeks, he reaps between 700 to 1,000 kilograms of tree tomato fruits per acre.
His preferred variety, the Giant Red Oratia, is known for its generous yield and quality.
This consistent output showcases Onzillu’s mastery of farming techniques and his dedication to providing top-quality produce.
Navigating Markets and Challenges
Adapting to market dynamics is a key aspect of Onzillu’s success story. He initially sourced tree tomato fruits from fellow farmers, supplying his clients in Nairobi.
Collaborating with companies like Fresh & Juice, which supplied Nakumatt supermarkets, he managed to secure a foothold in the market.
When Nakumatt supermarkets closed, he showed resilience by redirecting his produce to Marikiti Market and City Park, Nairobi.
However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Onzillu encountered obstacles ranging from pests and diseases to the complex fluctuations of the market.
His attempt to diversify into passion fruit farming faced setbacks due to various challenges, including disease and labor-intensive processes.
A Test of Resilience: The Pandemic Impact
The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic tested Onzillu’s resilience. The reduced orders from clients in the wake of the pandemic forced him to adapt once again.
Despite the setback, he persisted and continued to deliver his produce to his clients, maintaining his reputation for reliability and quality.
Business Ethics and Future Aspirations
Honesty is a cornerstone of Onzillu’s business approach. He highlights the significance of trust in his dealings with clients he has never met in person.
Over 20 clients in Marikiti, Nairobi, receive his fruits, and in return, they send him money – a testament to the strength of transparent and ethical business practices.
As for the future, Onzillu is eager to enhance his earnings by adding value to his tree tomato produce.
This entails exploring options like processing the fruits into value-added products such as sauces, jams, or juices. This strategic move reflects his forward-thinking mindset and his determination to continuously improve and innovate.
