In the scenic region of Tharaka Nithi, Kenya, nestled just two kilometers away from Chogoria town, lies Gitonga Musa’s Maendeleo Farm.
Here, amidst the breathtaking landscapes and lush surroundings, Gitonga Musa has transformed a simple hobby into a thriving strawberry farming business.
Gitonga Musa, a retired agriculture teacher, embarked on this journey a decade ago, driven by a passion for horticulture.
“I was a college trainer, then a teacher. I specialised in tree nursery, and strawberry growing. I’ve been in this farming for about 10 years now. I started strawberry farming as a hobby, growing for my family consumption, but later I discovered they are marketable, so two years ago I decided to go into business,” says the farmer.
His venture into strawberry farming commenced modestly, with an initial investment of Sh2,000 for seedlings.
“I spent around Sh2,000 on seedlings at the start. I propagated mine from the original lot. I have a variety known as chandler,” says Mr Gitonga, adding that he has 1,500 strawberry plants.
Gitonga’s decision to explore commercial farming came after attending an agricultural show in Nairobi’s Jamhuri Showground, where he learned about the immense potential of strawberry cultivation.
One of the key innovations that set Gitonga’s farm apart is his ingenious use of elevated cement bags.
These bags, suspended above the ground, serve a dual purpose: they keep the fruits clean and shield them from pests.
Gitonga’s meticulous approach to farming involves a carefully balanced mixture of soil and well-decomposed manure, creating an ideal environment for his 1,500 chandler variety strawberry plants.
To further enhance the crop’s growth, he incorporates DAP fertilizer, ensuring the plants receive essential nutrients for their development.
Water, a precious resource in farming, is diligently managed on Maendeleo Farm.
Gitonga emphasizes the significance of consistent watering, especially during dry spells, to nurture the thirsty strawberry plants.
His dedication to the crop is evident in his daily routine, where he tends to the plants, meticulously removing extra leaves and applying substances to encourage flowering.
The flowering phase is crucial, requiring the delicate process of deflowering to allow the plants to establish robust root systems.
However, Gitonga’s innovations don’t end there.
He constructed raised structures using three-feet posts, providing a further layer of protection against pests.
These structures support the suspended cement bags, offering convenience in handling the plants, which grow to knee height.
The elevated position also minimizes the intrusion of crawling animals and insects, ensuring the strawberries remain pristine and market-ready.
Despite the challenges posed by pests like red spider mites and snails, Gitonga remains undeterred.
Through careful management and the application of appropriate techniques, he effectively mitigates these issues.
Gitonga’s success story extends beyond his farm; he founded the Global Families strawberry farmers’ group, primarily comprising youth.
As the group’s elder statesman, he imparts his knowledge freely, offering advice and training to empower the next generation of farmers.
The fruits of Gitonga’s labor find their way to local groceries in Meru, Thika, and Ruiru. Packaged meticulously in punnets, each containing 250g of succulent strawberries, Gitonga’s produce has become a sought-after commodity.
His dedication to quality is evident, as he ensures that every punnet meets high standards of cleanliness and freshness.
The demand for his strawberries is palpable, with buyers appreciating the superior quality of his produce.
