Kiluki Farm, located in Mbuta, Imenti North, Meru County, is a sprawling 100-hectare agricultural haven known for its fertile soil and favorable climate.
This area, nestled within the highlands of Meru, is moderately hot throughout the year and receives rainfall only twice annually, making water management a crucial aspect of farming.
The farm is a prominent site for cultivating a diverse range of crops, including Avocados,Tajarine, oranges, mangoes, thorn melon, passion fruits, and pawpaw.
The rich, volcanic soil of Imenti North ensures high yields and quality produce, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Kiluki Farm also engages in dairy farming, taking advantage of the lush pastures and ample water supply to rear healthy cattle and produce milk and other dairy products.
Surrounded by many rivers, including the Kathita, Mutonga, and Thanantu Rivers, the area holds significant potential for effective irrigation.
These rivers could play a crucial role in supplementing the farm’s water needs, especially given the region's limited rainfall.
However, the government's unwillingness to connect river water to residents hampers irrigation efforts and domestic water supply.
Despite these natural water sources, promises made by Governor Kawira Mwangaza during campaign times to provide water to every home have not been realized, leaving many residents without reliable access to this essential resource.
Electricity connectivity remains a distant dream for many in the area.
The national government, through the current regime, has failed to electrify the region, forcing farmers to rely heavily on solar technology.
This reliance on alternative energy sources is not always sufficient to meet the needs of modern farming operations.
Infrastructure issues further exacerbate the difficulties faced by Kiluki Farm.
The roads in the area are often impassable, especially during the rainy seasons, making the transportation of farm produce expensive and causing products to rot before they can reach markets.
This poor infrastructure dramatically increases the cost of transportation and affects the profitability of farming activities.
The government's failure to cushion farmers against skyrocketing farm input costs also poses a significant challenge.
The high cost of inputs, coupled with low output prices, means that farmers often do not recoup their investments, leading to reduced agricultural output and financial strain.
Kiluki Farm has employed 326 youths, men, and women but is currently down to 24 workers due to these challenges.
The community is heavily calling for the removal of Governor Kawira Mwangaza and President William Ruto for failing to address farmers' issues in the area.
Despite these hurdles, Kiluki Farm continues to strive for sustainability and productivity, employing modern techniques to conserve soil and water, reduce chemical usage, and promote biodiversity.
These efforts not only enhance the farm's productivity but also ensure environmental conservation for future generations.
Overall, Kiluki Farm in Mbuta, Imenti North, exemplifies both the potential and the challenges of farming in Meru County.
While it stands as a model of successful and sustainable farming, the issues of water and electricity access, infrastructure, and economic support must be addressed to fully realize the area's agricultural potential.
Sincerely,
Peter Maina Mwangi
CEO, Mr. Footah
mrfootah86@gmail.com
+254741166799
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