Nairobi: Egerton University has trained over 4,000 farmers on greenhouse tomato farming and a new tomato grafting technology initiative originating from China aimed at boosting tomato production in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage stated that the project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), aims to offer local tomato farmers a more sustainable and productive method to grow the essential crop. The core objective of the project is to bolster food security and nutrition, reduce poverty among smallholder farmers by improving the quality and productivity of the crop, transfer grafting technology to locals, and empower the youth through innovative solutions in the tomato value chain.
Prof. Kibwage explained that as demand for tomatoes rises and challenges from pests, diseases, and climate change intensify, grafting is emerging as an innovative solution that can enhance yields and improve livelihoods through increased yields. The Vice Chancellor noted that the joint venture between Egerton University and Nanjing University had proven successful, benefiting farmers by improving the crop's yields.
Following the adoption of the new technology, Prof. Kibwage highlighted the growing demand from farmers for continued support, particularly in scaling up the project through greenhouse tomato farming. 'Egerton University is committed to expanding the initiative to reach more farmers, aiming to boost agricultural productivity across the country,' added the don.
During a meeting with a delegation led by the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Liu Yutao, Prof. Kibwage said researchers at Egerton University adopted the Chinese technology after realizing that bacterial wilt (Ralstonia Solanacearum) had become a significant challenge for most tomato farmers in the region. He affirmed that the partnership was committed to expanding the initiative to reach more farmers to help boost agricultural productivity across the country.
Prof. Kibwage revealed that agronomists at Egerton University learned of a Chinese tomato variety known as wells, which is tolerant to bacterial wilt, and that they are currently working with 14 farmers in conducting trials on tomato rootstocks resistant to bacterial wilt. The advanced grafting technology has been introduced on a trial basis in Nakuru, Kisumu, and Nyandarua counties to boost yields and manage bacterial wilt disease in greenhouse tomatoes.
Associate Professor Joshua Otieno Ogweno from Egerton University's Department of Crops, Horticulture, and Soil explained that the technology involves grafting a scion of the commercial Anna F1 tomato variety onto the wells variety rootstock, which is very tolerant to bacterial wilt. This method produces resilient plants that mature earlier and yield more fruit compared to un-grafted plants.
Prof. Ogweno added that the project, supported by the Triangular Cooperation Facility and dubbed 'Empowering Rural Youth through Innovative Horticultural Solutions,' is expected to revolutionize the Tomato Value Chain. He assured that they had identified a reliable seed company to supply grafted tomato planting material to ensure the project's sustainability.
Professor Liu Yutao stated that over 290,000 hectares of tomatoes have been planted in Kenya, yielding a total production of 681,000 metric tons following the adoption of the new grafting technology. He mentioned plans to expand the technology to other regions in Kenya to improve food security and empower more rural youth and women as a way of creating a decent income. Prof. Liu, also the Director of the Confucius Institute at Egerton University, advocated for investments in the commercialization of grafted seedlings, urging investors to engage in this area.
In 2023, the Confucius Institute of Egerton University invited agricultural experts from Nanjing Agricultural University to Kenya to provide training on the tomato grafting technology. Fourteen demonstration sites of grafted tomato seedlings have been established in various areas, including Molo, Njoro, Subukia, Bahati, Gilgil, Kuresoi South, and Naivasha, benefiting farmers practicing open-field tomato production in Rongai Sub-County.