How I reap millions from the farm

I have a calling as a preacher. Seven years ago, I used to minister in a Nairobi-based church, but then decided to quit and go back to my home county of Embu and do something else.

With capital of less than Sh20,000, I invested in agribusiness, mainly raising seedlings from various fruits and trees, hoping to make it as a farmer.

I began on a small scale, and as I tested the market for demand for seedlings, I realised it was a worthwhile commercial venture so I increased the acreage under seedlings.

Currently, I’m at 26 acres and I operate under the business name, Kamiu Horticultural Nurseries.

My interest in seed nurseries, however, goes back to my childhood days, and turning this passion into a business venture is what has made the difference.

I raise fruit seedlings like Hass avocados, tree tomatoes, passion fruit, mangoes, macadamia, oranges, lemons, tissue bananas and so on. I sell seedlings from Sh50 to Sh400, depending on the fruit and the variety.

I source for seeds and seedlings from Kalro (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation) and from other certified farmers.

However, like in any venture, agribusiness has its share of downsides, including bad weather, pest attacks, sub-standard supplies and so on.

There are also those who contract me for telephone farming, wanting to capitalise on my established market channels.

However, when the deal goes wrong due to unforeseeable factors, they’ll rush to drag my name in the mud, especially on social media, saying I conned them. This can keep potential clients away.

I supply seedlings to fellow farmers, county governments, corporations, community-based groups and NGOs.

My annual returns aren’t consistent, but in a good year, I can make upwards of Sh1 million. When business is low, I’ll make about Sh250,000.