Kenya: Naivasha based Ngarma Farm embraces greenhouse technology

Under the sweltering heat of Naivasha, Anastacia Ngarama is turning the dry area into an agricultural zone with a multi-million investment into horticulture. Ngarama Farm, a 12 acre piece of land located on the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road, is a mix of modern technology and traditional farming practices that has seen the enterprise started in 2013 become the talk of the town, in terms of food security.

Founder Anastacia Ngarama told StandardMedia.co.ke, that this has become her source of livelihood since 2013 when she took an early retirement as an accountant with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

The farm which is divided into several portions carries red cabbages, red and white onion, strawberries, French beans, tomatoes and courgettes which she sells to middlemen targeting both local and international markets.

The farm has embraced greenhouse technology where she plants tomatoes. But out of the mixed bag of crops, the red cabbages stand out, offering her a good fortune as she has found a niche market for them.

Ngarama farm which has nine employees says major challenges in running such an enterprise include high water bills, and flooding of market with same product.

Other challenges include insect attack and stringent requirements on exports by various responsible authorities.

Read the complete interview at StandardMedia.co.ke