Nigeria is know for its large open field processing tomato industry, which has been in the news due to the devastating Tuta Absoluta plagues. As a result of this, more companies and local entrepreneurs like Kartlos Farms are exploring opportunities in greenhouse farming.
Located at the Akufo Farm Settlement in Oyo State, Kartlos Farms is a privately owned company that has developed several greenhouse technologies and environmental control systems dedicated to the Nigerian climate. They have a special research and trial station in which they test new technologies and train local farmers throughout special community supporting scholar programs.
One of the greenhouses of Kartlos Farms in Oyo State.
One of their latest additions to the support of their community, is a solar powered deep borehole for clean (drinking) water supply. The company explained that the local communities at the Akufo site have been without clean drinking water for many decades. "We will use the water from the new spring to irrigate and fertigate our greenhouse crops, but local residents can also take advantage of the free water supply", said Busayo Babalola.
Villagers filling their jerrycans with water at the farm's fence.
Babalola is the greenhouse supervisor at Kartlos Farms' Centre of Excellence. This special project is dedicated to the establishment of efficient greenhouse vegetable production in Nigeria via training and consultancy.
"The well-being of the local communities is highly essential to us", said Farm Manager Olanrewaju Akomolafeand. In order to prevent any disease outbreak which might affect our tomato production, we have decided to embark on a daily supply of clean water to the villagers too. "
From the more than 20,000 liters of water generated daily, a substantial part will also serve other local farms in dry seasons.
Kartlos Farms' managing Partner Olowolabi Osinowo stated that apart from pioneering modern greenhouse farming in Nigeria, the company will also unfold many of its developmental programs in other agricultural related fields for the community’s youth later in 2017.
For more information, please visit www.kartlosfarmsltd.com