Keles in part of Gathiru vegetable farm at Central Valley, Thika. The farm produces various vegetables including indigenous varieties for their wide customer base. Photo courtesy.

Gathiru Farm, horticulture produce growers in Thika, a town just 42 kilometres northeast of Nairobi has ventured into fresh vegetable production to feed schools, hotels and supply hotels, supermarkets, groceries and stores which offer steady and ready market as opposed to traders and one-off consumers.

“When we started farming last year in September we used to harvest on order for traders who come from Thika Town and Nairobi. However, with time the buyers started becoming unreliable in terms of collecting the produce and making payments in time. This has forced us to up our production standards something that has enabled us to acquire supply tenders with institutions and bigger retailers,” said Peter Gathiru, the founder of the farm.

Among the vegetables, the farm specialized in include spinach, kales, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, dhania, capsicum (green and yellow), lettuce and red cabbage. They also grow indigenous varieties such as manage (black nightshade) and terere among others.

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In order to attract more buyers, the farm offers free delivery within Thika Town.

The farm is also providing a free training opportunity for students both high school and tertiary level pursuing agriculture courses and upcoming farmers. The training sessions are always booked by farmers and learners alike.

“Right now July is fully booked by learners and we encourage those who want to visit us to call for nest month bookings,” said Gathiru.

Gathiru Farm can be reached on 0724 306395