Some 400 farmers supported by the County of Government of Kirinyaga have ventured into organic farming in the wake of growing demand driven by health concerns.

The farmers organized in 14 groups have been federated into a cooperative that is helping them tap into the growing market while at the same time offering them financial support to expand their ventures.

Organic farming is an agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops.

Governor Anne Waiguru said organic farming is gaining traction in the county with farmers embracing the practice for health and economic benefits.

She said organic farming is an important aspect of a sustainable agricultural system whose benefits extends beyond profits to good health, well managed environment and food security.

Waiguru said the county is committed to helping farmers reduce use of agro-chemicals in the wake of increased cancer cases whose cause is still unknown.

“We are undertaking farmers training on organic farming because we want to reduce use of chemicals. Statistics shows cancer cases are still rising and though we do not know the cause, we want to avoid use of agro chemicals on horticulture where it is possible,” the Governor added.

The Governor said her administration is also helping farmers in maintaining the integrity of organic standards through training and monitoring.

 “We are promoting organic food farming in our county because there is no good health without food safety. One of our reasons to support organic farming is its positive impact on health of the people and the environment. As we tap into the market, we want to ensure our farm produces are safe from harmful chemical residues,” Waiguru said.

County Executive Committee member for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries Dr. John Gachara says that the county government is supporting farmers to venture into organic because of health, environmental and economic benefits.

Gachara said organic farming is one of the approaches that the county government is using to reduce excessive use of agro-chemicals to grow food.

“One of the challenges in agriculture sector has been excessive use of agro-chemicals. We have been able to bring the farmers together and we are hoping the number of farmers engaged in organic farming will increase to about 700 this year,” he said.

He noted that there is growing global consumer demand for organically grown food that is mainly driven by increasing concerns over synthetic chemicals and industrial farming methods.

While noting that organic farming has become a global phenomenon because of health concerns associated with synthetic chemicals, Dr. Gachara said the venture is gaining traction and Kirinyaga farmers will reap huge profits.

“Organically produced foods are sold at a premium price and as consumer demand for organic products continues to rise, this will translate into higher profit,” he added.

By avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, he said organic farmers reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals.

“Given the potential health risks associated with long-term and excessive exposure to agro-chemicals including cancer and neurological disorders, organic produce is often associated with better health outcomes, both for consumers and farmworkers,” Dr. Gachara added.

Henry Muriuki, has been practicing organic farming at since 2019 at Kimunye area of Gichugu constituency. He specializes in growing purple cabbages using organic methods, avoiding use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Muriuki has been working with Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN) and the county government to promote organic farming practices in the county.

He said the demand for organically grown food is high and farmers have not been able to meet it.

“Organic farming has not only improved my income but also provided a healthier alternative for my consumers,” he said, adding that by coming together under a cooperative society, the farmers have more bargaining power on their produce.

Another enthusiastic organic farmer, Newton Kariuki, emphasized on the health benefits and profitability of organic farming.

“Organic farming is not only healthier but also more profitable. The demand for organic products is growing, and with the support of the County Government, we are achieving even greater success,” Kariuki said.

George Maina, another organic farmer in the county, pointed out that organic farming helps reduces input costs, thus translating to higher profits for farmers.

“By avoiding chemicals, we reduce on expenses significantly. Plus, the produce is more nutritious, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. The County government has been of great help, through training and helping us to form cooperatives that can finance our ventures,” he added.