The Global Entrepreneurship Summit of 2015 may have ended but entrepreneurship has just begun in Kenya. The conversation on entrepreneurship must continue in order to trigger new businesses and improve on existing ones.
During the Summit, a Kenyan business known as Illuminum Greenhouses made our country proud by clinching the second place in the Global Innovation through Science and Technology category.
Their idea of using sensor technology to construct greenhouses showed us the agricultural and economic potential of greenhouses in Kenya. With agricultural businesses becoming the new frontier for investment in Kenya, there has been a significant increase in demand for greenhouses.
More and more people are looking to use the greenhouse technology to grow various vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbages, onions etc.
What is a Greenhouse?
This is a specialized structure where crops are grown in a controlled microenvironment. The plants are not subject to the effects of weather due to the controlled environment.
With the impact of climate change on food productivity being a hot topic today, greenhouses are the solution to many farmers experiencing the effects of this phenomenon.
Greenhouse farming is a term used to define virtually any major agricultural endeavor that is carried out using greenhouses.
Constructing a Greenhouse
Construction of a greenhouse is a fairly uncomplicated task that requires patience and most of all, attention to detail. Watch this video to learn how to set up a low-cost greenhouse.
How to Generate Money from Greenhouse Farming
Greenhouse farming is gaining popularity as more progressive farmers become acquainted with modern technologies in the sector. For a beginner, a simple greenhouse will be advantageous.
It is advisable to begin small then expand into bigger greenhouses. Regardless of the size, the yields are guaranteed to make you ample profits. Here is another video expounding on some of the ways to make money from greenhouse farming.
Some banks such as KCB Bank, Equity Bank, Faulu Bank and Co-op Bank have been working together with greenhouse manufacturers to provide farmers with loans for buying the kits. A standard kit consists of an 8m by 15m frame, tank, seeds, drip lines, soil preparation and fertilizer worth about KES. 100,000.
The Government has also been playing a role in greenhouse farming by providing financing through the Women Enterprise Fund and the Youth Fund. In addition, government agencies such as KARI (Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) have been providing crucial information that is valuable for greenhouse farmers.
So, if you are considering farming, why not ditch the conventional way and try your hand at greenhouse farming? You can be sure to get great results and an impressive yield.
Furthermore, greenhouse farming is a viable enterprise in Kenya. To succeed you need to have the right information and use the right techniques. You also need to have the right attitude and the passion to make it work. How about you give it a try, and see how it works for you.
Please comment below and let us know your thoughts. Good luck!
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