55 years of being a trusted partner in Kenya’s flower indsustry

Amiran Kenya, motivated by passion for empowering the people of Kenya and East Africa at large, is striving to achieve commercially sustainable developments in the horticulture industry. We spoke to Pinhas Moskovich, a member of Amiran board to tell us more about their undertakings in Kenya for more than five decade, they have been in existence…..

Tell us the milestones achieved by Amiran for the last 55 years?

After Kenya gained independence, Amiran Kenya Ltd has been a driving force behind the horticulture and floriculture industries in Kenya and throughout East Africa. Over the years Amiran has expanded its activities and is today a leader in telecommunications, water purification, solar energy, generators and many consumer equipment.

Amiran has played significant part in bringing the Kenyan horticulture and floriculture industry to its place as a global leader. What are some of Amiran products and solutions that have revolutionized the industry?

Through decades of partnership with Kenya’s large and small scale growers, Amiran has become a “one stop shop” for all of Kenya’s agricultural needs. While playing a significant role in bringing the Kenyan floriculture industry to its place as a global leader, Amiran has also remained focused on the needs of horticulture and cereal growers.

   Amiran has unique abilities for the betterment of Kenyan farmers. What are some of the efforts the Company is undertaking to support Kenya achieve food security as one of the Government’s ‘Big Four Agenda’?

Kinango/Kwale project: This is the new entry and has so far only be installed with drip irrigation. The installation of pump is standing on the way for crops to be established.

SAKA Project: This project is covering a total of 200 acre 100 kms upstream of river Tana. The total area is divided into 10 farms located randomly along river Tana with each covering 20 acres.First phase has been done and accomplished in 7 Farms and the rest is now in active stage of production.The second season is expected to start soon.

Pokot/Marakwet project: This covers a total area of 500acres shared between the two communities equally. This was intended to avert the livestock rustling and instead the nomadic communities engage full time in irrigated agriculture and many more projects which are currently underway.

   Highlight the roles the company is playing to encourage growth of small-scale farming?

The biggest problem is lack of knowledge. Amiran has introduced training centers for small-scale farmers where we train on effective means of farming i.e. greenhouse using hybrid seeds, irrigation equipment, chemicals and fertilizers.

   Amiran is playing a key role in empowering the next generation farmers. How are you demystifying farming from the old perception of being a dirty man affair to agribusiness? 

We have introduced  new products and technology that fit the young generation farmers to get them ready for the farming experience i.e. Amiran shop, small scale Amiran farmers kit, 1 acre kit, family drip system 250, affordable chemicals and fertilizer packages for the youth.

   A lot of losses incurred by farmers are post-harvest losses. What are the areas the Company is helping farmers in delivering their produce as good as harvested to the final consumer?

The severe post-harvest loss and quality deterioration of horticultural crops mainly occurs during harvesting followed by marketing, transporting and storage. For items that require ventilation and air circulation, we have active bags that allow air circulation and prevent condensation ensuring the produce is fresh for long.

   What prospects are there for the Kenya farming and what are some of the goals you have for the future?

We aim to inspire and assist farmers, researchers, students, organizations, and policy makers with various tools, such as scenarios, analyses, and policy advices. The agricultural sector in Kenya is currently facing tremendous challenges both economically and environmentally. We will do more in exploration and disseminating methods for sustainable land management through integrated agroecological studies and criterial decision making in an effort to connect agriculture with regard to nature, climate, the environment, and rural development.

   What are some of the advice would you give to farmers?

Countries that have developed successfully have shifted resources from manufacturing to agriculture. Kenya has missed out on this and the continued lack of progress in agricultural productivity has been blamed for holding back the region’s overall economic growth. So what can be done to boost African agricultural productivity? Develop high yielding crops, boost use of drip irrigation, use high quality inputs, increase market, access, regulation and governance, make better use of information technology and step up integration into agricultural value chains.

   Final comments:

Kenya has great potential in farming, we sit on the largest fresh water lake in Africa (Lake Victoria), and with great infrastructure. My dream is for everyone in this country to get to enjoy all the resources available with equity for agriculture to advance and make this great nation food sufficient.