Ornamental amaranth farming to improve the fortunes of Kenyan farmers
According to the Kenya Flower Council, the main cut flowers grown in Kenya are roses, carnations, and alstromeria, gypsophilla, lilies, eryngiums, arabicum, hypericum, statice and a range of summer flowers.
But despite a favourable climate and a stable industry, farmers continue to shy away from venturing into new types of ornamental crops due to uncertainty of farming practices and availability of markets.
At the recent Nairobi International Trade Fair, Grace Kagochi, an extension officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, was on hand to enlighten farmers on ornamental amaranth farming, a profitable crop mainly grown for export.
Suitable for almost any climate, ornamental amaranth is easy to grow. Some people grow it in their gardens as its bright red or pink coloured flowers are considered beautiful for landscaping and for indoor flower arrangements.
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