Kenyan farmers are using a new solution that reduces water and pesticides wastage by allowing faster absorption by the roots, translating into tripling of yields and reduction in farm expenses.
The solution dubbed ‘Super Grow’ is aimed at reducing water and pesticide wastage at a time when climate change impacts threatens farmers with unpredictable rain patterns. “Where there is no water, there is no life. This is a fundamental rule of nature. Making the most of the life-giving power of water is the first step in sustaining and helping life flourish and with Super Gro, making the most of our water can be both environmentally friendly and economically rewarding,” explained Beatrice Njagi the product in-charge in the Kenyan market. According to her, the solution does not only ensure saving water by using less but also enhances the plant to make the most of the water used.
The Solution which is manufactured by GNLD has been vital especially to farmers who use drip irrigation especially those that are located in areas experiencing water scarcity. Njagi noted that Super Gro is specially formulated to help farmers get the greatest value out of every drop of water used. “It does this by reducing the water’s surface tension, making “water wetter”, boosting its ability to deliver life-sustaining moisture deeper into plant root systems.” According to her, this does not only bring more water to where it’s needed, but reduces water loss to evaporation and run-off.
Njagi noted that the solution also acts as a good adjuvant for most crop treatment that involves water usage including fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides, causing them to penetrate deeper, stick better, stay longer, and work more effectively. “Most crop treatments do a better job by helping them to penetrate deeper, stick better, stay longer, and work more effectively.” Recent test results about the solution’s effectiveness from Nairobi University indicate that the Solution when used with market leading pesticide reduced by over 90 percent aphid and whitefly infestation on tomatoes and French beans. In addition the results also indicated that Super Gro also increased crop yield by over 167 percent more than crop treatment alone provided.
The product which was introduced in the country 3 years ago has quickly gained prominence especially among horticulture farmers. “When you mix Super Gro with water and spray on the plants, you see a remarkable difference on the leaves, stem and the yield. It acts like a natural greenhouse and has tripled the yield of my tomato crop,” noted Peterson Mwangi Ndegwa from Nyeri. Similar sentiments were expressed by Peter Maina a cabbage farmer from Nanyuki, “The results are amazing. The leaves are brighter and the cabbage yields are much higher.”
Since its’ launch in the country, the product is becoming a household name among farmers dealing in various crops countrywide. Dixson Shangala from the firm explained that the product is ideal for all crop varieties including maize, coffee, potatoes and flowers. “Most farmers are using the product and our client base is growing steadily. Our product’s prominence to them can only be explained in the sense that a single client like in the flower industry orders over 100 litres monthly, noted Shangala. According to him, the fact that their client base is growing and has managed to retain their older ones is a testimony that Super Gro gives them value for money.
The product is currently packaged in five litres which is retails at about Sh5000. Depending on the soil variety; this quantity can be used on 5-10 acres size of land. However, Shangala added that due to increased demand from small holder farmers, plans are under way to package the solution in smaller quantities of 250ml and 1liter.