PRC Definitve Guide

PRC KILIMO BIASHARA
DEFINITIVE GUIDE

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Introduction.
What is Kilimo Biashara & Why is it important ?
What are Kilimo Biashara milestones?
Kilimo Biashara Greenhouse technical features ?
Conclusion.
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5
About the guide. 6
Prc Definitive Guide 01

PRC Definitive Guide
INTRODUCTION
Why should
I read PRC’s Kilimo
Biashara Definitive Guide?
PRC’s definitive guide is a one on one seamless
conversation that provides a thorough overview of the
Agribusiness landscape. There is a lot of noise
generated about Agribusiness and we want to help you
navigate!
The guide provides answers to
these critical questions:
What is Kilimo Biashara & Why is it important?
What are Kilimo Biashara milestones?
What are the Greenhouse technical features?
What type of crops are grown & what are their
benefits?
LET’S GET STARTED!

PRC Definitive Guide
WHAT
IS KILIMO
BIASHARA?
Coined from the word agriculture and
Business, this is agriculture conducted on
commercial principles, especially using
advanced technology.
With the changing patterns in climate,
agribusiness is the ultimate solution to
feeding the growing nation and providing
food security.

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Agronomy
& Science
Both these developments in Kenya’s
agricultural history have been regarded as
turning points or decisive and significant
breaks with the past.
What is Agronomy?
Agronomy is the application of a
combination of sciences like biology,
chemistry, economics, ecology, earth
science, and genetics. It involves producing
food, creating healthier food, managing the
environmental impact of agriculture, and
The first was significant because it indicated
the break-down of the stable ecology of
farming systems, and the second, because it also
indicated a change in the ecological equilibrium,
but this time in a very positive way, in that new crop
rotations enabled crop output to increase without
Both these episodes reflect a dilemma as old as
Before Agronomy?
The science of agronomy can help us
understand Kenya’s agricultural history, and look
agriculture itself: how to expand the output of food
without jeopardising the ecological equilibrium. In
order to remain sustainable, most arable systems
before the 19th century needed a period of fallow in
the crop rotation.
at two episodes in the agricultural history of
Kenya: the alleged exhaustion of the soil, and
the phenomenon known as the agricultural
revolution of the 19th & 20th centuries.

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TRADE
Kilimo Biashara gives agriculture a chance to become self-sufficient and feed Kenya &
External Markets. Kenya is rated as a Net-Food Importing Developing Country (NFIDC) by
the FAO, which only underscores the fragile food security of the majority of Kenyans
and the importance of agricultural trade for the country.
Although Europe remains the largest export market for Sub-Saharan Africa, exports within
the internal African market are growing. Since the turn of the new millennium, continental
exports by the East African Community, Kenya included, have surpassed the amount of
products exported to Europe, 90% of which are only unprocessed products and crops. Hence,
trade between Africa countries alone represents great potential.

PRC Definitive Guide
Ksh. 83.8 billion
University Education
KES 10.1 billion
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
EDUCATION
In the most recent budget, additional funds
will further education sector – naturally, this
is very encouraging. Ksh. 83.8 billion has
been set aside to support University
Education and KES 10.1 billion allocated to
the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
This is a massive boost as it very clearly
recognises the work colleges are doing in
supplying skills the country needs to ensure its
economic development and prosperity going
forward.
In a changing environment, Kenya will have to
lead from the front in teaching new disciplines –
in agriculture and other subjects – so that future
generations are well prepared to produce
food and care for the environment.
So support for education and a clear vision is
something that is very important from our point
of view.
CONSERVATION
Our selling point factors food that is produced to a high quality while caring about the environment
and we have to play to these strengths, rather than just pursuing cheaper and cheaper food.
There is a commitment to nature conservation and an acknowledgment of the importance of farming
within that objective, not only in delivering food security, but also in protecting the environment and
the countryside. This is essential and it cannot be considered in isolation.

PRC Definitive Guide
What are some
of the milestones
of Kilimo Biashara?
The journey: - Growing Better Together
Delicious salad
crops grown in the 254.
Today's technology meets traditional
horticultural expertise at PRC.Our Kilimo
Biashara homes two vast greenhouses projects
(Mbuni & Aberdare).
Inside them, we grow tomatoes, peppers and
cucumbers; our crops destined for the shelves of
some of Kenya’s biggest retailers.

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Mbuni & Aberdare bare land
Mbuni Greenhouse construction - power generator, water reservoir

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Crops transplanting
Crops harvesting

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Supplier partnerships
Kilimo Payouts

PRC Definitive Guide
Kilimo Biashara
Greenhouse
technical features?
POSITIONING
Spending the time to choose the optimal
position for the greenhouse will make a huge
difference to your growing success. There are
a few key factors to consider when positioning
a greenhouse.
1.Sun, or lack thereof will have a big impact on
the success of your growing. A greenhouse
should have optimal light during cold chilly days
to maximize the year round growing potential.
2.Slope/Drainage, level ground is best to avoid
water running into the house and for ease of
construction.
3.Easy Access, the greenhouses allow enough
room to get right around, there is a 1-metre
allowance on all sides to ensure sufficiency.
4.Wind, sheltering a greenhouse from the
prevailing wind will help keep the temperature
up in the key growing times.

PRC Definitive Guide
Choice of materials for the
greenhouse structure (Aluminium)
The choice of materials is normally limited to
either wood or aluminium, although less
expensive structures based on alloys and plastic
are available for the amateur market.
Wood is a traditional material and can
appear more attractive in some gardens.
However, it requires periodic upkeep and more
general maintenance.
The advantages of aluminium are that they
need virtually no maintenance, and the
structural frames are thin, casting very little
shade.Aluminium, normally powder coated
may also blend into the garden and surrounds.
Nothing beats aluminium for greenhouse
framing. It’s durable, rust-resistant and
lightweight—perfect for greenhouse
construction. Aluminium will not rust and as long
as it’s cleaned periodically, won’t grow mould
or other pathogens.
VENTILATION
Often the sun’s rays can cause the greenhouse
be overheated, which can lead to the plants
becoming stressed. It is well known that hot air
rises, so this is the easiest route for any hot air to
exit, via the roof & sides ventilation. The process
is improved with the use of vents that open in
the sides of the greenhouse.

PRC Definitive Guide
TOMATOES (ANNA F1)
Features
A fresh market variety does very well in the
greenhouse, but can also do well in open
field.
The fruit is deep red, firm and oval shaped.
Tomato Anna F1 has High Resistance to
Alternaria stem canker, Verticillium, Fusarium
wilt as well as nematodes.
Maturity is 75 days from transplanting.
The yield is approximately 74tons/acre
(80-90kg/m2) with an average of 35 kg per
plant in its life span.
TOMATOES (STAR)
Features
A fresh market variety does very well in the
greenhouse, but can also do well in open
field.
This quality tomato is firm& has a long shelf
life.
Tomato Star has High Resistance to Verticillium
Wilt , Fusarium Wilt , Bacterial Wilt , Tobacco
Mosaic Virus IR – Root-knot Nematodes ,
Powdery Mildew , Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
Maturity is 85 days from transplanting.

PRC Definitive Guide
TOMATOES (EVA)
Features
A fresh market variety does very well in the
greenhouse, but can also do well in open
field.
Smooth, round fruits are blemish-free.
Does well in humid areas.
Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the
season.
Maturity is 75 days from transplanting.
Tomatoes Nutritional value
Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and
C and folic acid.
Tomatoes contain a wide array of beneficial
nutrients and antioxidants, including
alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid,
beta-carotene and lutein.
CUCUMBERS (CARMEN)
Features
Excellent yields, bitter-free fruit, excellent
disease resistance, ideal for organic
gardeners.
The fruits are produced in abundance, from
50 to 100 per plant, and have a mild flavour
with no bitter after taste.
Is easy to train in the greenhouse and its fruits
are excellent for exhibition. Height: 3m (9').
Spread: 45cm (18").
Maturity is 35 days from transplanting.
Tomatoes Health Benefits
Due to their beneficial phytochemicals such as
lycopene, tomatoes also play a role in
preventing chronic diseases (Cancer, Blood
pressure, Diabetes).

PRC Definitive Guide
Cucumbers Nutritional value CAPSICUMS (GRANDISIMO)
Cucumbers are made up of 95 percent Features
water, making them an ideal hydrating and Excellent yields, bitter-free fruit, excellent
cooling food..
disease resistance, ideal for organic
gardeners.
Cucumbers Health Benefits
The fruits are produced in abundance, from
50 to 100 per plant, and have a mild flavour
Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory
with no bitter after taste.
flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an
Is easy to train in the greenhouse and its fruits
important role in your brain health.
are excellent for exhibition. Height: 3m (9').
Cucumbers also contain polyphenols called
Spread: 45cm (18").
lignans, which may help to lower your risk of
Maturity is 35 days from transplanting.
breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted
inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity
of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including
cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2). Capsicums Nutritional value
Cucumbers also contain polyphenols called Capsicums contains beta-carotene, vitamin A
lignans, which may help to lower your risk of and vitamin C.
breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted Capsicums Health Benefits
inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity
Capsicum is great for metabolism. The
of pro-inflammatory enzymes (including
nutrients in these tangy vegetables lower
cyclo-oxygenase 2, or COX-2).
triglycerides in the fat deposits in blood
corpuscles. This not only burns extra calories,
but also energizes the metabolism.
A rich source of vitamin A and C, capsicum
also has antioxidant properties. These
antioxidants combat the free radicals in the
body and treat cardiac diseases, cataract,
bronchial asthma and osteoarthritis.

PRC Definitive Guide
CONCLUSION
Agriculture like many sectors of Kenya and the global economy is going through a huge transition.
Whether it’s internal processes or the changing external environment, business must lead and react to
secure on-going success. Agriculture’s green revolution has been surpassed, now we face the ‘digital
revolution’.
Our team has hands-on Kilimo Biashara farming expertise and all our advice is rooted in the latest
market insight. While we take a multidisciplinary approach to operational farming & agri-investment, we
have a single-minded goal: to help you to achieve your commercial and strategic objectives.
We’re dedicated to helping you to build your business and its value whether you’re a farmer, landowner
or producer.
Whether you’re looking for a strategic review, new revenue opportunities, to address investment issues,
day to day farm management, or to understand more about diversifying – talk to our dedicated,
down-to-earth team.

ABOUT
THE GUIDE
Written by:
Franc Kabu-Digital Marketing Manager
Design & Photography by:
Daniel Nzavi- Creative Director
Thought Leaders:
Abraham Murithi - General Manager PRC
George Okumu - AgriBusiness Manager
Stella Wawira - Kilimo Sales & Marketing Executive
Stephen Eshamwata - Farm Manager
Catherine Mwangi – Commercial Manager
Ronnie Gachari – Projects Manager
Special Thanks to:
Daniel Majani- Head Customer Service
Valentine Mathenge- Research & Development Manager
Barbara Nyende- Public Relations Manager
THANK YOU