Investor gets ADC nod to grow crops in vast Galana farm

A private investor has received the go-ahead to grow crops on 40,000 acres Agricultural Development Corporation land in Kilifi county.

Nyumba Foundation will largely grow crops for the production of edible oils.

They include, sunflower, cassava, soya and green beans.

The foundation said it is doing final touches on the 11 dams that will be used for irrigation.

“We will bring in scientists to test the soil’s suitability for each crop. They will then advise us on what to plant,” manager Rafiq Dossani said.

He said works on the farms delayed for two months because of heavy rains.

“We hope the sun comes out soon and we continue the works. We should start planting by August,” Dossani said.

He spoke after planting about 2,500 trees at the farm in collaboration with ADC board.

The board, led by chairman Abdillahi Alawy, toured the vast farmland to plant trees and monitor the progress of the project.

Nyumba Foundation and other investors such as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, need the ADC board approval before they start work officially.

“Apart from planting trees, we came to also ensure our partners have fulfilled all the requirements, done due diligence and are good to go,” Alawy said.

ADC planted about 5,000 trees across the country through their regional stations namely, Kitale, Nakuru and Coast on Friday.

“What is remaining is some minimal works to clear the sand that was dumped by the heavy rains. Otherwise, they are ready to go and I believe crops will be planted by August,” Alawy said.

He said the board will give its final approval by June.

The oil crops will address the issue of food security and reduce the prices of edible oils.

“Three to four years from now, we will have plenty of edible oils,” Alawy said.

The 11 dams in Galana, done by Nyumba Foundation, will be used on 20,000 acres. A similar number will be built to take care of the other 20,000 acres.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which has three conservancies in Galana, is ensuring that there is enough grass and trees for the animals.

The trust is also protecting animals from illegal grazers and poachers.

“They have the aerial power to oversee the conservancy,” Alawy said.

Although the Trust takes care of the entire Galana, it essentially needs a portion of not more than 10,000 acres.

“This does not take away anything from the food security plan,” the chairman said.

Galana Kulalu has 1.8 million acres in Kilifi and Tana River counties. The bigger chunk is in Kilifi county.