Tomato Farming Transforms Tindiret into a Hub of Agricultural Growth

Key Highlights

• Tomato farming surges in Tindiret, shifting from subsistence to commercial enterprise.
• Farmers adopt drip irrigation, greenhouses, and certified seeds to boost yields.
• Crop provides food security, steady income, and access to regional markets.
• Cold storage facilities help reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize prices.
• Challenges remain, but value addition in tomato processing promises economic growth.

Once considered a modest crop, tomatoes are now reshaping the farming landscape in Tindiret, offering both food security and new income streams for local farmers.

The transformation, driven by modern farming practices and a rising demand for fresh and processed tomato products, has made the crop a cornerstone of agricultural development in the region.

Sub-County Agricultural Officer Ruth Chepkorir attributes the surge to favorable climatic conditions and the adoption of innovative techniques such as drip irrigation, greenhouse farming, and the use of certified seeds.

“We have seen a growing interest in tomato farming, particularly as farmers shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture. With the right techniques, yields can be substantial,” Chepkorir said.

Farmers like Sarah Chelangat are already reaping the rewards. Starting with just half an acre, she now cultivates three acres of tomatoes.

“The consistent demand for fresh tomatoes and access to local markets have ensured a steady income,” she said.

Tindiret’s tomatoes are sold in nearby towns like Kapsabet and Eldoret and even reach Nairobi, boosted by cold storage facilities that extend shelf life, cut losses, and stabilize market prices.

Despite challenges such as competition from other tomato-growing areas and seasonal supply fluctuations, the outlook remains positive.

Rising demand for tomato-based products like sauces and pastes has expanded opportunities for value addition.

Chepkorir emphasized that the county is working to support smallholder farmers across the entire value chain—from production to processing and distribution—making tomato farming a potential engine of economic transformation in Tindiret.