Farming tomatoes

Entrepreneur

About Me

I was born in Nakuru, the rural part of it called Bahati area. I went to school there growing up in the rural part of Nakuru. Life was a different experience because my family did not have much in terms of money, so going to school was a struggle: my fees were never paid on time, and I didn't even have enough exercise books to write in, so I would use one book for two subjects. I used to mix English and maths in one exercise book: I would start maths from the front page and English from the back, and when the teacher asked why, I explained but they said that is unacceptable, so I would pluck some pages out to recreate another book, or I would borrow pages so that I would create into an exercise book.

We only had one school in the neighborhood that was a government school. For me, it was 8 km away going and coming back home, so I walked 16 km a day for over 14 years. When it was raining that was the most difficult time: no shoes, no umbrella, so I used to cover myself with a hard nylon paper or sack.

My Business

My business is a dairy shop. In Kenya, we have two types of milk: the one that is packed at the factory and the one that is sold straight after milking the cow. This one is for the people who are not well up financially.

In Kangemi, a slum in the outskirts of Nairobi, I have a a kiosk called Hassam Milk Shop. From here, I sell milk in small quantities. Ninety-eight percent of slum dwellers cannot afford packet milk, so they buy milk in small quantities. To get my stock, I have to wake up at 4 a.m. in the morning, go to Limuru (which is more than 10 km away), and get back by 6 a.m. to open my shop, which is along Hinga road.

I have faithful clients who never disappoint me: they buy from me because of the quality of the milk. I got into this business after I got stuck in college. I didn't have money to pay my college tuition fee, but this business got me back on my feet. The profits I make go back into the business. They also help me pay the shop's rent, my house rent, my son's fees, and I also depend on them for a livelihood.

Loan Proposal

I thank you all for your continued support to my business . Am now seeking funds to start tomatoes farming in loitoktok kajiado county in one acre farm.

Land lease is 250 dollars per year. Ploughing and preparing the land is being charged 80 dollars. Seedlings namely Nyota 75 grams is 175 dollars. From Nursery to flowering, watering, fertilizers, insectcides sprays, fungicides sprays, foliar spray will be needed that all at approximate cost of 200 dollars.

One acre of land of tomatoes with nyota variety has a projected returns of 15 to 20 tonnes. Depending on market price, the expected gross revenue is not less than 300dollars.

I intend to use proceeds from my milk business which are not less than 15dollars per day to start paying the loan. This i will do timely as i wait for tomatoes harvesting after three months.

I believe this venture will not only help my family but also the community members that i will be employing in farming activities.

Thank you in advance.

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