How to Start a herb and spices business

Herbs and spices agribusiness has the potential to generate incomes both in local and international markets. This growth has been experienced since people have become more health conscious.

David, my neighbor and childhood friend, has been away from the country for many years. We recently discussed investing back home, and his interest was in agribusiness, mainly the herbs and spices business and avocado production.

I proposed to make a small feasibility study of the business’s status on his farm. In this article, I outline the basics gathered.

Spices and herb business is a viable business consider the following.            

• Market – local markets, export markets through local exporters, direct export
• Climate – Altitude different herbs require high altitudes others require low altitudes – we need to have a greenhouse for the ones that require low altitude since the farm is in a high altitude area.
• Soil testing
• Water ( irrigation water has to be available)
• Labour
• Packhouse with a cold room
• Inputs ( fertilizers, pesticides)
• Greenhouses for some herbs.

Common herbs are generally grown in Kenya, including

Chives, Mint, coriander, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Fennel, Thyme, Lemon Grass, Parsley, Oregano, Tarragon, and Celery.

Consider starting with the following, considering the availability of local markets and export. Exporters do contract farmers for product

• Thyme (orange, lemon, Common)
• Coriander
• Sage
• Mint ( Peppermint and tropical)
• Basil
• Parsley
• Chives( Garlic Chives)
• Fenugreek
• Coriander
• Dill
• Tarragon
• Rosemary
• Celery

Local markets visited

1.            Fresh and juice Limuru – contact Susan Mumbi – 0722 234437

They buy all types of fresh produce, including tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, courgettes, leeks, beetroots, etc.

As for herbs, they grow them at their farm in Ndeiya – (Thyme, Basil, Tarragon, rosemary, sage, and coriander), and they are not accepting any orders from farmers.

Currently, they are looking for leeks, courgettes, beetroots, cauliflower, and broccoli. These are options for diversification and crop rotation.

2.            Mitos Herbs – contact Mr. Bosire ( 0717 305339)

has a herb and spice farm in Molo they export to the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, and the UK. He grows chives, basil, rosemary, and coriander, among others. His view is that it’s a doable business with several investments such as water, pack house, greenhouses for some herbs), labor and, of course, learning the market trends.

3.            Helitech Organization

Branding their products Afya Choice foods. Contacts William Gitau 0713-040819. They are based in Githunguri town and have several contracted farms in Lari. I visited a demonstration farm set at the catholic church farm in Githunguri.

They promote organic farming and  promote two types of contracts

1. Member farmer- register with them at a fee of Kshs 15,000 and have the following benefits

-They attend to your farm

-Participate in their activities such as planned workshops/ symposiums/ field days

– Support the farmer  on agronomic practices

2. Private/ Technical support

– They advise on agronomic issues

– pay them a fee of 1500 per farm visit and Transport depending on the location of your farm.

They can contract farmers to grow for them the following herbs. Oregano, Thyme ( Orange, lemon, and standard), Sage, Marjoram, Mint ( Peppermint and tropical varieties), Basil, Garlic chives, Fenugreek, Fennel, Dill

4.            Triple A (AAA growers)

is an export company that grows and exports herbs. They also contract farmers to grow for them.

5.            Lagran Group Ltd – Contact Mr. Nickly 0729379092;

They always contract farmers to supply herbs for export. They export Thyme, sage, dill, fennel, and Mint. Currently, they need farmers to grow Garlic and ginger.

Conclusion

The business is profitable; progressive farmers have some success stories, especially those exporting directly. The way forward is to begin on a small scale, learn the growing and market trends, put the required infrastructures in place, and later scale up production.

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