Young farmer thrives growing Australian Red Napier

By Peter Changtoek
peter.changtoek@gmail.com

Teresa Kibiri, 28, is a fourth-year student at Kirinyaga University, pursuing a Fashion Design and Textile Technology course.

She is also a fodder farmer.

“I ventured into Australian Red Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) farming in 2023. I am running the venture with my mom, Mary Kahanya, and my sister, Zipporah Kibiri. I started with approximately Sh30,000,” says she.

Teresa reveals that she was introduced to Australian Red Napier farming by her friend from India, who also sold her the initial planting materials. “I started with 0.25 acres and have since expanded to two acres,” says the young farmer.

She says that the capital that she used was from proceeds of selling super Napier and brachiaria grass. She uses a family-owned farm as well as leased land.

The farms are located in Kiawara, Kieni Sub-County, Othaya, and Nyeri. “This is to help make the farms easily accessible,” says Teresa.

Cultivation and benefits

Before planting, the land ought to be prepared by clearing and ploughing. “If the land has not been under cultivation for long, we encourage harrowing. We then make holes 1ft square and 1ft deep, spaced at one metre apart. We add well-decomposed manure, mix well with the soil, then plant by inserting the cutting at an angle,” explains the farmer.

Teresa Kibiri at their Australian Red Napier farm in Nyeri County. Photo/Courtesy

According to Teresa, Australian red Napier takes 3–4 months to mature, and in warmer areas, it can reach maturity as early as 75 days, while in colder regions, it takes roughly 3.5–4 months.

The farmer says that it has a higher crude protein content of 19–24 percent CP. It also has a fast growth rate of up to 13ft tall.

“Australian red Napier is harvested 6–8 times a year, with the first harvest at 70–90 days after planting, and subsequent harvests done in 45–60 days. This hybrid can produce 150–200 tonnes per acre per year. It is drought-tolerant,” adds Teresa.

Market and future plans

The farmer reveals that her clients are mainly local livestock farmers, and she gets them through social media marketing and referrals.

“Many people are still learning about it. Through organized farm visits and showcasing the product during national shows, farmers are increasingly gaining more information on the Napier.”

She mainly sells cuttings for planting. In addition, she sells fresh fodder. Her future plans include expanding acreage, increasing fodder production, and value addition through feed processing and silage.

“Those who are interested can contact me on Facebook — Terry Kibiri or Mary Kahanya. Call/WhatsApp me on 0702667328 or 0732 436723,” says Teresa.