Peter Ndambuki has succeeded with his Solo F1 papaya farm in Ngwata, Kambu, Makueni County, where fertile land supports diverse crops. He overcame rocky soil and water shortages by digging a borehole and using drip irrigation. His achievements demonstrate the potential of modern seeds in boosting income and addressing climate challenges.
In Ngwata, Kambu, Makueni County, near Chyulu National Park, Peter Ndambuki has established a modern Solo F1 papaya farm. He owns over 400 healthy trees thanks to effective disease control. He selected this variety for its resilience to harsh weather and quick maturity.
Before starting, Ndambuki found the local soil rocky and hard, preventing root penetration. "This is because the Kambu area is full of big rocks that make the soil so hard that plant roots cannot penetrate between the soil," he says. He sourced deep, fertile red soil from Chyulu hills, mixing clean seeds with manure.
The Solo F1 variety offers good taste and a yellow color that attracts buyers, unlike local papayas sometimes bitter. It matures in just five months, with each tree yielding 100-150 fruits weighing 500-700 grams. Harvests occur twice a year.
The farm receives water two or three times weekly via drip irrigation, plus pesticides against hidden pests. He prunes branches for better air and sunlight. What began as an experiment now provides good income and has transformed his life. He uses online farmer groups for knowledge and market access. Most buyers come from Machakos, Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.
Ndambuki urges Ngwata farmers to adopt modern seeds for income and climate resilience. His main challenge is meeting surging demand at harvest time.