Firms explain why flower growing is no longer a bed of roses in Kenya
By Print Reporter, March 21, 2024Unpredictable weather patterns being witnessed lately have been blamed for low production of flowers and disruption of the natural blooming cycles of the crop, a situation that could edge out of business thousands of people.
The erratic weather caused by climate change has also been blamed for inability by many flower farms to control diseases such as Botrytis, Powdery mildew, Sooty mold and Root rot which have cost them huge losses.
With the European Union seeking to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides, as well as the use of more hazardous pesticides, by 50 per cent by 2030, players in the flower industry claim the business is becoming an unattractive venture as they are unable to organically control pests.
Production cost
Led by Christopher Tawk, the general manager at Lauren International Flowers Ltd, a grower and exporter of over 15 varieties of single head roses, several stakeholders in the industry decried the fact that prices for their products have continued to decrease at a time when production cost continues to rise.
The situation that has been compounded by increased demands by flower consumers for farms to meet certain chemical thresholds has forced many companies to restructure their operations to meet the strains.
“It is becoming harder and harder to do this business sustainably and that is why we need the intervention of notable parties to help us get better prices for our products,” said Tawk.
Speaking during issuance of bursary cheques to 77 pupils whose parents work at their farm and who received Sh1.4 million education boost, Tawk called on the relevant market players to address dwindling prices for the roses, facilitate higher local uptake of local products and enhance support to farmers.
Dufton Kamau Maina, the firm’s Human Resource Manager regretted the strenuous processes that roses undergo before their final sale at the market and called on the government to promptly intervene to save the industry which is a major revenue earner for the country.
“The cost of flight has been problematic to us. If reduced, we will be economically enabled to export more at lower prices and earn better returns,” he said.