04/10/2013
From a small plot of land, Nickly Kipkorir is earning more than Sh 23,000 from 1/8 of an acre of a new herb that is yet to hit Rift Valley farms.
Kipkorir is planting Stevia, a herb that is processed to make organic sugar commonly used in making confectionaries.
What is motivating the recent graduate of law from The Mt Kenya University, is that he is no longer feeling like he is tarmacking for a legal job. He is already some money, not from a largely recognizable crop, but from a herb that takes three months to mature.
In his mind, going by the prospects of the herb he is expecting in a few years to come, he might decide to kiss the courtroom good bye and concentrate on Stevia farming.
"I have two varieties, the Pure Cycle and Londian Cycle. I have the latter which yields more. I am expecting to harvest 100 kilos very soon," says Kipkorir. Each Kilo of the Londian Cycle costs Sh 235 while the Pure Cycle variety sells at Sh 135.
At 22, and still in college going age, Kipkorir has turned a section of his parent’s land into a money making asset as he weighs down where the academic wind will direct him.
"I am happy to do the herb. I am looking for another one acre because the crop is gaining popularity across the counties. A firm in Kericho is promoting it," he says.
A Mkulima Young member, Kipkorir gets regular update on his crop and has also used the platform to educate other youthful farmers how to grow it. "I interact with my peers and this makes this venture very enjoyable," he reveals.
He advises young people to strive and do agribusiness instead of crying foul that there are no jobs. "There is money here but one should be patient," he says.
Facts about Stevia
Stevia is a plant that is native to South America. It is probably best known as a source of natural sweeteners. But the leaves are also used to make medicine.
Stevia is used as a weight loss aid; for treating diabetes, high blood pressure and heartburn; for lowering uric acid levels; for preventing pregnancy; and for increasing the strength of the muscle contractions that pump blood from the heart
