Agrimedic launches Plantos Verde in Kenya as KALRO, TARI deepen agricultural collaboration
“This is not simply the launch of another agricultural product. It is the beginning of a conversation about how we can help our farmers produce more, sustainably, efficiently and profitably.”
That was the message from Agrimedic East Africa Executive Chairperson Ian Amani Jefwaas he officially launched Plantos Verde in Kenya today at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Headquarters in Kabete, Nairobi. The launch brought together senior government officials, researchers, scientists, agribusiness leaders, farmers, development partners and agricultural stakeholders from Kenya and across the region, including associates from Tanzania’s Agricultural Research Institute (TARI).
The event also provided a platform for strengthening agricultural research cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania, with TARI Director General Dr. Thomas N. Bwana attending the launch. Dr. Bwana said he was looking forward to closer collaboration between TARI and KALRO, particularly in working on agricultural products and technologies that can benefit farmers in Tanzania. He highlighted grapes, potatoes and other crops as areas where the two institutions could potentially work together, sharing research, technologies and expertise to address common agricultural challenges. The presence of the Tanzanian delegation added a regional dimension to the launch, highlighting the potential for agricultural research institutions in East Africa to collaborate more closely in developing technologies and solutions for farmers.
Plantos Verde launched in Kenya
The event marked the formal introduction of Plantos Verdeinto the Kenyan market by Agrimedic East Africa, which is the product’s regional distribution partner. According to Jefwa, Plantos Verde is a natural, mineral-based plant growth activator formulated from micronised calcium carbonate together with 15 additional minerals and processed using patented tribomechanical activation technology (TMA).
The product is applied as a foliar spray and is designed to complement conventional agricultural practices by supporting plant growth and improving the efficiency with which plants utilise available resources. The company says the technology is intended to support physiological processes, photosynthesis, plant structure, biomass development and plant resilience, with potential benefits including improved crop quality and yield. Jefwa, however, emphasised the importance of scientific evidence in determining the value of agricultural technologies.
“Farmers should not be asked to believe in technology simply because somebody markets it well. Agriculture must be driven by evidence.”
KALRO validation presented
A key part of today’s launch was the presentation of KALRO’s efficacy and validation workon Plantos Verde. The trials involved several crops, including Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, barley, lemons and avocados, with KALRO’sKabete Food Crops Research Instituteinvolved in the technical assessment and testing. The findings provided researchers, farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the technology and its potential application under local agricultural conditions.
Agrimedic said the technology has shown potential to improve nutrient-use efficiency and reduce dependence on synthetic fertiliser, while noting that results depend on the crop, soil, agronomic conditions and application practices. The company also positioned the technology within the growing need for climate-resilient agriculture as farmers contend with drought, flooding and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Focus on sustainable farming
Sustainability was another major theme during the launch, with Agrimedic highlighting the potential of mineral-based technology to support agricultural productivity while reducing pressure on natural resources. According to the company, Plantos Verde carries FiBL Switzerland and ECOCERT certifications, supporting its alignment with recognised organic standards.
Jefwa said agricultural innovation must ultimately deliver value to farmers by helping them improve production efficiency, manage input costs and increase the profitability of their farms. Agrimedic East Africa said its regional distribution network will cover Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.
Guests plant memorial trees
The successful event concluded with guests participating in the planting of memorial trees at KALRO Headquarters.The tree planting provided an environmental close to the launch, reinforcing the event’s broader message on sustainable agriculture and the responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations.
The day’s gathering therefore brought together agricultural technology, research, private-sector investment and regional cooperation, with the participation of KALRO and TARI pointing to opportunities for greater collaboration on crops and technologies of importance to East African agriculture.
