Mr. Timothy Munywoki A multi-skilled Agronomist
Who is Timothy Munywoki?
Am a multi-skilled agronomist with vast knowledge in general crop husbandry with a key focus on crop pests, disease diagnosis, product development, strategy management, marketing and Product development.
Why did you choose to be an agronomist?
I come from dry area and when I was a young boy I used to have a small kitchen garden which I had like 10 stems of kales. I used to apply farmyard manure and I would use like 5 litres per day to irrigate. To my surprise, at times the whole family would rely on my kitchen garden for food. From there I developed strong interest towards farming…
What would you point out as your strongest attribute that has made you succeed?
Am persistent, aggressive and hardworking. All this combined has contributed to my success.
In your experience, discuss some of the challenges cereal growers are facing?
There are several challenges that cereal farmers face. However, the major ones are climate change. Last year many farmers encountered losses due to insufficient rains. Rains patterns have changed although we anticipate this year to be a good year . Maize farmers are having challenges to control Fall Army Worms because the FAW products are above board in terms of costs. Controlling brome grass in cereal farms has since remained a challenge.
What do you think is the role of the agrochemical sector to the development of the Cereal Sector?
Agrochemical sector is a back bone in Cereal sector. In modern times, crops are being threatened by pests. Farmers cannot produce quality and good yields if they don’t use chemicals. Again chemicals like Herbicides make it possible for the farmers to save the costs of weeds control which would have been a big challenge for farmers with big junks of land.
What are some of the things Amiran has contributed to the Cereal sector?
Amiran is a regional leader in not only selling inputs for farmers but also offering solutions to farmers. We have partnered with farmers to offer them extra services like agronomic support and trainings to equip them with knowledge hence our motto Our Knowledge Your Success.
Growing up, who was your inspiration/idol?
Martin Luther King Junior
As one of the major influencers in Kenya’s cereal sector, how are you unique from the others?
Our approach is different. We position ourselves as solution providers. We are actively involved in Research to make sure we raise above threats that affect Cereal industry.
Describe your ordinary day? Do you have enough personal time?
My day starts at 4:30 am. I work out for 30 minutes…Take shower, breakfast and hit the road by 6 a.m to visit clients. My day ends by 5:30 p.m
What legacy do you want to leave behind in the cereal sector?
I would like to leave behind a happy farmer. A farmer who will have access to quality products which are affordable. A cereal farmer whose market for cereals is not threatened by illegal importation.
Give your final comments
We need to bring all the stake holders onboard to see how cereal farmers can be assisted through either subsidy of inputs and securing markets for their produce. The governments need to regulate importation of cereals so as a local farmer can benefit from the farming venture.