In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly solutions are increasingly vital to the agricultural industry, Juanco SPS Ltd. is at the forefront of providing innovative agrochemical products that cater to a wide range of farming needs.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Juanco SPS Ltd. has grown into a key player in the region, specializing in both synthetic and organic agrochemicals. Their goal? To offer solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally conscious, ensuring both crop health and consumer safety.
We sat down with Daniel Munyao, a representative from Juanco SPS Ltd., to discuss the company’s operations, their dedication to sustainability, and how they’re helping farmers across East Africa thrive.
A Comprehensive Range of Agrochemicals
Juanco SPS Ltd. provides a diverse range of agrochemical solutions, from synthetics to organics, making sure their products serve the various needs of farmers. However, the company prides itself on its focus on organic products.
“We are primarily focused on organic chemicals, which are made from locally available natural materials such as pyrethrin, garlic, and neem,” explains Daniel. “These products are safe for the environment, the crops, and even for human use, provided proper protective equipment is worn.”
Organic chemicals from Juanco have zero pre-harvest interval (PHI), meaning they do not leave harmful residues on crops or pose risks to consumers. “Our organic products are not only effective but also harmless to the soil and water systems around farms. It’s part of our mission to promote healthier and more sustainable farming practices,” Daniel emphasizes.
Supporting Farmers Through Free Trials and Personalized Follow-Up
One of the standout services that Juanco SPS Ltd. offers is their commitment to helping farmers try their products before making a purchase. Daniel explains, “For new customers, particularly flower farms, we offer free trials on their farms. We introduce our products whether insecticides, fungicides, or other agrochemicals and we monitor their effectiveness over a period of one to three months.”
This trial period allows farmers to see firsthand how Juanco’s products perform in real-world conditions. What’s more, Juanco staff accompany the farmers during the trial to ensure proper application and offer guidance.
“We come in person to demonstrate how the product should be used. We compare treated crops with untreated ones, so farmers can see the tangible benefits,” Daniel adds. This hands-on approach, coupled with an unbiased report of the results, helps build trust and long-term relationships with customers.
Once the trial period is over and farmers are satisfied with the results, Juanco offers favourable prices and a repayment plan. This flexible arrangement ensures that farmers can use and benefit from the products before making full payment—an invaluable support system for farmers who rely on the seasonal sale of their crops.
Serving Farmers Across All Scales and Sectors
Juanco SPS Ltd. caters to a diverse array of clients, from small-scale subsistence farmers to large commercial operations. “We don’t discriminate,” Daniel states. “Whether you’re growing avocados, flowers, herbs, or vegetables, we are here to help.”
For small-scale farmers, Juanco offers site visits where their agronomists assess the farm, identify challenges, and provide expert advice on how to resolve issues using Juanco products. Additionally, Juanco doesn’t just sell its products, they also help apply them. “We’ll visit your farm, observe your needs, and apply the product with you so that you can learn how to use it on your own in the future,” Daniel explains.
This commitment to personalized service is extended to larger operations, including flower farms and even coffee cooperatives. Juanco SPS Ltd. truly embodies the idea of an “all-ground company,” delivering value across East Africa, from Uganda to Tanzania, with plans to expand into South Sudan in the near future.
Addressing Environmental Concerns with Organic Solutions
Environmental conservation is at the heart of Juanco SPS Ltd.’s operations. With agriculture heavily dependent on chemicals to manage pests, diseases, and weeds, the impact on soil health and water quality is a growing concern. Juanco addresses this issue by prioritizing organic chemicals made from natural ingredients, ensuring that their products are safe for the environment.
“Our organic products are made from things we use every day—like garlic and neem,” Daniel shares. “They’re harmless to the soil, the crops, and even to human beings. We use nature to treat nature.”
While Juanco SPS Ltd. does offer a small percentage of synthetic chemicals, these are used only when absolutely necessary, and always with an eye toward safety and sustainability. “90% of our products are organic. We aim to eventually phase out synthetic chemicals as we continue developing organic solutions that are equally effective,” Daniel says.
Safety and Education: Prioritizing Farmer Health
Juanco SPS Ltd. takes farmer education seriously, especially when it comes to the safe handling of chemicals. “Your health is our concern,” Daniel says. “We prioritize educating farmers on how to safely wear protective gear, prepare knapsacks, and properly dispose of chemical containers.”
By ensuring that farmers understand the importance of safety, Juanco helps protect not just crops, but the farmers themselves. Their goal is to ensure that every product they sell is used in a way that benefits both the user and the environment.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Juanco SPS Ltd.
With a firm footing in Kenya and branches in Uganda and Tanzania, Juanco SPS Ltd. is well-positioned to expand its influence in the East African agricultural market. “Our headquarters are in Nairobi, but we’re growing across East Africa,” Daniel notes. “In the future, we hope to go international.”
Juanco is also looking into expanding its product range, particularly in the area of animal health, with plans to introduce acaricides for controlling ticks and fleas. “By next year, we hope to have our animal health products on the market,” Daniel reveals.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, with farmers increasingly adopting mechanization and green farming practices, Juanco SPS Ltd. is keeping pace. While they currently focus on traditional spraying equipment, the company is open to exploring new technologies such as drones in the future.