The Right Product at the Right Time
Elgon Kenya Limited, Kenya’s leading one stop supplier of agro-inputs, has launched Zeba, a revolutionary starch-based, super absorbent. This was made possible with the company’s tie up with UPL, a global crop protection giant.
Zeba is classified as a SAP (super absorbent Polymer). It is made from natural corn starch grafted to form a co-polymer. The product is capable of absorbing water within its grafted matrix to over 400 times its weight.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Bimal Kantaria, Managing Director Elgon Kenya Ltd said that the product was the long waited saviour for the agriculture sector. “This product could not have been released at a better time than now when the country is facing serious drought due to the poor rains experienced”, he added.
Mr. Savesh Kumar, UPL Marketing Head Africa said, “Zeba is a unique technological product to counter the increasing drought-like situations and uncertainty of climate change. It will play a crucial role in Kenya’s dry land farming resulting to immediate impact”. He told growers that Zeba, a natural corn starch-based granule product, absorbs, retains and releases the water more than 400 times of its weight in the water.
Zeba forms hydrogel suspended around roots, hydrates, then releases water on demand, repeatedly. It is nontoxic, degradable; safe hence the final results are higher quality plants, using less water, making inputs more efficient.
Additionally, Zeba assists with soil aggregation and reduces soil particle movement. This provides an environment for Microbes, Increasing soil CEC. This results to retaining nutrients and increasing of the soil function in addition to environmental profile, leaching and runoff.
Growers who use Zeba will improve their soil’s physical qualities, water Holding Capacity and increase water use efficiency. Use of Zeba also results in improved soil aggregation, reducing soil bulk density and increased root penetration. Growers will also experience increased nutrient acquisition and use efficiency, and reduced surface capping.
Mr. Aruni Singh, a Manager with an herbs farm in Kitengela confirmed Zeba had enabled him cut down the use of water. “Kitengela is a relatively dry area and with the current drought, the situation has worsened. We have faced a serious shortage of water but eight months ago, I was introduced to Zeba, on trials, the Zeba treated section did not seem to suffer any production drop like I saw in other places. That means the availability of water kept the plant in a better shape through the heat. Zeba kept a more consistent supply of water in the root zones. I saw a larger plant structure, which tells me water was consistently available. Now it is part of my procurement budget”, he said.
“With launch of Zeba today and other more new products to be launched this year we will improve our kitty of brands, providing a complete basket to farmers at an affordable cost” said Mr. Baiju Kantaria, Sales and marketing Director, Elgon Kenya Ltd. He called on growers to take advantage and maximize their profits.
UPL Head of Business Africa, Mr. Nishant said that the company consistently strives to reap an excellent harvest of value for the farmers as its partner through implementation of sound crop protection strategies. He promised growers more interesting products with ability to meet specific needs of each crop and every region. In an interview with Floriculture Magazine, Mr. Andrew Tubei of Masai Farm said, “going by the data and testimonials presented, it is an good product that has come at the right time”. Same sentiments were echoed by Mr. Michael Gathage of Redlands Roses in Ruiru. Most of the farmers present seemed to agree with them.