Sustainability

Committed to better water usage for sustainability

Committed to practices to control climate change

Limiting Water Usage

Irrigated agriculture plays a crucial role in fulfilling the nation’s requirements for food production. By employing effective irrigation systems and adopting responsible water management practices, we safeguard our groundwater reserves and ensure the economic viability of farms. As we recognize the inherent value of our water supply and its natural replenishment process, we prioritize the conservation of this vital resource. Consequently, we have made substantial investments to optimize our water usage, ensuring that we utilize only the necessary amount required by our crops.

Custom Irrigation: Our irrigation practices are built on a continuous analysis of weather and soil data to ensure that we irrigate every field based on its needs. Our farmers can predict water needs and adjust irrigation measures after soil sampling and analyzing current and historical weather conditions.
Efficient Equipment: Our utilization of precise center-pivot irrigation systems minimizes water loss as a result of over-watering or evaporation. This system employs low-pressure nozzles to conserve energy and water. Our irrigators undergo regular maintenance to ensure that they operate at peak efficiency. They are also monitored 24/7 to fix any issues that may arise such as breaks or blockages.

Climate Change

With the ongoing climate fluctuations, farmers must consistently adjust their practices with each growing season. They play a dual role as contributors to and participants in addressing climate change. Jora Agro LTD recognizes its responsibility and actively engages in addressing climate change through a range of initiatives

Cover crops: Implementing sustainable farming methods offers a means to alleviate the impact of climate change by harnessing the capacity of soil and plants to serve as natural carbon reservoirs. An instrumental approach employed by Jora Agro LTD in combating climate change involves the cultivation of cover crops. These crops are cultivated primarily to enhance soil health, rather than for commercial purposes. Cover crops play a pivotal role in maintaining soil vitality by reducing erosion and promoting water retention. Moreover, they effectively capture carbon from the atmosphere, acting as carbon sinks. As per the Kenya National Agriculture Soil Management Policy, cultivating cover crops is equivalent to removing a car from the road. By integrating cover crops into farming practices, Jora Agro can proactively contribute to addressing climate change.
Reforestation: According to the Kenya Forest Service, reforestation is a significant avenue for carbon sequestration with mature trees capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. We have a community and school program that involves the planting of trees, with a target on the number of trees to plant annually. When grown, the trees serve not only as carbon capture agents, but also as effective measures against soil erosion by slowing down the impact of rain and wind. By prioritizing reforestation efforts and responsible land management, we actively contribute to carbon storage and conservation while safeguarding the integrity of our natural landscapes.
Effective tillage practices: At Jora Agro LTD, this strategic approach minimizes overlap, eliminates unnecessary tillage, and reduces fuel consumption. Moreover, we employ a tailored approach to tillage based on soil type, ensuring that we meet the specific requirements of our customers while optimizing resource utilization. Through these practices, we aim to strike a balance between productivity and sustainability, streamlining our operations and minimizing our ecological footprint.
Energy-efficient farm equipment and facilities: to ensure optimal operational efficiency, we have undertaken various initiatives to conserve energy. Our approach includes the use of low-emission tractors specifically designed to minimize fuel consumption. Additionally, we are also planning to successfully transition from diesel-generated irrigators to electric irrigators in all our operations. At Jora Agro LTD, we believe that this transition will result in a significant reduction in horsepower requirements, effectively decreasing energy usage. Beyond our field operations, we maintain our crop storage facilities with energy-efficient LED lighting. Compared to traditional incandescent lighting, LED lighting offers a remarkable improvement in energy efficiency and longevity. By implementing these energy conservation measures, we strive to optimize our operations while minimizing our environmental impact.

Accountability

Our operations have persistently surpassed industry benchmarks to gain recognition for exemplary sustainable practices. We remain steadfast in our dedication to explore and implement innovative approaches towards sustainability. This entails active engagement in new agricultural programs and embracing best management practices.

- Jora Agro LTD employs nitrogen best management practices
- IPMP (Integrated Pest Management Plan) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management in Kenya that relies on uptodate, evidence-based and comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and how they interact with the environment. Jora Agro LTD consistently integrates IPMP practices into its operations using modern methods of application and equipment while minimizing potential of causing possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

Investing in Soil Health

Optimal soil health is essential for healthy plants, a robust food supply, and a sustainable planet. At Jora Agro LTD, we are dedicated to adopting farming methods that prioritize the maintenance and enhancement of soil health. Our commitment to this goal drives us to employ a range of practices that boost efficiency, promote environmental friendliness, and higher yields.

Crop rotation: Recognized as an exemplary technique in agriculture to enhance soil health, crop rotation brings about supplementary advantages. Jora Agro LTD, in collaboration with farmers in the community and other agricultural enterprises, has been implementing a system of alternating crops on a yearly basis. By extending the average rotation period for growing a crop to once every year, we have experienced higher yields, which, in turn, has enabled us to reduce the overall acreage cultivated each year.
Responsible use of crop protectants: the diverse soil composition, weather patterns, and various factors require customized strategies for optimal and sustainable farming. We believe in adopting a field-specific approach to farming, tailoring our practices to meet the unique requirements of each crop. By utilizing advanced soil sampling techniques and leveraging on available data, we apply adequate input. Our commitment to long rotation cycles contributes to the overall health of our fields, resulting in reduced input requirements. At Jora Agro LTD, we strictly adhere to the regulatory guidelines set by the Agricultural Act as well as the environmental protection standards established by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).
Utilization of organic fertilizer: Utilizing natural fertilizer not only enriches the soil with organic matter but also promotes water retention. At Jora Agro LTD, we been utilizing goat, cow, and chicken manure as organic fertilizer. In recent years, we have more than doubled our use of locally sourced animal and chicken manure.

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