A new bio stimulant, Hicure, that is set transform the productivity and quality of the flower industry in Kenya has been introduced in the country. Hicure has been introduced by agribusiness company Syngenta.

According to Syngenta Business Manager East Africa Victor Juma, the product has been tested in greenhouses in Thika and Naivasha and proven effective in all plant types.

Juma told stakeholders in Nairobi at the weekend the product will help increase flower supply and profitability through its transformed appearance, longer life span and shorter flush periods.

"The use of Hicure to the flower plant will boost the quality and quantity of the plant in terms of increase in length of the stem, bigger buds, less flush periods and improved vaselife. This in turn will help farmers boost their supplies and project higher profits in their sales across the globe," Juma said.

He added that the launching of the product will be in line with consumer demands that involve production of less but effective chemicals covering a variety of crops.

Flower growing areas of Central Kenya and other parts will be direct beneficiaries of the product. According to Kenya Flower Council, Kenya currently accounts 20% flowers exports to Europe and Asia with major distributors in UK, Holland, Switzerland, Russia Germany and India.