Baby Blue flowers bring new income for Mbeya farmers

Mbeya. A little-known flower crop known as Baby Blue is emerging as a source of income for farmers in Mbeya, with growers saying it has a ready market and relatively low maintenance costs.

Rice, cocoa, pyrethrum and avocado are among the crops widely grown in the region. Felix Liyaniva, one of the few farmers cultivating Baby Blue in Iwindi Ward, Mbeya District, says the crop could provide another option for farmers and young people seeking income opportunities.

Mr Liyaniva says a bundle of 10 branches, weighing about one kilogramme, sells for between Sh3,000 and Sh4,000. A plant can remain productive for between 40 and 50 years, he says.

A seedling costs between Sh2,500 and Sh3,000, depending on the market, while farmers need organic fertiliser, weeding and irrigation, particularly during dry periods.

“It is not very expensive. It depends on the size of the farm. For example, I spent about Sh10 million on one acre. It requires weeding and irrigation, while organic fertiliser is needed when planting,” he says.

According to Mr Liyaniva, harvesting begins about five months after planting.

“A single seedling costs Sh2,500 and takes about five months before harvesting begins. It can remain productive for between 40 and 50 years as long as you continue harvesting,” he says.

Mr Liyaniva says the crop also has commercial uses in the manufacture of perfumes, medicines and sprays used by athletes.

“The perfumes used by women and men, medicines such as Panadol and sprays used by players on the field are made from these flowers. It is a crop that is not yet widespread, but it has benefits,” he says.

He says the market is mainly in Dar es Salaam, where buyers contact farmers when they need the produce.

“When they need the flowers, they call you. You take the produce to the agreed location, they collect it and pay you. I earn at least Sh200,000 a week,” he says.

Mr Liyaniva, a retired district commissioner, says agriculture could provide an alternative source of employment for young people, including graduates.

“President Samia is making efforts to employ young people, but agriculture is an area that should receive attention, particularly from educated young people. They can invest in it, employ themselves and create jobs for others,” he says.

He says he turned to farming and other entrepreneurial activities after retiring from public service in 2020.

“I decided not to live in the city but close to it. I invested in a small livestock project and, more importantly, in Baby Blue farming. This keeps me busy,” he says.

Mr Liyaniva served as Rorya District Commissioner in Mara Region from 2015 before later becoming Temeke District Commissioner in Dar es Salaam. He retired in 2020.

He began his career as a teacher before serving as a divisional secretary and later holding various positions within CCM.

He contested the Mbeya Rural parliamentary seat in the previous election and also sought the position of CCM Mbeya Regional Chairperson. He is among party figures being mentioned as potential candidates in the 2027 internal elections, although he has not commented publicly on his plans.