From October 9 to November 9, 2025, the Complex Food Agro team conducted the first large-scale field trials of EcoRic, a microbiological product developed exclusively using the non-GMO Bacillus subtilis BR-1256 strain and designed to improve crop health and yields, across Kenyan counties. More than 800 farms from 17 counties participated in the trial, supported by 27 trained field specialists. After a month of testing, the results were clear and consistent: healthier crops, greater disease resistance, and yield increases of 35 to 120% depending on the crop.
EcoRic trials were conducted in various agricultural counties, including Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Kisumu, Narok, Meru, Nakuru, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Vihiga, Bomet, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kitui West, Naivasha, and Embu. A broad geographic coverage allowed Complex Food Agro to test EcoRic across a variety of soil types, rainfall patterns, and temperature zones, providing a robust assessment of its effectiveness in Kenya's major agricultural regions.
Trials were conducted on a wide range of crops in the test districts, including maize, beans, young and mature tea, tea shoots, roses, onions, potatoes, avocados, beets, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, coffee, garlic, and even vegetable seeds soaked in EcoRic solution before planting.
Farmers primarily used 10-liter backpack sprayers, applying the EcoRic solution to a designated crop plot three times, at 10-12 day intervals. Each stage was monitored by Complex Food Agro specialists to ensure consistency in spray solution preparation, dosage, and application. During the trial period, the Complex Food Agro team closely monitored plant growth, leaf condition, root development, and apparent resistance to fungal infections.
Data collected in all participating counties revealed clear benefits of EcoRic:
- Seed germination: up to 98%, faster and stronger early development
- Visibly greener and denser leaves with a significant reduction in fungal spots
- Clean, fungal-free new leaves after the second and third sprays
- Increased yield: on average, up to 50% compared to untreated plots
- Reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers and fungicides, helping farmers significantly reduce production costs
Farmers consistently noted significant improvements in appearance, vigor, and disease resistance with minimal effort and complete safety for farmers using the product.
Bacillus subtilis BR-1256 belongs to a group of safe bacteria that naturally occur on plant surfaces and in soil. It is safe for human contact and inhalation, but standard hygiene practices (such as hand washing after application) are recommended.
The success of the October 2025 trials validates Complex Food Agro's mission to promote sustainable, results-oriented agricultural solutions in Kenya. EcoRic has proven itself to be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to systemic fungicides and mineral fertilizers, increasing productivity while reducing chemical use.
Following these positive results, Complex Food Agro plans to expand the trials to other counties and conduct more detailed monitoring over multiple crop growing seasons to track long-term benefits for soil, yield, and the environment.