January 2020

hass avocado variety

Hass avocados earn twofold as compared to other varieties

Hass avocado farmers in Kenya can earn over two times as compared to their peers growing other varieties such as feurte, keitt, and pinkerton among others due to the variety’s high demand in the international market. Data from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) indicates that, in 2018-2019 financial year, the country exported around 80,000 …

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sesame

South Africa importer buying tonnes of sesame (simsim) seeds from Kenyan growers

Farmers producing sesame seeds, locally known as simsim now have chance to sell the oil-rich seeds to a South African firm,  Protech Consulting Limited which is seeking to buy and import 40 tonnes  per month from Kenya to meet growing demand in the country. According to Bryan Kwena, the company’s Business Development Manager (East Africa), …

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pesticide on maize

Move to ban pesticides being used to curb locusts and Fall Army Worn will lead to crop devastation, warn growers

Agricultural and industry organisations have today called on the government of Kenya to intervene to secure due process in the country’s pesticide regulation, amid warnings that a current initiative by four NGOs could wipe out the country’s food production within months. A move to secure a ban by parliament of 262 pesticides approved for use …

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Aeroponic seed potato production

NYS Tumaini base producing clean potato seeds for farmers using new technology

National Youth Service (NYS) at its offices in Tumaini, Nyandarua County is employing new technology in producing clean potato seeds for farmers in a bid to curb the rising shortage of the planting materials. According to National Potato Council of Kenya’s (NPCK) Research and Development Officer, Henry Kemjo, there is a potato seed demand of …

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Prof. Abukutsa tends to sagaa at a demostration farm at JKUAT 300x262

JKUAT selling nine varieties of indigenous vegetables released by KEPHIS

Consumers and producers of African indigenous vegetables in Kenya and beyond can access quality seeds of the vegetables from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) which is selling up to nine varieties since their release by Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) in 2016. Some of the licenced vegetables include Night shade (Managu), …

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farmer preparing sunken nursery bed

Sunken beds reduce frost losses, irrigation costs

Farmers living in frost-prone areas can reduce losses due to dehydration by growing susceptible crops in sunken seedbeds, whose soil is warmer than the surface. Apart from reducing the amount of water required for irrigation, the sunken seedbeds also help in protecting crops such as peas, beans, dolichos, French beans among, others against harsh weather. …

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black tea farm

Tea farmers set to enjoy 50 per cent payments on monthly deliveries

Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has promised to pay farmers no less than 50 per cent of their deliveries as monthly payments with the balance being paid out as annual bonuses something which will see the producers, mainly small scale, increase their annual income. This follows Tuesday directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta which will see …

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