December 2020

download 11

Kenya’s potato council increases multiplication centers to meet acute shortage

By George Munene Kenya’s potato seed production stands at just 6,700 tonnes against a yearly demand of 30,000 tonnes, making most farmers opt to recycle the previous year’s harvest as seed. In an effort to avail more certified potato seeds to farmers, the National Potato Council of Kenya is increasing potato multiplication centers across the …

Kenya’s potato council increases multiplication centers to meet acute shortage Read More »

Eo4VOWlWEAA54qK

Njiru start-up training and buying back mushrooms from farmers

By George Munene Affluent Farmers, a Njiru-based agriculture start-up is training farmers and buying back their mushrooms as well as giving them access to mushroom markets. Mushroom farming has risen in popularity because of its low starting up costs and requiring very little space to setup, the fungi is also a high-value crop with a …

Njiru start-up training and buying back mushrooms from farmers Read More »

IMG 20190211 WA0009

Kakamega farmer raises yields 30% with homemade EMAS solution

By George MuneneRita Nangira, a mixed farmer at Mureko, Kakamega County has improved plant growth by over 30 per cent using effective microorganisms (EM) and effective microorganism activated solution (EMAS). EM is affordable to farmers with one liter of costing just Sh350-375 in agrovets and capable of being utilised on 30 hectares of farmland. EMAS …

Kakamega farmer raises yields 30% with homemade EMAS solution Read More »

2 Figure2 1

ICIPE releases wasp to control Tuta Absoluta pest that causes 100% tomato damage

By George Munene The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has released a parasitic wasp in Kirinyaga County—Kenya’s largest producer of tomatoes—that promises to rid farmers of the tomato leafminer pest that causes up to 100 per cent in yield losses if unchecked. More than any other tomato pest, Tuta absoluta, dubbed “tomato …

ICIPE releases wasp to control Tuta Absoluta pest that causes 100% tomato damage Read More »

17314899 colorful fruits and vegetables colorfully arranged at a local fruit and vegetable market in nairobi

Farmers to earn more as agri-commodity prices increase into new year

By George MuneneAccording to agricultural commodity watchers, onions, tomatoes, potato and cabbage farmers are scheduled to benefit from surging prices in the coming weeks and months. This year has seen the best of times as it has the worst of times for Kenyan farmers. Agricultural produce prices have been driven by unaccounted for wrinkles; Covid-19 …

Farmers to earn more as agri-commodity prices increase into new year Read More »