By George Munene According to the Kenya Agricultural and Research Organisation (KALRO) with proper modalities, farmers can fetch up to Sh1.8 million annually rearing silkworms on one acre. Dubbed ‘Queen of Textiles’ as it has often been viewed as a status symbol of luxury and royalty, the demand for silk remains high. One kilogram of […]
Silkworm farming earns farmers up to Sh1.8M an acre Read More »
By George Munene “If I had 75 cows they would produce an average of 10-20 liters of milk per day, that same number of camels gives me 50-60 liters and can be milked any time of the day, unlike cows which have a fixed milking schedule” explained Haji Hussein, an Isiolo camel farmer for decades
Camels produce 3X more milk for farmers in Kenya’s Arid North Read More »
Integrated pest management practice is one of the most effective ways of controlling the invasion of the fall army worm (FAW), which is threatening food security in Kenya and Africa. The pest, which attacks more than 80 plants (food and non food) including maize, cotton, pear sorghum, rice, tomatoes, cucumber, pastures, onions, kales, spinaches, among
Sexual trapping to mitigate fall armyworm menace Read More »
With the growing population and consumption of chickens globally, these birds have become a major agribusiness venture with investments ranging from a few shillings into trillions of US dollars. Besides free range, where farmers only cater for the night security, successful formal rearing of chickens starts from the first day after a chick has been
Planned vaccination averts chicken death Read More »
Farmers, who gradually introduce new feeds to livestock, have sustained yields during and after the transition period. Instant change of feed brand for whatever reason shocks livestock like chicken, which go into production recess as a result of stress. Nakuru County farmer Mary Njeri said poultry, especially chickens, drop eggs production almost immediately after the
Why farmers should gradually introduce new feed to avoid fall in production Read More »
Poor timing and entry of middlemen in the supply chain are chopping off more than 40 per cent of the farmer’s earnings from snap peas despite the rise in prices for most agro-products. Snap peas, snow peas and French beans are among Kenya’s leading fresh produce exported to the European Union, the US and other
Proper planning doubles pea farmer incomes Read More »
Ponds fed with human urine generate food for fish faster by four days, while saving farmers at least 24kg of commercial fertiliser required after every two weeks, a new research has revealed. At least 24kg of commercial nitrogenous fertiliser is applied per acre every two weeks, according to the global agency, Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Scientists argue urine best fishond fertiliser Read More »
Organic agriculture is not only capable of generating comparable yields, but also producing more income and health benefits for farmers than conventional methods according to long-term study by the Swiss Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Kenya. The study which took ten years was conducted in Thika and Chuka sub-counties. It found that organic
Study shows organic potential in uplifting farmer income & health Read More »
Instead of waiting so long for planned agricultural events like field open days, annual Agricultural Society (ASK) shows and agricultural trade fairs, some groups of farmers now resorting to making tours to other farmers and agricultural firms and institutions for learning, exposure and experiencing different ways of farming. This quest for more practical engagements among
The value of farm visits in upping your farming game Read More »
By George Munene Staple food prices in East Africa are expected to remain above average for the remainder of 2022 due to anticipated below-average harvests; high costs of production including fuel and fertilizers cost in Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, and S.Sudan; below-average stored stocks; and localized market disruptions due to insecurity in Sudan, S.Sudan, and
Staple food prices to remain high through 2022 Read More »