Hannah Wangemi from Trans Nzoia knows that she cant count on the weatherman’s word as she has been frustrated before. Instead the mother of one who specializes in horticulture farming is determined to keep her produce growing by making use of modern agricultural technology. She is among thousands of farmers who are learning new tricks […]
Trans Nzoia farmer beats unreliable rains with smart farming Read More »
AgroPad: A set of circles on the back of the card provide colorimetric test results; the color of each circle represents the amount of a particular chemical in the sample. Small scale farmers can monitor the health of their soil and water using an AgroPad prototype which is a paper device about the size of
Paper device to revolutionise soil and water testing Read More »
The preparation time for a tonne of manure from organic matter has been cut in half by a biocatalyst that speeds up the breakdown process for farmers who are keen to use the manure in crop production. Wycliffe Kauso of EM Technologie Limited said hastening the conversion process saves farmers time, which is a key
Composter doubles manure ‘ripening’ time Read More »
By George Munene Developed over three years by trained economist and Nairobi’s Marikiti trader Joshua Mamwaka, the Marikiti Group Market Guide is a must-have handbook that will help farmers to navigate the ever-dynamic produce markets by predicting future prices for most crops in Kenya, from vegetables, cereals, pulses, tuber crops and fruits enabling you to
Marikiti trader develops Jan-Dec market guide to steer you to farming success Read More »
By George Munene In Kitui’s Mwingi West constituency, young farmer George Mutemi’s investment in irrigated agriculture has enabled him to invest in high-value crops that rake in millions, giving a new face to a region often associated with chronic water shortage and perennial drought. With the county being dry year-round and most growers relying
Young Kitui farmer proves they’re millions in arid vegetable farming Read More »
By George Munene Soil testing is the first step toward improving yields and profitability as it gives valuable information that enables farmers provide the necessary nutrients for crops improving agricultural productivity. A soil test is however only as good as the sample you take is representative of your land. Hence it is very important to conduct
How to sample your soil for soil testing Read More »
By George Munene JKUAT’s EU-Funded Food Fortification Project has received a small-scale dosifier unit from Sanku to enhance its effort in training small-scale millers on fortification. Over 243 million Africans are undernourished, largely because of a starchy diet lacking vitamins and minerals. Local millers produce over 90 per cent of most maize flour consumed by
JKUAT receives flour fortification machine for training small-scale millers Read More »
By George Munene 40 years of real-world practices and rigorous scientific analysis by America’s Rodale Institute–a non-profit that supports research into organic farming methods– has shown that in drought/extreme weather, organic farming has 30 per cent higher yields than conventional farming. “Regenerative organic farming builds healthy soil through enhancing soil organic carbon,” said Rodale Institute
Organic farming yields 30% more in extreme weather research shows Read More »
By George Munene The Kenyan government will be embarking on nationwide farmer registration which will enable better delivery of services such as subsidised fertiliser and seed to authenticated farmers. The month-long exercise is expected to commence before the disbursement of subsidised fertiliser ahead of the long rains season. Speaking yesterday, January 4, 2023, at the
State initiates nationwide farmer registration to deliver subsidised fertiliser & seed Read More »
By George Munene Unica Red-skinned Shallow eyes (bumps where potatoes start to grow) Creams flesh Long tubers Diseases: Susceptible to late blight Domancy (Time taken for tuber to sprout): 2-3 Maturity: Early (3 months) Ideal for chips & crisps Rich in Vitamin C, Iron & Zinc Yield: 40-45 tons/ha Areas to be grown: Lowlands and
Potato varieties in Kenya and their characteristics Read More »