Migori farmers stop mice and birds halving seedlings with netting tunnels and traps
2 min read
By Felix Ochieng Akech
Farmers in Migori County have stopped birds and rodents halving bean seedlings with low-cost mesh tunnels and rodent traps that are saving them Sh2,000 to Sh4,000 in losses per seedbed.
In Rongo and Nyatike, the animal damage had previously been forcing multiple replantings each season. “I planted a whole bed and by morning the seedlings were gone, just little stubs left,” said Esther Auma from Opapo village. village. “It felt like someone had stolen my money.”
Damage was highest in the first two weeks after germination, when birds pecked the first leaves from the seed and rodents dug up the seeds themselves. “I once lost nearly 60 per cent of a seedbed,” said Peter Ouma from Nyatike. “I had to replant twice – I was losing both seed and time.”
The farmers started protecting the seeds after advice from local extension officers.
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“I made three small tunnels from old wire and plastic netting,” said Esther. “Before I lost half the bed. After the tunnels I lost nearly nothing.”
At Oyani Farm in Awendo, David Odeka added tunnels and also cleared the edges of his plot and put down traps. bought locally. The combination cut his seedling losses from about 55 per cent to below 8 per cent. “The first season it cost me a little to set up the tunnels and traps,” he said. “But by the second season I had paid myself back and my beds were protected. I don’t replant and waste seed anymore.”
Covering a 3-metre bed costs about Sh400 in netting and Sh900 for three reusable traps.
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