Over 1,200 Farmers Trained On Better Farming Methods

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Agricultural extension services play an integral role in the promotion of Agriculture through the advancement of information on farm technology and research to farmers at the ward and village levels. As an effort to increase productivity and eradicate poverty, the Department of Agriculture led by the Chief Officer Emily Kioko in collaboration with Remington Africa Ltd organized a Farmers Field Day in Ng'arua-Kinamba to teach on various aspects of modern agriculture.

  

The field day came in handy for crop farmers who are preparing their farms for planting as they were introduced to various aspects of crop management. Starting soil analysis, use certified seeds, and use fertilizers.

  

The Kenya Seed Company advised the maize farmers on the best seeds to be planted in the area as farmers flocked to buy quality assured seeds. Getting certified seeds in the area has been a challenge.

  

The training also involved using various herbicides including preemergence herbicides, minimum tillage, and mulching which are forms of conservation agriculture.

  

On livestock and dairy farming, the farmers were intensively explained various livestock feeds and the methods of feed conservation and treatment specifically on silage making.

  

Feeding accounts for up to 70% cost of production which may rise to 90% during the dry season. It, therefore, forms a critical aspect that should be addressed.

  

Elias Njoroge, the County Livestock Marketing and value addition officer, advises farmers to preserve fodder in form of haylage and silage during seasons of plenty as well as using crop residues.

  

Currently, the majority of farmers in Laikipia West from the maize growing areas have maize stokes which can be treated with molasses and urea to improve energy and protein respectively.

  

Farmers are also advised to reduce the size of the maize stokes using mechanical methods such as chopping by means of a pulverizer. This helps in improving the intake as well as easy handling of the fodder materials.

  

The training that attracted over 1,200 farmers, had over 40 exhibitors who showcased different farm technologies and farm inputs. The county booth was one of the most frequently visited and indicated that farmers are thirsty for knowledge on how to improve their farming and increase productivity.

  

The county livestock and crops officers are available to provide farmers with practical demonstrations on how to maximize feeding during the dry season as well as methods to apply for conservation Agriculture practices.

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