By Kelvin Allan They have high productivity compared to other staple food crops like maize. The current average yield for sweet potato in Western Kenya is 7t/ha. Kenya is one of the largest, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) producers in sub–Saharan Africa with an output of approximately 650, Reasons/ Importance of sweet potato cultivationSweet […]
Why venture into sweet potato production Read More »
By David Njenga CULTIVATING FORAGE CROPS on the farm is a cost-effective approach for feeding dairy cattle as feeding cost constitutes about 70-80% of the cost of production. There are different varieties of fodder crops and this article focuses on grasses that farmers can grow highlighting optimal conditions, planting procedures, and management practices. The first
Forage grasses to grow for your dairy cattle Read More »
“Cassava is one of the resilient staple crops that plays a vital role in ensuring food security and nutrition, while at the same time providing by-products for animal feed and bioenergy” By Elias Biwott AS CHALLENGES OF harsh climatic conditions characterized by erratic rainfall increase, farmers are gradually embracing farming of resilient and sustainable crops.
Cassava: A Beacon of Hope That Can Turn Catastrophic Read More »
“As a farmer ensure you get quality vaccinated day old chicks from reputable farmer or well established hatchery” By Vivian Machanury RAISING DAY OLD chicks is a challenge to many farmers. Day old chicks are very delicate and require utmost care for them to survive. As a farmer ensure you get quality vaccinated day-old chicks
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By Pamela Otieno VEGETABLE PRESERVATION BLANCHING IS A process of scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam from boiling water for a short time, after which they are immersed in cold water to stop further cooking. Blanching inactivates enzymes which cause loss of flavour, colour and texture. To cool them off, rinse under cold running
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By Miriam Makato POULTRY FARMING HAS gained popularity in Kenya due to the ease in management and fast returns, as compared to other livestock enterprises such as dairy cattle keeping. However, this sector has faced a major challenge-an increase in feed prices, which has caused small scale farmers to reduce the number of birds kept
Farmer Supplements Poultry Feed And Earns Some Income From Azolla Farming Read More »
By Keziah Otieno In the sun-scorched area of Machakos County’s Mbuuni, where the earth often seems reluctant to yield, Jackson Chalo has orchestrated a remarkable agricultural journey. His journey into pawpaw farming, particularly with the resilient Malkia variety, is not just a tale of cultivation but a testament to perseverance, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment
Nurturing Nature’s Gold: Jackson Chalo’s Journey in Malkia Pawpaw Farming Read More »
By David Njenga Fodder legumes play an important role in the smallholder farmers’ dairy farming system as they improve soil fertility through Nitrogen fixation and have high Crude Protein (CP) in leaves and foliage and they can replace commercial supplements. Crude Protein range for legumes is 15-35%, compared to grasses whose CP ranges between 5
Top Fodder Legumes for Boosting Dairy Cattle Productivity Read More »
There are various agricultural residues that are produced in both small- and large-scale farms. In Kenya, most of the farm left overs includes; rice straw, rice husks, maize copes (corn stover) and wheat straws. The residues in many farms are used as fodder for animals, landfill or others will end up being burnt during land
RESIDUE RETENTION: ENRICHING YOUR SOIL FOR THE NEXT PLANTING SEASON Read More »
Here comes the harvesting season, when farmers are expected to reap from their hard work. Despite extreme weather in previous seasons, we are optimistic of good yields. This edition focuses on harvesting and storage techniques for staple foods such as maize and vegetables. We highlight good practice in harvesting maize, new technologies that make threshing
TOF Magazine Issue 221 August- September 2024 Edition Read More »