Feedback: Tips on having a weed-free farm

To maintain a weed-free farming environment, it all starts with land preparation, apply a non-selective herbicide (pre-emergence) to kill off both annual and perennial weeds in the field. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • For you to maintain a weed-free environment, it all starts with land preparation. First you apply a non-selective herbicide (pre-emergence) to kill off both annual and perennial weeds in the field.
  • The exchange of ideas between agricultural stakeholders and government representatives is welcome as this will see the goal of food sufficiency and sustainability being achieved.
  • There are several institutions offering agricultural financial services, but there may be some requirements, such as having a youth group, agribusiness plan and security.

FARMING MAIZE WITHOUT WEEDING
My name is Serah from Limuru.

I would like to know how to maintain the maize crop free of weed using herbicides without any need for manual weeding.

For you to maintain a weed-free environment, it all starts with land preparation. First you apply a non-selective herbicide (pre-emergence) to kill off both annual and perennial weeds in the field.

Thereafter, you plant when the crop has emerged, some weeds might also come up, you can spray a post emergence herbicide.

Both types of chemicals are available in Kenya from different companies such as Osho, Syngenta and Twiga chemicals.

Note that for these chemicals to be effective, you need to apply them at the correct stage of weed growth and the right environmental condition, failure to which will result to excess weed growth.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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AGRICULTURE SUMMIT

What was it all about the State House Agriculture Summit that was held recently, and which President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over?

How will farmers gain from it? Please educate me.

Mbuthia Maina

The summit highlighted some key achievements in the sector in the last three years, which included increased access to government subsidised fertiliser.

As indicated, Kenya is working towards being a food secure nation, but more needs to be done in mechanising the agricultural sector, use of technology in farming as well as getting more youth to embrace agriculture.

The exchange of ideas between agricultural stakeholders and government representatives is welcome as this will see the goal of food sufficiency and sustainability being achieved.

Farmers are expected to benefit in the long run by accessing new farming technologies, improved access to subsidised inputs, high involvement of youth in government agricultural sector finances and programmes, and market access of agricultural produce.

Kiplagat James,

Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University.

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ONIONS IN COLD AREAS
I am Simon from Kinangop.

Please tell me if chives can grow in this cold and windy area? Also, do we have onion varieties for cold areas?

A farmer attends to his onion crops. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Chives are cool-season and cold-tolerant perennials. They have the same requirements as those of onions. However, the agro-ecological requirements for onions are altitude of 500-2,000m above sea level, rainfall of 500-700mm per year and temperatures of 15-30oC.

The soils should be well-drained and fertile with good water-holding capacity and a pH of 6.0-7.0. Currently, there are no onion varieties that are tolerant to cold or frost.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,

Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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BROWN PINEAPPLES
My pineapples are turning brownish.

What could be the problem and can it be controlled?

Micheni Martin

This is a general symptom of a number of diseases or even pest infestation. Please, elaborate more on other symptoms so that we can be able to diagnose the problem correctly and give the correct treatment schedule.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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PREPARING A VEGETABLE FARM
I have a small tea farm in Kimorori, near Limuru in Kiambu County. 

I want to convert it to a horticulture farm that produces fresh vegetables such as tomatoes and capsicums. What general steps do I need to take to successfully prepare the soil for horticulture?

Njoroge

A farmer and his employee in a thriving vegetable garden. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Generally, tea growing zones have acidic soils, thus, the first step is to do a soil fertility test.

This test will enable you to carry out proper soil amendments because you will know the amounts of agricultural lime you need to apply and fertilisers you need to use to attain maximum yield.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,
Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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ORGANIC FARMING TIPS
I am an aspiring organic farmer and would wish to have information, articles and or links to useful organisations dealing with the subject.

I would really appreciate your assistance in getting the necessary information or articles.

Tom Gard

There is an organisation for organic farmers known as Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN). It is an umbrella body that oversees the activities of producers (farmers), organic certification and marketing.

For information, there is normally a magazine/bulletin known as The Organic Farmer.

You can also visit organic Consumer Alliance Kenya website http://www.organicconsumers.co.ke/.

Furthermore, you can visit Egerton University for one-on-one interaction with organic agriculture experts in the Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,

Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.

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AGRI-LOANS FOR THE YOUTH
Kindly guide me on institutions or corporations offering financial support to youths doing agribusiness? 
Miano

There are several institutions offering agricultural financial services, but there may be some requirements, such as having a youth group, agribusiness plan and security.

If you are set for the venture, kindly visit the following institutions; Youth Enterprise Development Fund in the Ministry of Public Service, Uwezo Fund in the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, Agricultural Finance Corporation, saccos, banks and microfinance organisations.

Kiplagat James,
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Egerton University.

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I WANT TO GROW SOYA
I am interested in soya and I want to farm in Kandisi, Ongata Rongai.

What other crop can I plant that makes money without irrigation?

Elizabeth Manyeki

Many crops can be grown during the rainy season, for example herbs such chives, rosemary and garlic among others; cereals such as millet, sorghum and Katumani maize variety and legumes such as chickpea, cowpeas, groundnuts, pigeon pea, beans and green grams.

Vegetables such as spinach, spider plant, slenderleaf, blacknight shade and leafy amaranth also do well.

Muriuki Ruth Wangari,

Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University.