A chance to learn tried and tested practices from experts

Farmers throng the Elgon Kenya Ltd stand to get farming tips and products during a past farming clinic organised by Seeds of Gold magazine, at Kalro Horticultural Research and Training Institute in Thika. FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The first clinic was held in Thika and the second in Njoro, Nakuru, last year and farmers came from far and wide.
  • The clinics, initiated by Elgon Kenya Limited and Seeds of Gold, have brought to the fore the thirst for correct information among smallholder farmers so that they can feed the nation.
  • Farmers need to embrace innovations especially in seed development if they are to get good prices and adequate harvests.
  • And remember, this year’s search for the best farmer in the country has kicked off.

As the third Farm Clinic opens its door today in Kitale, expectations are high among farmers, with many hoping to acquire knowledge on various crops and animals.

The first clinic was held in Thika and the second in Njoro, Nakuru, last year and farmers came from far and wide.

A good number strode in with their sick, damaged or stunted plants seeking diagnosis from a team of experts.

They said they had taken good care of their plants, therefore, they didn’t understand why they were not thriving. While they arrived crestfallen, the farmers went back happy.

The clinics, initiated by Elgon Kenya Limited and Seeds of Gold, have brought to the fore the thirst for correct information among smallholder farmers so that they can feed the nation.

The Njoro clinic attracted hundreds of farmers from Makueni, Molo, Njoro, Kisumu, Machakos and Thika, where there were tens of agronomists to attend to their needs.

“I have been planting beans for the last three years and despite other farmers harvesting over 90 bags from an acre, the most I get is 15,” said Peter Mungai, a farmer from Thika.

After listening carefully, Elgon Kenya Head of Agribusiness Mahesh Sharma explained to him that he was using an old variety of seeds. He advised him to go for new varieties of seeds that take three months to mature.

“Farmers need to embrace innovations especially in seed development if they are to get good prices and adequate harvests,” said Sharma.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Today’s Farm Clinic theme is Enhancing your produce through smart technologies. Therefore, we would strive to bring to you the latest technologies to better your farming experience.

Elgon Kenya Head of Seed Production, Dr B.L Menaria, encourages farmers to engage experts before, during and after planting for best results.

“It’s an ongoing process and farmers should not only come to experts when something is wrong. They should invite experts to their farms to evaluate and analyse plants at different stages for advice.”

Menaria calls on farmers to buy certified seeds since continued usage of poor quality inputs not only affects soil fertility but also gives poor yields.

He also challenges farmers to adopt innovations in the agriculture sector if they want to better their production and fight pests and diseases easily.

And remember, this year’s search for the best farmer in the country has kicked off.

Farmers are requested to collect entry forms being distributed at Ministry of Agriculture offices in every county. The form is also published in this magazine (page 32).

The awards, which celebrate their fifth anniversary this year, are a partnership between agro-input company Elgon Kenya Ltd, Seeds of Gold and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Winners will be named in the last quarter of the year and will be rewarded by the president at the Nairobi International Trade Fair and a gala dinner with top government officials organised later.