All you want to know, from best goat breeds to stevia and water harvesting

A farmer with his goats and sheep in Uasin Gishu. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • Depending on weather conditions, tomatoes require 0.14-1.80 litres of water per day
  • The main species of wheat grown in the country is the Durum variety

THE BEST GOAT BREED

I live at the coast, where I rear goats for sale, but the current herd I have is composed of Small East Africa breed. Unfortunately, the breed is not viable.

I am interested in improving the herd by breeding my ewes with both Savanna and Boer breeds. This will improve slaughter weight time for commercial viability.

I would greatly appreciate contacts for purchasing good goats of the Savanna and Boer breeds, and hopefully of Kalahari Red too. My interest is in both bucks and ewes.

George

To operate a profitable goat enterprise, you will need goats with high growth rate for early maturity. The Savannah, Kalahari Red and Boer goats were bred in South Africa, but can now be found in other parts of the world.

The first two breeds are yet to be introduced in Kenya for commercial purposes, but the Boer goat breed can be found in some ranches and farms, though pure breeds are rare in the country.

The majority of what you will get are cross breeds. You will need to import the breeds from South Africa if you must have pure Boer goats, for instance. I want to recommend that you think of the Galla goats.

This breed is Kenyan and has proved to be viable for meat production. With good selection, you can get bucks that will improve the small East African Goats. You may also buy some does from the ranches in Laikipia.

Musyoka Duncan Mbai, Animal Science Department, Egerton University

ERRATIC RAINS

I have two acres at Lukenya. For two years, I have been trying to do farming with no success because of the change of climate. It only rains for two months and stops before the food is ready and the farmers get losses.

I want to venture into farming. I like farming. What can I plant and get good yields without losses?

Christabel

Reliance on rainfall in marginal areas can lead to huge economic losses in crop production. Your major limiting factor here appears to be a source of reliable water for your crop production system.

You need to explore other possibilities of reliable water supply such as a borehole, piped water or rain harvesting. You will be able to grow a wide range of crops in an irrigated system.

If water harvesting or irrigation are not options for you, you will have to grow fast-maturing, drought-tolerant varieties of crops like chickpea, finger millet and pearl millet, among others, depending on your preference and nature of your soil.

These varieties are available from institutions like Kari, universities and other government and private suppliers.

John Nganga, Crops, Horticulture and Soils Department, Egerton University

PESTS HAVE ATTACKED MY WATERMELONS

Hi, I have planted melons, but when they produce fruits, they get small black patches and a hole, which harbours some small black insects like beetles. What is the problem?

Farmer

Most species of beetles in squash are beneficial insects (natural enemies) that feed on other dangerous insects like aphids.

However, there are other destructive beetles in cucurbits such as pumpkin and squash beetles. It is important to do proper diagnosis of the pest problem in any field before giving recommendations.

I advise that you bring to our experts in the Crops Department at Egerton the samples of the pest and pest damage for examination. The experts may also decide to visit your farm to give proper diagnosis and treatment.

You may also bring photographs taken with a high resolution camera to help our experts identify your pest problem.

John Nganga, Crops, Horticulture and Soils Department, Egerton University

HARVESTING WATER

Our home in Awasi, Nyando (Kisumu County) is dry, and there is no natural water source nearby. I want to venture into greenhouse farming.

Do you think I can harvest enough water (I was thinking of harvesting the water and storing it in a dam-like place lined with polythene to prevent water loss) to grow tomato for one season? I can’t afford a borehole. How much water is needed to grow tomatoes in a greenhouse?

Elly Andy

Depending on weather conditions, tomatoes require 0.14-1.80 litres of water per day, a feel of soil wetness and general observation of the tomato plant may guide you on when and how much water applies.

As a general rule, the soil should be moist 1 to 2 inches. The actual amount of water required will depend, however, on several factors. First is the type of soil (texture and structure).

Different soils have different infiltration rates, field capacity and permanent wilting point. This will help to determine the irrigation requirement for the type of soil.

It’s important to ascertain the type of soil on your farm. Second is the stage of growth of your crops and third is the size of the greenhouse or garden. It is necessary to contact irrigation experts near you for a feasible irrigation plan suitable in your area.

Seeds of Gold Team, Crops, Horticulture and Soils Department, Egerton University.

GROWING STEVIA

I want to enquire about stevia. During the Eldoret ASK show, I visited Ken Invest’s stand, which showcased how to grow stevia and its benefits. I am still not well enlightened, but it is a venture I want to try. Can you shed more light?

David Owino

The stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is used as a natural processed sweetener. Stevia leaves have a long history of use as sweeteners due to the presence of sweet crystalline glycosides called steviosides, which are 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose.

Stevioside is non-caloric, non-fermentable, non-discolouring, heat stable at 95 degrees Celsius and has a lengthy shelf life. The product can be added to cooked/baked goods or processed foods and beverages.

Stevia is an emerging crop in Kenya and currently it is promoted by a company called Pure Circle Kenya in Kericho. Stevia grows well on infertile, acid soils, but can also be cultivated on more neutral soils (pH6.5-7.5). It will not do well in saline soils.

Stevia is propagated from seeds in planted trays placed in nurseries or greenhouses for seven to eight weeks, then transplanted to the main field.

Optimum yield (biomass), and stevioside quality and quantity are best just prior to flowering.

Lilian Jeptanui, Crop Protection Egerton University

I WANT TO ENGAGE IN WHEAT FARMING

I would like to practice wheat farming. Kindly assist me on all the information you have with regard to wheat farming.

In-terms of the land and location, which is the most productive breed? Also, what is the type of seeds and fertiliser to be used for a good harvest?

Wheat in Kenya is mainly grown in the following areas: Nakuru, Trans Mara, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Narok, Meru Central, Trans Nzoia, Keiyo and Laikipia.

Conditions favouring wheat farming include:

  1. Gentle slope: The land where wheat is grown should be a gentle slope and has to allow for mechanisation.
  2. Altitude: The growing areas have a high altitude ranging from 1500 – 2900mm. This reduces the incidence of diseases.
  3. Moderate rainfall: The wheat growing areas receive moderate rainfall ranging from 500mm to 1,270mm, which promotes the growth of the crop.
  4. Warm temperature: Temperatures of between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius for at least for three months to enable maturity of the wheat.
  5. Fertile soils: Deep fertile volcanic soils, which lead to high production.
  6. Dry spell: Warm dry sunny spell, which enhances ripening of wheat and harvesting.

The main species of wheat grown in the country is the Durum variety. Sowing is done during the cool moist part of the season by drill at a seed rate of 81kg per hectare. Seeds are drilled to a depth of at least 4cm.

Application of herbicides and spraying against diseases especially the stem rust is mandatory. Harvesting is done by use of combine harvesters.

Prof Paul Kimurto, Lilian Jeptanui, Agronomy, Egerton University

**********

FARM IN SACKS

I kindly request the contact of the farmer, who is growing strawberry in tins and sacks, who was featured on May 31.

EDITOR: Please talk to Joy on 0770707952.

LEGHORN CHICKEN AND FEEDS

I saw the story on Leghorn chicken. I would like to know more about this breed. Kindly give me the contact of Jackson Njuguna from Kiambu County.

Musyimi

I read an article on farmers Opinya and Njuguna making poultry feeds. Kindly send me their contacts.

Millicent, Langata

EDITOR: Please reach Opinya on 0723619238 and Njuguna on 0723037754.

AQUAPONICS

I live in Mombasa, Kisauni and I have always wanted to keep fish, but I don’t know how because my compound is small. Please give me Dhado’s number.

Nancy Kamugane

I would like to partner with Dhadho in aquaponics. Please give me his contacts.

Nsenga Kalolelo

EDITOR: Talk to Dhadho on 0726837112.

I LOST ALL, NOW I AM BACK

I found Miriti Mbui’s comeback story very interesting. Kindly send me his phone number. I am interested in growing fodder.

Kanyi Wambugu

EDITOR: Please reach Mbui on 0723826400

MAKING YOGHURT

I was inspired by the story of Joseph and Pauline Njeru of Aspen Orchards and Dairy Limited. My interest is yoghurt making.

Peter Ngugi

I read the story of Joseph and Pauline on their yoghurt business with a lot of interest as it sounded similar to ours.

My husband and I started a similar business due to milk glut in Meru. We now produce cheese and have been trying to venture into yoghurt as we embark on growing the business. I want to visit their business and share ideas.

Emily and Karani Mworia

I liked the story of Aspen Orchards. I would like to get their contacts for farming lessons.

Renato, Meru

EDITOR: You can reach the couple on [email protected] or 0722782400.

SUMMER FLOWERS

Please give me the contacts for Amerilink International managing partner Savrimoutou.

Patrick

Please assist me with the contacts of Andre Savrimoutou. I am currently growing summer flowers, but I would like to expand my operations.

EDITOR: Please reach Amerilink on [email protected].

I WANT TO KEEP POULTRY

I want to start poultry farming at Ahero Town. Give me the contacts of the nearest Kari office.

EDITOR: Kindly talk to Kari Kibos on 2071821.

FARM UTILISATION

Kindly pass me the contacts of Kenneth Kemei from Bomet County.

Eli Tarus

Give me the phone number and email address of Kenneth Kemei of Sonokwek, Bomet County. My Proposed dairy farming has similarities with Kemei’s in terms of farm size, and my laid down plans to the project. I’d like to learn from Kemei’s experiences.

Douglas Kursai

EDITOR: Kenneth is available on 0729702172.

MAIZE SEEDS FOR DRY AREAS

I need the following contacts. i) Dryland Seeds Limited. This is in regards to the new maize variety KDV4 and how well can it do in areas like Kilifi (Tezo) and Malindi (Langobaya)? ii). I am interested in growing watermelons. I am working in Nyeri and would like to visit the lady in Embu, who grows the fruit.

Mwatsuma

EDITOR: You can reach watermelon farmer Annie Nyaga on 0708930979 and Dry Lands on 0722829287.

RABBIT URINE FERTILISER

I am rearing rabbits and would like advice on where to sell rabbit urine, which is a very good organic fertiliser. I am in Gisambai, Vihiga.

Oliver Sissey

EDITOR: Please contact Runyenje who buys rabbit urine on 0725600710.

CAKE MADE FROM RICE

I need the contacts of farmers who make cake from rice.

Razoah Mudema

EDITOR: Contact Nyabende group through Catherine Omanga  0722472449.

SORGHUM FARMING

Please provide me with the contact of Rose Mutuku, the proprietor of Smart Logistics Solutions, the dealer in sorghum?

Josh

Could you furnish me with Rose Mutuku’s contact, the proprietor of Smart Logistics Solutions?

Farmer

I am Alex from Laikipia. Please assist me with Rose Mutuku’s contacts.

EDITOR: Please reach Smart Logistics on 020-2644533or 0722 436 552.

SIMPLE ZERO GRAZING UNIT

I would like to learn more from Rose Chepkwony of Bomet County. Please share her contact.

Farmer

I liked the article on Rose Chepkwony, the farmer from Bomet County. I would like to get in touch with her.

Kipsang

EDITOR: Please reach Rose Chepkwony on 0723037754.

MUSHROOM FARMING

Hi, I would like to get in touch with Prof Asenath Sigot of MMUST and the mushroom farmer.

Winnie Kiungororia

EDITOR: Talk to the substrate farmer Paul Kisiangani on 0722935564.

HARVESTING WATER FROM FOG

I have a farm in Ngong and would like to learn how I can be put on the pilot programme by Prof Bancy Mati.

Alexandra Moll

EDITOR: Kindly get in touch with Prof Mati on 0722638872.

Ask the experts
Do you have any question or enquiry on agribusiness, marketing, logistics, processing, innovation, and technology? Our pool of experts from Egerton University will respond to your questions with proper advice.

Please send your questions to: [email protected]