Quail poultry Farming in Kenya

Quail poultry are short birds, very rich in protein weighing about 5 ounces. Their eggs take about 17 days to hatch and four weeks in a brooder. Its eggs incubate for 16 - 17 days.Quails poultry are short cycle birds because mature early and start laying eggs in the sixth week. So, if you have an egg today, you will need eight weeks for the egg to begin giving you an egg per day. No other commercial birds performs this well. A lighting system is very important or alternatively an improvised way of keeping the room warm. The chicks do well with some warmth just as is the case with chicken. The birds require feeds amounting to at least 17 grams of feed per individual per day.

Unlike hens which lays seasonally, quail poultry will lay at least an egg a day which will give the farmer averagely at least 300 eggs per year, under intensive light and good feeding quail poultry will lay even two eggs in a day. If you choose to start with chicks, observe them very keenly when they are between one to two weeks of their life, in the third and fourth week, you may relax a little. Quail poultry are known to be good layers and have tender meat with ability to gain weight from the sixth week. Imported breed from USA Jumbo Brown is mainly a layer it is also consumed for meat while Texas A&M is harder to breed compared to Jumbo Brown. Quail poultry are currently available from local innovators among farmers who at a cost of ksh 500-900 each depending on the farmer.

Old parent stock of quail poultry can be revitalized for weight gain by shortening the light exposure they get per day from 17 hours to eight hours after which they can be slaughtered for meat. The broiler quail poultry stores very limited fats making it a protein source for weight-sensitive and health conscious people. Layers and broiler birds can be reared commercially up to two years, if reared for egg laying. If the birds are reared for meat it will reach slaughter age at week six to eight weeks depending on the feeding regime the farmer puts the birds on. Quails poultry do not need immunization like the hens given their strong natural immune system which reduces the cost of production.Buy yourself an incubator!:
LINK-http://www.youthfund.go.ke/index.php/home/169-buy-yourself-an-incubator

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Growing thorn melon in Kenya

Thorn melon fruit is emerging agribusiness activity which is a fast expanding . Growing thorn melon in Kenya has since time immemorial happened wildly particularly in the hot areas like sagana in kirinyaga and the coast province. The fruit has a good taste and makes nice juice. The fruit has a high demand and good local market prices due to its numerous medicinal attributes.It is said to be good for management of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.  It is locally variously called passion mwitu, parachichi mwitu or passion lenye tete maji. The Fruit shares many characteristic with passion other than the spikes on the skin. To establish a plot of the crop start by extracting seed from healthy looking fruits. Choose a well developed ripe fruit from the vine. Wash the contents to separate seed and pulp, and then dry the seed in the shade       

Seed germination while growing thorn melon in Kenya may be improved by softening the seed coat. Allow the seed together with the pulp to ferment for 1 to 3days in a plastic container. The fruit seed is then thoroughly washed after which it is dried in the shade and sown as soon as possible. In growing thorn melon in Kenya seed germination can be improved by priming which is soaking the seed in warm water for one hour before planting. Water the seeds using a fine mist from a hand held sprayer or watering can. Continue watering about twice a day ensuring good drainage of excess water.

       

While growing thorn melon in Kenya seeds can be planted in trays or seedbed. Once germinated and having two true leaves they are transplanted to bags or bigger trays to ensure more space so that the root don't become entangled as the seedling grows. Harden off the seedlings before they are transplanted to the field by setting them out of the shade in the growing area for 2-3 days. Select vigorous seedlings free from nematodes and fungal diseases when growing thorn melon in Kenya. maturity period of growing thorn melon in Kenya  is 4months.

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Growing Stevia in Kenya:A leaf 30 times sweeter than sugar

Growing stevia in Kenya is a good backyard gardening activity for every household. This is a perfect way to reduce the household budget of sugar, as the sweetener is 30 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia herbal sugar offers sweetness minus the unhealthy effects and the sweetener is calorie free. The leaves can be used directly in tea fresh or dried. The natural leaves can also be cooked and eaten as vegetables. Stevia herbal sweetener is said to be good for all people including diabetics.

Stevia herb is native of Paraguay in South America which performs well locally. Growing Stevia in Kenya was given approval  just two years ago by the National Environment Management Authority. Stevia sweetener as an ingredient was approved by US Food and Drug Administration in 2008. Stevia herb is also nutritious and has been found to contain vitamins A and C as well as protein iron, calcium, zinc, fibre, potassium and sodium. Stevia herb contains 10-12 per cent stevioside, which can be extracted as liquid concentrate for use directly in soft drinks, beverages and in the manufacture of chewing gums.

Growing stevia in Kenya is a promising activity as the market may shoot up due increased demand for natural foods. Growing stevia in Kenya starts by planting on a raised bed at a spacing of 30cm from row to row and 20cm from plant to plant. Manure is applied at a rate of 20kg per square metre. Stevia herbal sweetener is harvested 3 months after planting, after which the crop is dried and ground into powder for use as a sweetener. Alternatively juice can be extracted and used in a similar way. Growing stevia in Kenya is likely to become a major economic activity in the near future  as more people embrace it.

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Green house farming technology installation in Kenya

A greenhouse is a structure that allows control of environmental factors to some extent such as temperature, humidity,lighting,air movement and pest/diseases. 

Types of Greenhouses

1.     Post and Rafter Greenhouse

2.     Quonset

3.     Gothic

4.     A-frame

Material options for greenhouse Framework

Aluminium, Steel, plastic,wood, combination 

Site selection for the technology

• Flat to Gently sloping
• Adequate lighting from the sun
• Accessible and reliable water source
• Well drained site
• Stable and workable soils/use tubes where the situation is not practical
• Safe from lines of strong winds
• Access to source of heat in the temperate zones
• Proximity to storage/processing area

Greenhouse design Considerations

• Accessibility to cost effective materials
• Ability to achieve optimum temperatures
• Structural stability-shape,height, length, width,footing and wind,
• Roof drainage- slant slope 22-28 degrees
• Air circulation-10% of wall area is left for netting
• Desired flexibility in crops to be grown
• Expected level of mechanization

Materials for Greenhouse Covers

1.     Plastic films-clear or green/yellow

2.     Glass

3.     Fibre glass

4.     Rigid double wall plastics

Note:The polythene covers scatter light(diffuse)which is beneficial to the upper leaves .The polythene cover is also cost effective to the small scale farmer compared to all other covers for the technology.

Suppliers of Greenhouse Technology Materials in Kenya

1.     Amiran (K ) Ltd

2.     Agro-irrigation Ltd

3.     Hort-Pro/Irrico Ltd

4.     Agro-Tunnel International

5.     G-North & Son Ltd

6.     African Hydroponics

7.     Irritec & Siplast-Unifresh

8.     Charles gerald Ld

9.     Belbar Engineers

Green House Farming Technology

This technology is widely practiced in Israel, due to scarcity of water and land  aiming at increasing the incomes of rural households. In most African countries adoption of Greenhouse farming is in the initial stages, and it is increasingly becoming popular. This technology has several benefits as below:-

• The system increases agricultural output
• Economizes on space 
• Saves irrigation water
• Improves farming income
• Improves food security
• The technology reduces crop pest and diseases incidences
•  Allows growing of crops not suited to the region due to climate modification.

When operated correctly a greenhouse can give fresh produce throughout the year regardless of the season. The capacity to carefully control the temperature and humidity are important advantages of this farming system. Greenhouse system enables the use of modern technology such as hydroponics which involves growing plants in soil-less media, in a liquid which can be water infused with specialized nutrient mixes. This allows plants to grow larger and faster than normal, helping to maximize efficiency. The main disadvantage of greenhouse farming is high cost of buildings construction and maintenance, which in Africa and developing countries can be addressed by organizing smallholders into green house farming groups, in order to pool resources.

                       

While this technology offers numerous advantages, proper techniques are necessary to avoid  the  pitfalls of the technology. If you manage your project well all the year round, you'll need to prepare for the hazards of each season. In hot season cross-ventilation system is required. Passive ventilation with exhaust openings cut both high and low on the walls may provide sufficient air circulation for small structures. However, some greenhouses require a system of fans to keep the air circulating during the hot season due to high temperatures. 

In cool weather the circulation will be unnecessary in most cases. Soil fertility management practices are vital and they include crop rotation, regular application of compost, mulching, leaving the soil fallow to improve and maintain fertility. Apply fertilizers according to the soil requirements and the crops to be grown following soil analysis report. Fumigation or entire change of soil may be required before planting to clear crop pests and diseases. Fumigation involves saturating the greenhouse soil with pesticides like Dioxysan which releases fumes of Chlorine dioxide, (CL2) to control soil pest and diseases. In conclusion this is a farming technology whose time is ripe in Kenya.
Read-http://yagrein.blogspot.com/2012/05/hydroponics-aquaponics-aeroponics.html

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Strawberries Growing Become Popular in Kenya: Training Available

Strawberry Farming has become increasingly popular in the recent past in Kenyan rural, urban and peri-urban areas. The fruit plant is a high value export crop which makes a multi-billion dollar business around the world. Strawberries are very juicy health-packed fruits which are eaten whole, in fruit salads, jam, milk shake and smoothie juice. Farming of strawberries in Central Kenya region has traditionally been for export to Europe.

However an equally lucrative market for the strawberry plant leaves which used to be thrown away is emerging as a produce in demand. The leaves are being bought by decorating and florist firms in the major towns around the country. According to a florist from Nairobi the demand for bouquets, which was formerly limited to offices, churches and events, is now expanding to individuals, with demand for flowers for home decorations growing in the recent past. This has caused the demand for the strawberry leaves, an important component of bouquets due to their beautiful shape and sweet scent. Strawberries’

Farming is therefore a perfect opportunity for the youth in Kenya for self employment and livelihood improvement. Strawberries are easy to grow, require little land and perform well in a wide range of temperatures ranging from mild to hot. Basic requirements for strawberry Farming include, water, animal manure or compost, garden tools, recommended pesticides and fungicides, packaging materials and Farming capital. The most popular strawberry varieties grown in Kenya are Chandler and pajero.

Other suitable varieties in Kenya includes Tioga selva,Douglas, Tristar, Domanil, Rabunda and Tribute. The crop grows well in warm to hot climate and does not tolerate freezing. Some main diseases affecting this crop include Fusarium Oxysponium, Botrytis and Fusarium Wilt. Avoid growing strawberry on land where crops susceptible to Verticillium wilt a viral disease controlled through crop rotation, were planted in the preceding season. Such crops are capsicums, okra, tomatoes, and eggplant/brinjals

Strawberries Farming starts with thorough land preparation in order to grow vigorous a crop. A bed raised to 20cm with a width of 1metre by any convenient length should be prepared, and well decomposed manure incorporated into the soil at a rate of one medium bucket per square metre. Then planting holes are made at a spacing of 30cm from row to row and 30cm from plant to plant. In strawberries Farming propagation is done using vegetative material namely splits of the strawberries crown.

 Planting is done after thorough watering of the bed and the roots should be covered but not too deep so as to avoid rotting of the stem.  Mulching is a recommended post planting management practice in strawberries Farming in order to conserve moisture, control weeds and keep strawberries clean. Irrigate daily in the afternoon during the first month after planting for good crop growth, then 2-3 times a week from the second month of Farming of growth onward 

De-blossoming/removal of strawberry flowers is recommended for the first 2 months of growth to avoid premature fruiting, which leads to stunting and poor development of the crop. Harvesting of strawberry fruits starts 2½months - 3months after planting. Thinning to2- 3 splits per crown should be done every 7 months to allow rejuvenation and increase strawberry yields.

Runners and old leaves are removed in strawberries Farming and the practice is named pruning or stripping.  Flowering is continuous with adequate watering and the lifespan of the crop is 3 years. 

During the production period foliar feeds may be applied to plants to boost growth. Practical training on Farming of strawberries and farm planning for best profit is provided to farmers by the Youth agro-environmental Initiative. Training on strawberry Farming is the first step for all serious visionary agribusinesses. Strawberry farming is an expanding industry in Kenya with a great potential for growth. Practical training on strawberry plant cultivation is available. Contact our agriculture professionals at yagrein@gmail.com. 

1. http://kariokor.olx.co.ke/strawberry-training-on-growing-strawberries-farm-planning-for-best-farm-profit-iid-466431013
2. http://yagrein.blogspot.com/p/what-are-youth-saying.html

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Growing Groundnuts in Kenya (arachis hypogaea)

The scientific name for groundnuts plant is arachis hypogaea while the local name is njugu Karanga. Groundnuts originated in South America. They are now grown from seed in most tropical, Subtropical and temperate countries between 40 N and 40 S latitudes, particularly in Africa, North America, South America and Asia. The seeds are rich in oil 38-50%, protein 25%, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins. They are reported to have medicinal value particularly in the treatment of diarrhea and haemophilia. Most of the world groundnuts are processed into oil used for cooking. The cake that comes out of oil press is ground into flour and used in many human foods as its rich in protein. The seeds are eaten raw, as roasted snack, used in confectionary, used in soups and made into sauces to accompany meat and starchy dishes. In Africa the plant is grown by small scale farmers both for cash and subsistence.

Climate water and soil requirements

The crop grows well in warm tropics and subtropics below 1500 M above sea level. Optimum daily growing temperatures requirements are 30º C and growth stops at 15º C. The plant does not tolerate frost and cooler temperatures delay flowering and seed formation. Water requirements are 500 to 600 mm well distributed throughout the growing season for good growth. However the crop is drought resistant and can survive severe lack of water but yields are reduced. Pods grow underground crumbly free draining soils are required. But the plants also grow well in heavier clay soils. Harvesting in wet condition should be avoided, to prevent development of aflatoxin, a severe poison produced by Aspergillus spp of fungus, which releases chemicals dangerous to human health. The fungus causes both seeds and seedlings to rot. The infected seedlings are covered with black fungal spores. PH requirements range from 5.5 to 6.5.

Crop propagation

Plough the land and harrow to a good tilth. Prepare ridges which are 80cm apart with flattish tops. Seeds for sowing should be stored in their pods to be shelled a few days before planting. The seeds are planted in two rows on top of the ridge. Select clean well filled seeds for planting. Sowing seeds to a depth of 5-8 cm at a seed rate of 40-50 kg per ha is recommended depending on the seed size.

Groundnuts have two main types namely:-

1. Bunch type e.g. Red Valentia maturing within 90 – 100 days
2.  Runner type e.g. Homa Bay maturing in 120-150days

Varieties and Yields

The present growers yield in Kenya is 450-700kg/ha can be doubled though

Improvement of husbandry practices.

Variety	Mean  Kernel yield Kg/ha
Red Valencia	1500
manipinta	2450
Makulu Red	2750
Bukene	1530
Asyria Mwitunde	1300
Texas peanut	1360
Severe 116 ( white)	1250
Atika	900
Homa Bay	770

Groundnuts compete poorly with weeds particularly during the early stages of growth. Earthing up should be done at the time of weeding to encourage pegging which refers the penetration of young nuts into the soil. Hand weeding is recommended after initiation of pegging to prevent disturbance to the growing nuts or damaging the flowers. Clean weeding should take place up to 6 weeks after which only hand weeding should be done.

Calcium is critically required during the pod formation stage and lack of it results in empty pods. Generally nitrogen fertilizers are not required as the plant is leguminous and fixes Nitrogen. In acidic soils lime can be applied to raise the ph and supply calcium. Moisture stress at flowering or pod formation stages reduces yields and therefore supplementary irrigation may be required for increased production and high quality seed. Rock phosphate at the rate of 200kg/ha is recommended in heavily eroded soils.

Maturity period is 90-130 days depending on the variety. Mature nuts should be firm and dry as well as brown on the outside. At maturity the inside of the pods is grey with a rattling sound when shaken. Dig up nuts with care to avoid breaking off and remaining in the ground. Dry for a period of 2-3 days, then remove the nuts from the plants and dry them on mats for 7-10 days, to a moisture content of 10%.Shelling should be done by hand followed by sorting to remove the  broken, dirty, damaged nuts which lower the quality and consequent selling price. Storage should be done in clean dry conditions to avoid growth of asperngillus  spp of fungi which relesases afflatoxin chemicals deadly to human health particularly the liver. Seed meant for planting the following year should not be shelled until a few days before planting.The major pests and disease challenging groundnut growing are shown below:-

  

Pest or disease	Stage attacked	Type of damage	Control measures
White grubs	All stages	Roots, pods, young nuts	Well decomposed manure
Termites	All stages	Roots, stem base, pods	Early planting, field hygiene, timely harvesting.
millipedes	seedling & plant	Pods, flowers	Cover exposed pods, close soil cracks
Aphids	Early growing stages	Vector of rosette virus	Early planting, conserve natural enemies e.g. ladybirds.
Damping off disease		Rotting of stems Seedling, petioles	Certified seed, crop rotation
Leaf spot	leaves	Brown ring spots Shedding leaves	Crop rotation, field hygiene
Rust	All aerial parts except flowers	Leaves, stems	Remove volunteer groundnut plants, crop rotation
Aspergillus crown rot	All growth stages	Wilting  of the plant	Rapid drying of nuts to 10% M.C
Bacterial wilt	All stages	Plant wilting	Rotation with cereals
Groundnut rosette Virus	All growth stages	Yellowing, mottling, stunting	Early planting, control of vector-Aphids

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Growing cabbages in Kenya for wealth and employment creation (Brassica oleraceae)

cabbage plot

Cabbage is one of the most important vegetables grown for cooking and use in salads in Kenya. The plant’s scientific name is Brassica oleraceae and it’s propagated from seed. The seed is widely available in seed stores across Kenya. This vegetable is grown rain fed or under irrigated conditions. Cabbage is mainly used for cooking, in vegetable salad and as plant matter for livestock feed.The major market outlet is the local fresh market in rural and urban areas. Optimum temperature for cabbage growing are 16-20ºC .At temperatures above25ºC head formation is reduced. The vegetable has high water requirement during growth period with 500mm rainfall considered optimal. Cabbage can grow in altitude ranging from 800 to over 2,000 metres. Soils should be well drained, high in organic matter, high water holding capacity with optimum ph of 6-6.5.Cabbage varieties grown depend on market requirements and taste. Sugar loaf, Gloria F1 hybrid and Copenhagen market are considered as sweet tasting varieties. Classification according to the market:-

a)      For processing: Large heads, firm white varieties like drumheads.

b)      Urban centres: medium to small heads e.g. Drumhead, Copenhagen market, golden acre, and Sugar loaf and Gloria F1 hybrid.

c)      Rural areas: Normally plant medium to large heads e.g. drumheads, Copenhagen market, sugarloaf, golden acre, Gloria F1 hybrid.

d)      Kitchen gardens: Grow varieties with long harvest period e.g. sugar loaf and Copenhagen market.  

Cabbage salad

There are many cabbage varieties in Kenya but the most popular are Gloria F1 hybrid, Copenhagen market and golden acre. The growing of these vegetables should be started by raising seedlings on nursery beds. Plant seeds in raised or sunken beds for wet and hot areas respectively. The dimensions should be 1 meter wide and any desired length. Soil should be well prepared to a fine tilth before planting , then seeds drilled into the nursery bed as cabbage seeds they are small. The seed rate is 300gm/ha. Healthy vigorous seedlings should be transplanted when they are 10-12cm high, about 4-6 weeks old. Soils low in organic matter requires 20 tons/ha of manure or 1-2 handfuls of manure per planting hole should be applied. D.A.P fertilizer is recommended @ 200kg/ha at planting. In acidic soils dolomitic limestone should be applied @ 500-1000kg/ha.In acid soils D.A.P fertilizer should be avoided and instead triple superphosphate, double superphosphate or compound N.P.K fertilizer should be used.

The plant should be topdressed with a nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 100kg/ha when seedlings are established and a second topdressing at a rate of 200kg/ha when the leaves start folding. Have the soil tested for nutrient status where possible before planting. The field should be kept free of weeds during the vegetable’s growing season and mulching conserves moisture. Harvesting starts 1.5-4months after transplanting and lasts 4-6 weeks. The vegetable is ready when heads are firm.3-4 wrapper leaves should be left to cover the head and keep it fresh. Avoid bruising the head as it encourages rotting. Depending on variety, soil nutrient status, water availability and environmental conditions the vegetable yields range from 40-100tons/ha.Grade and pack cabbage vegetable heads in crates, arrange with stem end facin for g the outer wall of the crates for transportation. This will avoid bruising the vegetables head. Cabbage heads can store for sometime at 0ºC and 95% relative humidity. Varieties with good storability grow hard compact heads e.g. Copenhagen market cabbage variety. Buy your seeds from reputable stores. 

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Pure Breakfast Soya Drink With Delicious Creamy Taste

Soya is a wonder bean with more than 360 uses. It contains all the nutrients that the human body requires despite being a plant. The wonder bean has double the amount of protein Found in beef. It has protein of high biological value with all the essential amino acids. This means the protein is naturally  used effectively by the body. 

The farmers can process the crop into delicious creamy soya drink, milk, meat, yoghurt, oil, flour, snacks and the list is endless.Breakfast is no longer a headache with emergence of our product-Visit: http://kariokor.olx.co.ke/njagu-pure-soya-drink-whole-sale-retail-iid-446474407

Farmers Training session

This delicious natural product is made from the wonder Soya beans, grown and processed by Njagu farmers group from  Kiambu County in Kenya. The pure breakfast drink is delicious, creamy in taste, and caffeine free. 

1. You can buy this  pure delicious creamy breakfast  drink for sale and home consumption at wholesale and retail price from kes 180 only. Call Mr Mungai on 0735 330 647 for more information. 
2.  You can sell your natural Soya crop to our processing plant at good prizes. 
3.  We train other farmers how to grow and process Soya beans.
4. Join the wonder bean move and improve livelihoods naturally.  

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How to grow calla lily Flowers

Calla lily makes fantastic Bridal Bouquets flowers and they are grown from tubers.  In addition it symbolizes magnificent beauty and purity. These plants blooms all the year-round, which makes it affordable. Some brides use white flowers in the bridal bouquet and colored ones, such as purple, pink, green and red, in the attendants' bouquets. While there are many ways to use them in a bouquet, a modern yet classic style where the stems show at the bottom compliments any dress or wedding theme. Add flowers food or a few drops of citrus acid to the calla lily vase. 

The stems can stain or drip water and therefore, the bouquet should be allowed to stand outside of water for at least 30 minutes before handling near a wedding gown.

Prepare the soil well before planting the flowers. The crop grows best in well drained loose soils. Mulch application will help to maintain moisture, a more constant soil temperature and control weeds.Dry out the calla lily tubers in a ventilated area prior to planting. 

Once they have hardened well, plant at 5cm deep with the foliage pointing upwards. Allow 60cm of space between the growing rows and 30cm between the lily tubers at planting time.

Water the tubers so that the soil is moist but not water logged. Calla lily need to be kept moist all the time during growth and they will bloom in about 60 days.

Dig up the tubers once the foliage dies and Store in a cool dry place until ready to plant in the following season. The tubers can remain in the ground for storage in climates that are warm year round and given a dose of nitrogen fertilizer to start the calla lily flowers’ growing process over again.

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Empowerment is Urgently Needed to Rescue the Boy Child in Kenya

The girl child empowerment in Kenya has sidelined the boy child pushing him to the periphery. The boy child has been ignored for too long. The boy Child is suffering a life skills crisis and needs to be empowered. Life skills enable us to deal with day to day challenges. Consequently, family values are in danger since the boy child is expected to head the family. This has caused many families today to be dysfunctional. The nation which is built on the foundation of the family is standing on a shaky foundation. Our upbringing models us to be what we are. Current boy child has been brought up mainly by their mothers. Most fathers are absent physically or emotionally to act as role models to the boy child. Consequently, he has not been trained in the responsibilities of a man. It’s common to find family men who are running away from their responsibilities.

When challenges arise at home many men hide in work and in the bars getting home late. This takes them deeper into drugs and substance abuse which has become a national problem threatening to cripple the nation. Women though empowered bear the heavy burden of caring for the family single handedly. However all is not lost and we can start a new balanced empowerment legacy. As an individual, you can choose to become a role model and empower the future generation.

Partners in abusive marriages should seek outside help and not suffer in silence any longer lest the situation gets out of control. To those who are trying to avoid problems, gather courage and make deliberate effort individually to face the issues head on. Everybody is suffering from these past empowerment disparity, and it should come to a halt. Deal with your negative experiences, set realistic expectations and be optimistic. Lucky enough, today there are several initiatives that are focusing on the boy child empowerment which should be embraced and supported. However the current boy child empowerment efforts are far from adequate. More local and international organizations need to commit themselves to the worthy course in Kenya. 

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