Agriculture ministry supplies fruit seedlings ahead of March/April rains

By David Kiarie

Farmers in Sipili division who intend to plant fruits in the coming rainy season have been asked to register with the ministry of agriculture.

The divisional home economics officer Elcy Kigano said the ministry would be supplying mangoes, citrus and avocado seedlings between January and April so that farmers can plant them during the coming long rains expected in March and April.

Kigano said each seedling will be sold at Ksh 100 and urged the farmers to seek the assistance of agricultural extension officers to help them in getting the required measurements.

She said the recommended spacing for mango trees is eight by eight metres from line to line while that of citrus is supposed to be five by five metres.

The spacing she said could also vary with that of mango trees being allowed to go upto nine by nine metres and six by six metres for citrus. The seedlings are supplied annually or biannually during planting seasons.

Kigano further advised farmers to prepare their land and dig holes at least a month earlier to ensure healthy trees.