Persons with disability from Kagaa venture into poultry farming

By Bob Aston

The socio-economic situation of persons with disabilities in Kenya does not augur well for them. Most persons with disabilities depend on their families for social, financial, material and psychological support. In Kagaa village in Laikipia County, a group of thirty (30) disabled persons have come up together to form Kagaa Kwirera Disabled Group and are now set to venture into indigenous poultry farming.

The group seeks to eradicate poverty through economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. They want to socially and economically become fully integrated members of the community.

Members being capacity built

David Gituthe, Chairman of Kagaa Kwirera Disabled Group says that uplifting the economic status of the disabled in Kagaa village, is of utmost importance to them as they do not want to continue depending on handouts.

Gituthe said that they picked on indigenous poultry as most of the members already have poultry in their homesteads. He said that keeping poultry will be relatively easier compared to other farming activities as it will not be labour intensive.

“We already have indigenous poultry in our homesteads but we now want to invest more in poultry farming so that we can improve our livelihood, as well as take care of our families,” said Gituthe.

Generally, persons with disabilities in Kenya are economically deprived. This is mainly due to a number of barriers including; stigma and marginalization, poverty, limited access to opportunities and benefits and low self esteem.

According to the Kenya National Population Census, 2009, the overall disability rate in Kenya is 3.5% which translates to 1,330,312 million persons with disabilities.

Gituthe said that they have been inviting the Ministry Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to capacity build them on various aspects of poultry farming. Group members now know about various poultry diseases, how to construct a good poultry house, how to differentiate eggs that will hutch as broilers or layers and how to feed poultry.

“We are going to start with a merry go round to ensure that each member has constructed a good poultry house. Once we do that we will ensure that each member has a large stock of indigenous poultry,” said Gituthe.

Already some of the group members have started benefiting from poultry farming. Joseph Kinyua Kia was able to sell four chicken. Kinyua used the proceeds to find a tractor to plough a three quarter piece of land which he intends to cultivate maize.

Members being taught how to construct poultry houses

“Proceeds from chicken sales enabled me to plough my piece of land. I think once we invest more into poultry farming we will be able to get better returns,” said Kinyua.

Kinyua noted that the ministry of livestock has informed them that market for indigenous eggs and chicken is still small.

The group plans to use a market portal called Sokopepe- an online and SMS based platform that provide market prices information to farmers and links farmers with buyers.

Gituthe said that Sokopepe will be able to link them directly with buyers of indigenous chicken and eggs hence they will be able to eliminate middlemen.

Additionally Sokopepe provides other services like access to input suppliers, extension services and a pool of information on both crop farming and livestock.

“We want to help make the disabled self-supporting instead of depending on others. The steps that we have taken will help us improve our livelihood,” said Gituthe.

Cost of production of indigenous poultry is relatively cheaper compared to exotic poultry as the chickens can be fed on home-made feed rations. They can be allowed to free range, therefore cutting down the amount of feed that the farmer has to give them. Indigenous poultry are also tolerant to many diseases, which reduces veterinary costs.

Sipili Division fetes good education performance

By Robert Eyapan

Laikipia County Governor Hon Joshua Irungu on March 7, 2014 graced Sipili Division Education day. The ceremony which was held at Sipili Secondary school was also graced by Laikipia West Member of Parliament Hon Wachira Karani, Ol-Moran Member of County Assembly Dan Ndegwa and various stakeholders in the education sector. The Theme of the day was ‘Appreciate Education as a spring board to human development’.

Guests were entertained by students from various primary and secondary schools. Cultural dances, poems and drama characterized the entertainment session.

Mr. Ekwe addressing the gathering

Lariak Primary school Head Teacher Peter Kariuki, gave an analysis of primary schools performance in KCPE in the Division while Gichuki J.M, a teacher at Lariak Secondary school gave an analysis of secondary school performance in KCSE.

Kariuki said that most primary schools performed poorly in KCPE exams due to lack of enough teachers and learning equipments.

“Teachers and parents should come up with strategies to make learning institutions a better place for our children,” said Kariuki.

Speaking during the function Laikipia Governor Hon Joshua Irungu thanked parents and teachers for their profound effort in guiding and helping their children in education. Governor Irungu also said that the County government will soon employ Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers.

”The county government will soon employ Early childhood Development teachers,” said Hon Irungu.

Laikipia West Member of Parliament, Hon Wachira Karani said that more teachers should be employed in learning institutions in order to improve the education standard of schools in Sipili Division. Hon Wachira also said that bursary funds allocation to students from poor background will commence on April.

The Minister of Education sub county level Mr. Ekwe said that poor performance among some schools in Laikipia County was due to poor management, reluctance among parents and teachers to work together, lack of enough teachers and learning materials.

Some of the teachers who received prizes

“Parents and teachers of Ndurumo Secondary School should join hands and come up with firm strategies, which will help improve education standard in the school as it was the last one in Sipili Division,” said Ekwe.

Ol-Moran Member of County Assembly Dan Ndegwa informed those present that he has facilitated the construction of another school at Makutano, through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the school is now operational.

Sipili Division Area Education Officer (AEO), Peter Keru said that the improved performance was as a result of the hard work done by teachers last year.

 “We sincerely appreciate work done by the teachers last year. We need to work harder to register quality grades this year,” said Keru.

Various primary and Secondary schools received awards. Most improved schools as well as teachers who taught subjects that led in KCSE were also awarded. New Dawn Secondary School received a trophy for being the best Secondary School in the Division in KCSE while Shining Star Primary school was rewarded for being the best Primary school in KCPE in the Division.

The best student in KCSE in Laikipia County was also rewarded as well as the most improved schools in the Division.

Farmers advised on poultry house construction

By Bob Aston

Disabled poultry farmers from Kagaa village in Laikipia County were on March 5, 2014 taught about poultry house construction. Speaking during the training Peter Mukono, Livestock Officer in Sipili said that in order to take good care of chicken, a house that has been designed specifically for them is vital.

Mukono said that one should select an area with shade and windbreaks to protect birds from the hot sun and strong wind. The place selected should be secure to protect birds from predators while rectangular houses should run east to west to avoid the hot afternoon sun. Grass and bushes should be cleared in a three meter radius to keep snakes and rats away.

Poultry house constructed using timber

“Most farmers do not know how to construct good chicken houses. It does not cost a lot of money to build a house as most of the materials required are locally available,” said Mukono.

Mukono said that a good poultry house should be built where there is a good water source and well insulated building, equipped with proper ventilation, heating, lighting, feeding and watering system.

Mukono said that density of birds per unit area is the most important basic principle in housing, as the space available determines the number and type of poultry that can be kept. Cramped conditions lead to diseases, cannibalism and leaving weaker birds deprived of feed or perch space. One square metre should be able to house five chicken.

A well-lit poultry house is essential. Light is important for feeding, as poultry identify food by sight. Light is also important for sexual maturity. Egg production will decrease when light intensity is low.

Ventilation in a poultry house supplies fresh air that is essential to sustain life. It also helps reduce the extremes of temperature, humidity and air contamination to tolerable limits for confined chicken.

 “A stable climate and sufficient ventilation boosts both profit and productivity as it will secure the best possible growth rate,” said Mukono.

The floor of the poultry house should be dry. Place soft bedding, such as wood shavings, on top of flooring to lessen strain on chicken’s feet. A scratching area should be provided to ease the cleanup of manure and decrease smell.

Chicken feeding in a poultry house

To avoid excessive competition and minimize eggs laid on the floor, one nest should be provided for every five hens. The dimensions should be slightly larger than the chicken. A slanted roof to deter buildup of manure should be placed over the nest boxes to ensure comfort and privacy to the birds.

Perching space of 15 to 20 cm should be allowed for each bird. The cross-section of each perch bar should be 2 to 3 cm. Their length depends upon the number of birds to be housed. The perches should be treated with waste oil or kerosene to keep away parasites.

Mukono said that poultry house should be built in such a way that they are easy to clean. This will ensure that the poultry are protected against diseases and parasites. One should use ash or acaricide to disinfect and kill parasites from the walls and cracks regularly.

“When you construct a house as instructed you will not have any problems. Make sure the house is kept clean to prevent outbreak of poultry diseases,” said Mukono.

New Dawn Secondary celebrates good KCSE performance

By Bob Aston

New Dawn Secondary School students took to the street of Sipili with songs and dance today morning, in what the students and teachers said was a celebration of good performance by the School in the recently released Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

New Dawn Secondary school, the only private school in Sipili Division with 21 candidates was ranked the best overall in Sipili Division with a mean of 9.571. The school was also ranked at number 51 nationally. The school posted a positive index of 0.6714.

New Dawn students celebrating good KCSE results

For individual subjects the school posted the following results; Kiswahili had a mean of 10.048, Maths-9.095, English-8.143, Biology -9.190, Physics - 7.556, Chemistry - 10.476, History - 8.833, CRE - 10.190, Agriculture - 9.333 and Business Studies had a mean of 10.167.

Grace Kimani who was the best student in Laikipia County with A was among those who joined the students in celebrating the results. Grace thanked the teachers for what she said was their dedication to bring out the best in them.

“The exam was not that hard. I worked hard and put God first during my studies. I can advise other students to work hard. They should not lose hope in between as the end is the most important thing,” said Grace.

Caroline Wangui who was also one of the candidates who sat for KCSE exams and got a B+ said that her hard work and dedication to her studies paid off as she managed to get a good grade.

"I just revised well. I ensured that I woke up early. I believed in myself that I would do well. I can advise those who are going to do exam not to give up when things become tough but instead they should work hard as their hard work will be rewarded,” said Caroline.

New Dawn Secondary School students celebrating

Teachers in the school praised the former candidates citing discipline as a major factor in the good performance.

“The students really worked hard. They were disciplined and they helped each other during their studies to ensure that all of them understood what they were taught. We are proud of them,” said Janet Karume, a teacher at the school.

Edith Wamuyu a teacher at the school said that they enjoyed teaching the students as they were fast learners. Edith said that they expect even better results this year.

“We expect that the candidates that we have this year will even do better. Come next year at such a time we will be celebrating better results,” said Edith.

Beth Ngige, a form four student said that they will not only emulate those who sat for KCSE last year but they will strive to do better than them.

“We expect to improve this year. We will be able to work harder to improve on what our colleagues achieved. We hope we will be the best school in KCSE exams come next year,” said Beth.

Schools in Sipili Division record improved KCSE performance

By Bob Aston

Secondary schools in Sipili Division of Laikipia County recorded an improvement in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary School (KCSE) performance. The results, released on Monday indicated that KCSE performance improved from 4.78 to 4.907 points, thus posting a positive index of 0.1272. Students who qualified to join the university are 64 which is a drop from 67 in the previous year.

Students from New Dawn Secondary school celebrating

Sipili Division has seven secondary schools; one private and six public secondary schools.

New Dawn Secondary school, the only private school in Sipili Division with 21 candidates was ranked the best overall in the Division with a mean of 9.571. The school was also ranked at number 51 nationally. Lariak Day secondary school with 105 candidates came second with a mean of 5.504, Sipili Secondary School with 85 candidates came third with a mean of 3.811, Kio Secondary school with 20 candidates came fourth with a mean of 2.900 while Ndurumo Secondary School with 20 candidates was the last with a mean of 2.750.

New Dawn Secondary School led in English with a mean of 8.143. For individual subjects; Kiswahili had a mean of 10.048, Maths-9.095, Biology -9.190, Physics - 7.556, Chemistry - 10.476, History - 8.833, CRE - 10.190, Agriculture - 9.333 and Business Studies had a mean of 10.167. Lariak Day Secondary School led in Geography with a mean of 4.500.

Most improved schools were New Dawn Secondary school which posted a positive index of 0.6714 followed by Lariak Day Secondary school which posted a positive index of 0.4048 and Ndurumo Secondary School which posted a positive index of 0.382.

Left-Grace who was the best in KCSE in Laikipia County

Lariak Day was the best public secondary school in the Division. The School celebrated their improved performance by taking to the street of Sipili with songs and dance on Tuesday afternoon, in what the students said was a celebration of the hard work done by students and teachers.

Sipili Division Area Education Officer (AEO), Peter Keru said that the improved performance was as a result of the hard work done by teachers last year.

 “We sincerely appreciate work done by the teachers last year. We need to work harder to register quality grades this year,” said Keru.

Keru also thanked the school management committee and board of managements for working hard last year.

Meanwhile Laikipia County also improved in KCSE. The County moved from position 21 among the counties to number 17.

Sipili Division will today be holding a prize giving day at Sipili Secondary school to honour primary and secondary schools that performed well in KCSE and KCPE. Laikipia Governor Hon Joshua Irungu is expected to be the guest of honour.

Makutano B women group empowering members

Bob Aston 

Makutano B Women Group has grown from strength to strength in the past seven years. The group formed to uplift economic status of women in Makutano area of Sipili division in Laikipia County now has 17 members.

The group members have benefited a lot through agriculture as the economic livelihood of members has greatly improved since it was formed.

Tabitha Mwita, Treasurer of Makutano B Women Group said that individual members have been able to undertake different economic activities through various projects initiated for the group by their development partners.

Group members being trained on post harvest grain handling

Tabitha said that they have been attending various capacity building training organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Sustainable Agriculture Community Development Programme (SACDEP).

“Capacity building trainings that we have been attending has really helped us. We are more informed now than we were before,” said Tabitha.

SACDEP has trained the group members on; Formation of networks and its importance, introduction to water cycle, water use and different water harvesting methods, diverse low cost water storage methods construction, skills on water treatment, sanitation, hygiene, metering and tariffs, catchment areas protection and formation, advantages of Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAS), resource mobilization and rural savings.

Tabitha said that one of the major problems that the group used to face was scarcity of water. The issue is now being addressed as most of the members have been able to build water tanks through funding from SACDEP.

SACDEP has also assisted group members to get dairy goats, water tanks and water harvesting pump. Lariak Conservation Area Project has been instrumental in assisting the group members to get energy saving jikos. The jikos have brooders thus members are able to keep chicken. The group has also been able to get stores for storing food.

Group members posing for a photo

“We expect the group to continue benefiting members. Our economic status has drastically improved compared to before. We expect that all the members will be financially empowered,” said Tabitha.

Most of the members have been taught about kitchen garden. This has enabled them to start kitchen garden and thus saving money to buy food as they are able to feed their families from what they have grown on their kitchen gardens.

The group has also benefited from seeds as and insecticides from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Tabitha said that members have diversified their activities and are now cooking during field days so that they can get an additional income.

The group has also planted trees and transplant from the nurseries when the long rains start so that they can sell to the public.

 “We have just been equipped with post harvest grain handling technique. This will really help us as we will be able to reduce post harvest grain losses,” said Ann Wangari, a member of the group.

Ann said that they won an Award for being the best farming group in Organic farming during a farming congress organized by SACDEP in Thika last year.

The new generation of technocrats

By Murigi Ndung’u

It is at this time that the annunciation of the outcomes and the ranking of the various counties all over Kenya, that is according to the performance of the secondary institutions. The elites branded the form four end products are eagerly awaiting with profound trepidation on the outcomes and anxiously looking forward into joining the college life.

Though the enormous number of students awaiting deployment into various universities, it is a sad rigmarole to latch on the fact that less than three quarters of the students get positions in various colleges and public universities.

Students during prize giving day

This is factored out by the many impacts of the environment, ethnic background, financial backtracking, poor performance, uninformed promises that hence or otherwise include blindfolding three penny jobs, lack of good guidance and counseling, poor role modeling among other players.

On the contrary there are very many opportunities offered for the students whose financial background is a really bad and denigrating nuisance. Scholarships are awash the internet and only a meager effort is required of the students. For example there is this ‘Reach Oxford Scholarship’ that many are benefiting from.

To overcome the odds it has to begin with the real change of attitude on the part of students. Smart brains have always something to do with discipline the only sure drive to success. According to the studies done, the biggest fueling factor to better educational performance is the height of competition in the immediate environment.

The students in the most competitive areas are known to perform better than the ‘nonchalance’ infested areas. This includes those areas where education is not accorded the most crucial vitality as should be the case.

Now the top cream elites that have been unleashed are bound to bring the anticipated technocracy of 2030 to a near range, with their studying bombastic courses and stripling ideas and creative minds. This could also couple the fact that the new world of increased technological mysteries is on the verge of doubling in magnitude and efficiency, only to the disadvantage of the human tendency to remain in the decadent cocoons of ancient practices.

Though it is good to have a new age, it is advisable to stick to only the benefitting portion that comes with it. It could be a mistake to mix old and new wines but old and new wisdom mix admirably.For a better future, a sacrificed today is important. It is also easier to rob by setting a bank than holding up a bank clerk. 

The toil of the present is always a worthwhile advent. With the cognizance of the competitiveness of our present dispensation, it is a better option to choose wisdom and standing in an informed ground will offer a better aftermath.                  

Farmers to benefit through Home Grown School Feeding Programme

By Bob Aston 

Farmers in Sipili Division in Laikipia County have been urged to practice sustainable farming in order to empower themselves. Speaking during a farming skills training on February 25, 2014 convened by Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) through Ng’arua Maarifa Centre and Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society, Gachara Gikungu from Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) said that farmers have the capacity to provide food for the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP).

Gachara said that Home Grown School Feeding Programme is currently being done in 22 counties in Kenya. SNV has taken five (5) counties as pilot project. The counties are Laikipia, Kitui, Narok, Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet.

Gachara from SNV addressing farmers

Gachara said that the school feeding programmes is a potential market for local farmers to benefit from as they will be able to supply food to primary schools within their locality.

The Ministry of Education began the Home Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) in 2008. The programme is implemented in semi-arid areas of the country that are vulnerable to food insecurity. This programme operates as a cash transfer programme where schools receive resources from the government for the local purchase of food products.

Gachara said that specific schools will be selected that will be supplied with food through the program.

“We are trying to ensure that free primary school education succeeds by providing food through the school feeding program,” said Gachara.

School Feeding programmes have long proved effective in improving school enrolment, improving and stabilizing school attendance as well as increasing progression and completion rates in primary schools.

Gachara said that SNV wants farmers to benefit as it will help them end poverty. He said that they are also training farmers to aggregate their maize produce.

Gachara with co-operative officials

“The Co-operative will be able to supply food to schools through Home Grown School Feeding Program. Farmers near schools are the ones to benefit. We will link you with different schools so that you can feed them,” said Gachara.

He advised farmers to consider factors of production like; land which is a natural resource, labour which is a human resource, capital which is a man made resource and entrepreneurship and management.

“Problem with most farmers is that they do not know what they want or is good for them,” said Gachara.

Gachara also encouraged farmers to always ensure that they seek for advisory services from agricultural officers and also that they follow recommendations that they have been given by the ministry in order to succeed.

SNV focuses on agriculture to foster economic development through a well-developed pro-poor value chain development approach. Their focus is on enhanced positioning of smallholder farmers within value chains, promotion of climate friendly agriculture and facilitating increased access to food.

Farmers taught importance of sustainable agriculture

By Bob Aston 

Cooperative famers in Sipili Division of Laikipia County were on February 25, 2014 trained on farming skills. One hundred and one farmers attended the training by Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) and MEA Ltd, Ministry of agriculture and Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN). The meeting which was organized by (ALIN) through Ng’arua Maarifa Centre and Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative Society brought together various stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Speaking during the meeting Kanja Waweru, Chairman of Laikipia Produce and Marketing Co-operative society said that the economic situation of most farmers has been improving as they embrace modern farming methods. Kanja said that they have made great strides in addressing some of the problems affecting farmers like sale of fake seeds, fake fertilizer and lack of market.

Kanja addressing farmers

Kanja informed farmers that Kenya Seed Company Ltd and MEA Ltd will partner with the Co-operative in setting up demo farms.

“Kenya Seed Company Ltd is going to provide us with seeds while MEA Ltd will provide us with fertilizer in our five demo plots,” said Kanja.

Elcy Kigano, Divisional Crop Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Sipili division urged farmers to ensure that their soil is analysed. She discouraged farmers from using DAP unless it has been recommended as per the results of soil analysis.

Elcy also encouraged farmers to plant traditional crops for food security. She said that they should set aside a section of their farm to plant traditional crops for subsistence purposes.

“Do not neglect traditional crops. These crops always ensure self sufficiency in food production as they are pivotal in ensuring self-sufficiency in food hence ensuring economic sustainability,” said Elcy.

Samwel Kige, Field Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Sipili division urged farmers to plant early. Kige asked the farmers to plough their farms across in order to prevent soil erosion during heavy rains.

Bett Kipsang, Field Officer Ng’arua Maarifa Centre-ALIN said that the centre champions a market portal called Sokopepe- an online and SMS based platforms that provide market prices information to farmers and links farmers with buyers.

Bett said that Sokopepe helps farmers to query prices in major towns in Kenya and make an informed decision on where to sell and at what price thus have a bargaining power. Additionally Sokopepe provides other services like access to input suppliers, extension services and a pool of information on both crop farming and livestock.

Bett informed the farmers that the Maarifa Centre has now introduced a new service called Farmer Record Management Information System (FARMIS). He said that FARMIS is an easy way for farmers to manage their agricultural business allowing them to quickly manage and evaluate their income and expenses.

Bett informed the farmers that FARMIS seeks to ensure that they are profiled and all their farm records automated thus enabling them to be managers in their own farms.

Job Kevin from MEA Ltd addressing farmers

Noah Koinett, Field Officer Ministry of Agriculture, Sipili division said that the Ministry has been carrying out soil analysis since the year began and that only one farmer in Sipili division has so far been recommended for DAP. Most farmers in Sipili Division have been recommended to use NPK.

Noah said that Laikipia County government has launched an initiative that will cater for costs of soil analysis for ten farmers in Sipili Division. Farmers representing each of the four sub locations of Sipili division were selected during the meeting to have their soils taken for analysis courtesy of the County government of Laikipia.

“Those who will have their soil analysed must follow the requirements that will be given,” said Elcy.

When giving the report of soil analysis done by MEA last week, Job Kevin from MEA Ltd informed the farmers that four soil samples indicated that the soil PH is very low and thus soil in Sipili is acidic.

“Majority of the farm land nutrients has been exhausted. From today ensure that you use 23.23.0 in order to succeed as a farmer.  You cannot benefit from your farm if you are not taking good care of it,” said Job.

Gachara Gikungu from Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) said that the problem with most farmers is that they do not want to accept new farming methods and requirements.

“You will have a miserable life if you do not follow proper planting methods’’ said Gachara. Adding that there is money in agriculture but people do not realize that.

Farmers advised on post harvest grain handling

By Bob Aston 

Post harvest grain losses have been a common occurrence to most farmers in Kenya. The Ministry of Agriculture in Laikipia County is now teaching farmers on proper maize storage and post harvest handling to reduce food losses. The Storage interventional activity is being provided to farmers to reduce maize grain losses for enhanced food security.

“Poor storage of grains leads to loss of quality, possible production of mycotoxins, swelling and germination of grains,” said Elcy Kigano, Divisional Crop Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Sipili division.

Elcy demonstrating how to measure insecticide

Post harvest losses is normally caused by poor drying before storing, poor shelling leading to breakages of grains. The storage temperatures should not be too high; the store should be well ventilated and free from pests, moisture in stores cause rotting and discoloration. The proper bags to use for cereals storage should allow optimal aeration.

Elcy said that grains must be dried as soon as possible after harvesting. Farmers were advised to wait until maize is dry in the farm before harvesting. Wet grains attract insects and moulds. Drying will reduce moisture content to between 12% - 15 %. Stored grains should also be maintained in good condition so as to avoid deterioration both in quantity and quality while during storage the grain must remain dry and clean. Microorganisms can attack stored grain before it dries properly when the storage environment is moist, or when it accumulates moisture.

“Careless handling of either maize cobs or grains can lead to spoilage. It is important to handle grains well so as to minimize post harvest losses,” said Elcy.

Elcy said that storage structure should be cleaned thoroughly before depositing grains. Old grains should also be removed from the structure. The entire store including the roof should be dusted with insecticide, especially if a previous infestation was experienced. All potential hiding places for insects should also be dusted.

Grain stores that have not been cleaned properly or dusted will experience attack by insect pests, micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi and yeast and domestic rodents.

Farmer mixing grain that has been put insecticide

Insect pests normally enter the grain, while others contaminate or damage it from outside. Domestic rodents like rat and mice not only feed on the grains but they also contaminate them with urine, feces and other pathogens such as fleas.

Elcy told the farmers to ensure that they sort maize properly before storing. Maize cobs that are of poor quality should not be stored together with the rest.

Elcy advised farmers to dress their maize cobs before putting them in the store with the recommended insecticide. Insecticide should not be put before the maize is fully dry and before dusting.

 “Make sure you measure the insecticide well. Most farmers rarely use provided measures but it is important to do so in order to know the exact quantity to use,” said Elcy.

Farmers were advised to ensure that they Mix 50g of Actellic super dusting powder for every 90 kg bag of grain. The grains have to be thoroughly mixed using a shovel. Some Actellic Super dusting powder should also be sprinkled on the outside of the bag to reduce re infestation.

“It is not recommended to use actellic super on cob maize to control the larger grain borer. Better control of the pests is obtained on shelled maize,” said Elcy.