This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
At the recent Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show, farmers were the biggest winners, taking home invaluable lessons on new farming technologies, better crop varieties, diseases and pest control, and marketing strategies.
Among the 150 exhibitors was Goldenscape Limited, which showcased its state-of-the-art greenhouses equipped with CCTV cameras and sensors that control humidity and temperatures. Agronomist Hilda Wacera explained that these facilities save farmers the hassle of manually controlling the environment.
Egerton University also made a significant impact at the show, showcasing an improved variety of spider plant, a popular traditional vegetable rich in iron. Jacob Ochieng, from the department of crops, horticulture, and soils, stated that the university has conducted research on this variety for six seasons and is expecting to release it into the market soon.
The university is also exploring the adoption of pepino melon from Italy for growing in various parts of the country. Ochieng noted that this variety takes about four months to mature and can be harvested continuously for a similar duration, with each plant yielding approximately 2kg of pepino melon.
Toyota Tusho introduced farmers to the latest brand of small tractors, popularly known as Captain and Case, designed for small-scale farmers with limited land. Samuel Ndunga, a sales consultant, explained that these tractors can be used for transport, harrowing, and planting, making them ideal for potato harvesting, planting, spraying, and bailing.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Kenya Prisons stands highlighted the importance of urban farming concepts, particularly in areas with limited land. Nancy Rotich, an official, explained that using drip irrigation from waste bottles can save a significant amount of water and allow for the cultivation of vegetables such as sukuma wiki, onions, and cabbages on balconies.
Young farmers also flocked to the rabbit corner at the ministry's stand to learn about rabbit rearing, which requires minimal space and a balanced diet. Nancy Wangare, a livestock production officer, advised farmers to use dry feeds and pellets and minerals to prevent bloating, which can be fatal.
At the Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organisation (Kalro) stand, farmers learned about conservation agriculture techniques, including the importance of not burning or removing weeds after harvesting, as they contribute to the soil's carbon content and provide nutrition for plants and soil.
