This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
On July 26, 2019, Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, hosted a large gathering of farmers seeking agro-lessons and interaction with experts.
Over 500 farmers attended the event, where they learned about new legume and cereal crops, including amaranth, pasture, and sweet potatoes.
Dr. Bernard Towett, a plant breeder from Egerton University, showcased an array of legume crops, including chickpea, which has a huge potential for the export market.
Chickpea is a drought-resistant crop that thrives in various agro-ecological zones, including dry highlands, medium altitudes, and dry lowlands with annual rainfall ranging from 250-550mm per annum.
Dr. Towett noted that in Siaya County, the legume does well in Uyoma, Rarieda, and Asembo, which receive little rainfall.
Other areas where the crop grows well include Kisumu, Migori, parts of Bomet, Mbeere, Matuu in Kitui County, Baringo, Karaba in Mwea, and Taita Taveta.
There are two varieties of chickpea: Kabuki, which is large, whitish cream, and shaped like a head of an owl, and Desi, which is small, pea-shaped, and dark brown in color.
Dr. Towett advised farmers to plant the legume off-season, immediately after harvesting any cereal crop, to achieve the best results.
He also warned farmers about the enemies of chickpea, including fungal disease such as Ascochyta blight, which affects leaves.
A single chickpea plant has 300 pods, with each carrying two seeds, and has a yield potential of 10-12 bags per acre.
The crop has a high market value, with a kilo selling from Sh350 to Sh400 in supermarkets.
Dr. Towett is contracting farmers to be seed producers under the supervision of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) inspectors.
He explained that to be a contract farmer, one should have at least 10 acres or farm in clusters of between two to three acres for easier inspection.
Geoffrey Malemba, Kephis Nyanza regional manager, said that they partner with seed companies to ensure only quality seeds are produced.
He explained that they train both seed companies and farmers on achieving quality seeds before they are sold in agrovets.
Other legumes showcased at the event included Chelalang, Tasha, and Ciangui beans, which are free of acidity and gases.
These crops have a yield potential of 8-12 bags per acre and mature in three months.
Dr. Towett also introduced farmers to superior varieties of white and red groundnuts named EUGN 1, which are big in size and have high oil content.
He warned farmers to look out for leaf spot and groundnut rosette disease.
Other crops that offer bright prospects for farmers in the lowlands include finger millet and pigeon peas.
