This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Why cows abort and other tips from Farm Clinic ¶
Published on September 7, 2019
Farmers from across the country gathered at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation's (Kalro) station in Kandara, Murang'a County for the Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic.
Experts from Kalro, Egerton University, Elgon Kenya Ltd, Camco Equipment (K) Ltd, Toyota Kenya, and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) were on hand to provide advice and guidance to the farmers.
One of the key topics of discussion was the issue of cows aborting, with Dr. James Aura, a livestock expert from Elgon Kenya Ltd, explaining that the problem could be caused by a range of factors, including infections such as foot and mouth disease.
Dr. Aura advised farmers to seek treatment from a certified vet who would visit the farm, examine the animals, and prescribe treatment.
Another issue that was discussed was the problem of nematodes, which can invade crops and cause significant damage. Mr. Ephraim Wachira, Mt. Kenya regional officer at Kephis, advised farmers to purchase seedlings only from certified dealers to avoid ending up with nematode-infested plants.
Mealybugs were also a topic of discussion, with Carol Mutua, a horticulturalist from Egerton University, advising farmers to clear infested shrubs near their farms and then spray soapy water on the crops.
Other issues that were discussed included the problem of mites in chicken houses, which can cause scales and blisters on the birds' feet. Dr. Salome Karanja, a veterinarian from Elgon Kenya Ltd, advised farmers to use petroleum jelly on the affected parts of the birds and ensure the chicken house is clean to keep the pests away.
The event also highlighted the importance of farm mechanisation in enhancing food security, with Fidelis Kiage, a sales manager at Camco Equipment Kenya Ltd, noting that it cuts human labour.
Angela Mwangi, a marketing coordinator at Toyota Kenya, advised farmers to invest in pickups, trucks, and an agriculture utility bike to make it easier to transport produce from one place to another.
Overall, the Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic provided a valuable opportunity for farmers to learn from experts and share their own experiences and knowledge.
