Smart farms

: 09 October 2017; Hits: 19925

Research Institute Develops Juice from ‘Mukombero plant’

mukombero.jpe

Value addition for 'Mukombero plant' into a ready to drink juice will enable consumers to take the root without fear of any dangers that may come as a result of chewing it in its raw form

The Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) has developed juice from the famous ‘Mukombero Plant’ commonly found in western Kenya. The move is expected to provide market for smallholder farmers of the plant who will surely find market for the plant.

While it doesn’t look like your ordinary juice, the product success is as a result of research efforts from the institute who believe Kenyans are chewing the plant to extinction. The juice was on display at the 2017 Nairobi International Trade Fair which was held at Jamhuri grounds, Nairobi.

“Due to its wide spread utilization, the plant has actually become extinct in parts of Central Kenya and it is almost being extinct where it is still left in western Kenya, so we are working with stakeholders and communities to grow the root to ensure constant supply” says Bitutu Nyambane, a Research Scientist at KIRDI.

According to KIRDI, value addition of this plant which has commonly been hawked in the streets of Kakamega town, will enable consumers to take the root without fear of any dangers that may come as a result of chewing it in its raw form.

“The plant has energy promoting benefits, increases appetite and also tends to improve sleep, it can also relieve pain and act as a mouth freshener” adds Nyambane.

Value addition has also enhanced the nutritional benefits of the plant with KIRDI planning to have several varieties of the juice including Ginger & lemon. The research institute also plans to incorporate ‘mukombero’ into other juices like the mango and orange drinks.

The juice which is yet to be officially rolled out into the market comes in 300ml bottles which KIRDI says will retail at an average of 70 shillings.

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: 09 October 2017; Hits: 15269

Appropriate Cattle Breeds for Dairying in Marginal areas

Farmers intending to keep dairy cows in the marginal areas and hoping to reap big from milk production are advised to keep Sahiwal, Friesian/Sahiwal Cross and Jersey cattle suitable for these areas.

It is always motivating for farmers to keep dairy cows that would give them high returns. Such a cow must be of a particular quality breed, suited to an area’s ecological conditions and it exhibits various superior qualities over other breeds when raised under optimum management.

According to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organization dairy researcher Samuel Tangus, greater proportion of dairy farming is shifting towards low rainfall areas hence change in production cycle.

Sahiwal

Sahiwal is adapted to diverse climatic conditions hence suitable in semi-arid areas. The average maturity weight is 425 kg. At first calving, the mother is usually between 30 to 46 months. It can produce 1574 kg of milk in 393 days lactation. Milk from Sahiwal cows has high butterfat content.

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Sahiwal cow

Sahiwal/Friesan cross

Suitable for milk production in the dry areas
Average milk production is 10 liters per day (2500 liters during the entire lactation period). If well fed this cow can produce 25 liters per day.
It has a fast growth rate: they wean at 3 months, heifers are served at 340 kg (22-24 months).

Sahiwal/Friesian cross breed

Jersey Cattle

Adaptable to a wide range of climatic and geographical conditions
Her feed requirements are lower when compared to other breeds
Her average mature weight is 450 kg
Jersey milk has high butterfat content
Jersey can produce 6800 kg of milk under optimal conditions

Jersey cow

To enhance production, Tangus advises farmers to feed on the cows on maize germ, poultry waste, dairy mineral lick, lucerne hay, napier grass, boma Rhodes and desmodium.

Tangus can be reached on +254 723 159 813

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: 04 October 2017; Hits: 16799

New crop rolled out with potential to end hunger in East Africa

Acclimatization of breadfruit seedlings in the greenhouse at JKUAT. PHOTO/JKUAT

A new crop with the potential to end hunger in the larger East African region has been introduced by the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The new crop known as breadfruit is a staple crop grown in the Pacific Islands and is due to offer a ready answer to food insecurity as it grows on both the hot and wet weather. The fruit has lumpy green flesh and a potato like texture.

According to World Vision, 25 million people in the Eastern African countries of Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Ethiopia are in dire need of food and water. More than 3.5 million children are suffering from malnutrition, a condition that results from eating a diet in which nutrients are either not enough or are too much such that the diet causes health problem.

One Breadfruit weighing 3 kgs can provide a carbohydrate portion for a family of five people. The fruit can be ground into flour and used in sweet and spicy dishes, including pancakes and crisps. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as being a high source of gluten-free carbohydrate and protein. The protein in the fruit has a higher proportion of amino acids than soy.

In Africa, the crop, which reaches optimum maturity in five years after it starts production, is only grown in the West African countries of; Benin, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria. One tree of the crop is capable of producing over 900 fruits. It produces fruits two years after planting and thrice annually after it starts production.

According to Josh Schneider of the Global Breadfruit in the United States of America, and can be consumed at all stages of development, ripe as a fruit or mature as a vegetable, where it can replace conventional starches.

JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof. Mabel Imbuga pledged her support to the Global Breadfruit project. She said JKUAT was privileged to be the entry point for the plant in the East and Central Africa region from where other countries could acquire tissue culture clones from.

Breadfruit can be a solution to hunger in some parts of the East African region and the entire African continent facing irregular supply of food.

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Sunday, 11 April 2021 Am interested in being sensitized in the growing of this wonderful tree