Smart farms

: 19 October 2022; Hits: 3066

11MT of GMO maize to be planted on 500,000 acres early next year

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By George Munene

The Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) will avail 11 metric tons (MT) of genetically modified (GM) Bt maize for planting on 500,000 acres in time for the 2023 long rains season.

The seeds will be freely given to farmers with the aid of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation for planting in mid-altitude agroecological zones, i.e, parts of Western Kenya, Nyanza, South Rift, Central and Eastern Provinces.

These will serve as demonstration plots pending the full commercialization of Bt maize by private companies.

“After a decade of successful research three Bt maize varieties; WE1259B, WE3205B, and WE5206B were recommended for release by KEPHIS. All that was pending for their final release and placement to the market was the cabinet’s approval we now have," read part of a statement by KALRO’s Director General Eliud Kireger.

Athi River company introduces plastic grain silos doubling grain shelf life

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By George Munene

An Athi River based company has introduced plastic grain silos that double the shelf life of grain preventing smallholder farmer post harvest loss.

Manufactured by Polytanks & Containers Ltd, the airtight Polytanks Grain Silo, can be used to store 340-350 kilograms (4-5 bags) of grains, cereals, and pulses without risk of contamination from outside dirt, insects and moisture.

“Unlike hermetic bags, the plastic silos cannot be easily punctured. They last 10-15 years if well taken care of,” said Jitendra Pandya, the company’s GM for business development.

Being plastic, there is no worry of rust or metal residue mixing into the grain.

Once well dried grain is placed in the grain silo it is locked airtight with the aid of a rubber seal lid.

The silo has an outlet at the bottom that can be used to remove grain when needed.

The outlet cap and lid should always be closed after use to prevent moisture entry or contamination.

The efficacy of the grain silo depends on the storing conditions, with grains keeping longer in dry, moisture free environments than in humid conditions.

The Polytank Grain Silo costs Sh9,990, with prices varying with the transport costs to various parts of the country.

It is estimated that Kenya loses a staggering 20 per cent of its cereal, pulses and legumes before they reach markets with 80 per cent of Kenyan farmers reporting having to deal with post harvest losses during grain pre-drying period.

Polytanks & Containers Kenya Limited: Ph: 0800720918/ 0717969602 / 0100969602

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.polytanksafrica.com

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: 15 October 2022; Hits: 1630

Prices of key agri-commodities expected to decline-CBK report

By George Munene

According to a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) September 2022 agriculture sector survey 62 per cent of wholesale and retail traders, and farmers expect retail prices of agricultural commodities to remain the same or decline in October 2022.

Most farmers also expect the level of output and farming acreage for key food items to increase during the next harvest.This owes to introduction of low-cost government subsidised fertilizer in the market and favourable weather conditions.

However, 38 percent of respondents expect the prices of agricultural commodities to increase largely reflecting the impact of the recent 15 per cent increase in fuel prices and 15.7 per cent increase in the price of electricity.

The analysis of wholesale prices in different regions revealed a decline in the prices of kales, cabbages, spinach, tomatoes, dry maize, green maize, and milk in September 2022 as compared to July and June 2022.

This was on account of the improved weather conditions that supported the vegetable season.

However, the price of onions, potatoes, beans, wheat, and eggs remained elevated due low production.

The Survey was conducted between September 15 and 16, 2022 drew respondents from wholesale traders, retail markets, and farms in major towns across the country. This included: Nairobi, Nairobi Metropolitan area, Naivasha, Gilgil, Nakuru, Narok, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii, Eldoret, Meru and Nyeri.

It coverd 50 commodities including vegetables (kales, cabbages, spinach), non-vegetables (tomatoes, onions, potatoes), grains (dry maize, green maize, beans, wheat) and animal products (beef, eggs and milk).

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