Archive

Category: Crops

Understanding soil microorganisms and their role is vital for farmers

Knowledge of soil microorganisms can help farmers to optimise nutrient management and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers, a new report says. Those fertilisers can have…

Why a soil test is crucial

CLIFFORD AKUMU clifford@smartfarmerkenya.com With any mention of reducing crop harvests or problems with soils, the first question on any experts’ lips is: Have you tested…

Global Experts Unite to Strengthen Plant Health Management in the Global South

During the recent International Day of Plant Health, a group of experts from across the globe sat together in a webinar. Agenda: to discuss and…

Why Kenya’s cost of agricultural production is so high

By Bernadette Murgor Maize, whether as grain or flour, is the staple food in most Kenyan homes. Without it, there is literally no food! Yet…

Young graduate making a fortune from tomato farming

By Zablon Oyugi Upon her graduation, Anne Muriithi was among the few who got the chance to work with Egerton University’s Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural…

How to grow and earn quick money from beetroots

The root vegetable crop takes 60 days (two months) to mature By Zablon Oyugi Beetroot is one of the emerging high value crops among Kenyan…

Kenyan farmers urged to tap into lucrative silk farming for export

Silk is four to 10 times more valuable than coffee, tea and vegetables when grown for export By Zablon Oyugi The global silk production continues…

Woes in Nakuru due to poor maize harvest

Nakuru county is a regular when it comes to high maize production. However current predictions have the county anticipating a poor harvest for the crop….

Bomet Governor promises to improve ease of Agriculture

The Governor of Bomet, Hillary Barchok has taken office for his second term and his first actions are within to fight poverty and turning around…

Coffee sector in Kirinyaga puts hopes in new government

Coffee farmers in Kirinyaga are hopeful that the new government will help save their sector. Farmers from the area believe that coffee farming is highly…

Turmeric the golden spice of life

It is said to aid in healing wounds, cuts and burns due to its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties; it boosts the immune system and…

Plans for maize flour subsidy

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya promised to conduct an audit of millers contracted to provide subsidized maize. On Wednesday, a day after the general election, CS…

Crop grafting; the future of increased yield?

Farmers over decades have embraced grafting as a way to blend plant varieties. Essentially grafting takes the makeup of two crops, places them together in…

Enhancing the ability of your soil to hold water

Soil health, quality and water holding capacity is a critical factor in building a productive and resource-efficient farm. Enhancing your soil water holding capacity, increases…

How to control fall army worms

Recently, FAW has spread to Southern and Eastern Africa and has brought havoc to maize farmers. In Kenya, the fall armyworm (Spodopterafrugiperda) is becoming a…