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Category: HOW TO

How to become an organic farmer in Kenya

Consumers are shying away from crops laden with pesticides By Zablon Oyugi Since 1950s during the Green Revolution when there was an upsurge in crop…

Tips to help test the quality of honey in Kenyan markets

Some unscrupulous traders mix honey with water, or molasses for profit – usually at the expense of unsuspecting customers who cannot tell real from fake…

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…

Raising guinea fowls a growing trend

They are not only being kept for their beauty and elegance or meat and eggs, but they also fetch good prices in the market and…

There is more to bees than just sweet honey

By Bernadette Murgor bmurgor@smartfarmerkenya.com Beekeeping is sweet news for consumers, but should also be for the farmers, who make it happen. Honey is popular all…

Banana growth and care for good yields

The banana is one of the most widely consumed and pocket-friendly fruits in the world. It is a perennial crop with high economic importance and…

Telling a good seed from bad

Some unscrupulous businessmen deliberately mix good with bad seeds to make easy money and farmers are advised to avoid seeds that have been divided into…

Plant diversity improves your soil and yields

Regular evaluation of farm biodiversity ensures early correction, especially where important plant and animal species are disappearing What is bio-diversity? The word biodiversity has been…

Calf feeding, housing and hygiene

Feeding calves below six months with silage causes them to have “distended stomachs, which in the long run adversely affects their growth, Calves should be…

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…

Cow comfort equals more milk

The comfort of your cow determines how long it remains healthy and productive. A cow has to move 25,000 litres of blood through its udder…

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…

How to grow Bixa

Ecological requirements According to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), Mtwapa station, Bixa plant does well in warm humid areas with temperatures of between…

Bixa, The colouring crop can add Value to farmers lives

This special plant produces 70 per cent of the worlds natural food colours and has the potential to earn farmers good money BY MAZERA NDURYA …

Why organic matter a must

Compost also plays an important role in the physical structure of a soil. compost-rich soil retains water better and can sustain a crop for two…