Want maximum yields? Do not just plant crops anyhow, farmers advised

They also serve to educate farmers on latest agricultural machinery trends and the advantages of mechanisation. More events will be held throughout Kenya during the year PHOTO:COURTESY

Farmers must use best planting practices to reap maximum profits from their farms, dealer in farm machinery says.
FMD East Africa, an agricultural machinery distributor, says the recommended inter-row and intra-row seed placement ensures seeds are properly placed in the soil to promote vigorous root growth.

Speaking at Xtra Care Clinics in Ziwa, Kachibora and Kapenguria, Brazilian Wilian Caetano, a Baldan Technical Demonstrator, said correct plant population at recommended spacing enhances healthy plant competition resulting in better yields.

Caetano demonstrated how to correctly calibrate a planter to achieve the recommended inter-row and intra-row seed placement. This ensures seeds are properly placed in the soil to promote vigorous root growth. Correct plant population at recommended spacing enhances healthy plant competition resulting in better yields.

One of the Xtra Care Clinics was conducted at West Pokot Senator Prof John Lonyangapuo, Kapenguria farm where he hosted neighbouring farmers ahead of the coming planting season.

The owners of over 30 Massey Ferguson tractors who brought their machines to the Senator’s farm benefitted from a free 43-point inspection by MF Trained technicians.

They were also offered service and professional advice on use genuine spare parts stocked by FMD. The MF Xtra Care Clinics are aimed at raising farmers’ awareness on preventive routine practices that will reduce breakdowns and as a result increase the farmers return on investment.

They also serve to educate farmers on latest agricultural machinery trends and the advantages of mechanisation. More events will be held throughout Kenya during the year.— By Maureen Akinyi