High acidity in soils killing agriculture sector
SEE ALSO :High soil acidity leads to poor yield
Farmers’ failure to embrace technology was also attributed to low yield. KMT has recommended consistent information on soil testing, lime use and adoption of emerging technologies to address the issues facing farmers. “The gap between farmers and service providers, the agency suggest can be bridged by the involvement of youth in agricultural sector,” Mr Kamau noted. InterventionFor More of This and Other Stories, Grab Your Copy of the Standard Newspaper.
The study showed that most of the farmers hardly harvest one tonne per hectare, way below the potential of six tonnes. In 2015, KMT initiated intervention to increase use of agricultural lime by smallholder farmers in a pilot in Kakamega, Vihiga and Uasin Gishu counties. Kamau presented the report to Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba and assured of the trust’s commitment to seek partnership with agro-dealers willing to sell lime to farmers and advise them on usage. According to agricultural experts, soil-testing and use of lime has improved maize production from 4.3 million bags to 6.5 million bags in Trans Nzoia. Mr Khaemba said in 2014, they supplied subsidised lime and Mavuno fertiliser to farmers to help to bring down soil acidity.Do not miss out on the latest news. Join the Standard Digital Telegram channel HERE.