The banana value chain is set to scale a notch higher as Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/kenya/article/2000191651/kalro-accuses-cartel-of-selling-uncertified-wheat-seeds">KALRO<) has embarked on a series of training to help farmers increase the yields of this important crop.
The training of trainers (ToTs) project is targeting lead farmers, County extension staff and service providers from counties implementing Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Productivity (KCSAP). This training started in September 2019. It was however slightly disrupted by ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/commentary/article/2001378545/fund-and-own-research-as-we-fight-covid-crisis">COVID -19 pandemic.< The program is ongoing. According to plans it is set to be completed by December this year.
- College students innovation converts banana residue into organic fertiliser
- Fighting Fall Army Worm KALRO
- Seed production bulking to address the challenge of livestock feed
- Improving vegetables production through smart agriculture technologies
The trainers are in turn expected to pass on the knowledge they have derived from the two-week program to farmers in their counties to help them boost their crop yields.
Speaking during the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business-news/article/2001375925/world-bank-to-fund-sh117m-kisii-banana-market">Banana An innovation platform for disease management has been set up in Busia. This comes barely months after the notorious Xanthomonas wilt, better known as BXW, wiped a lot of banana orchards in Busia. Dr. Makini highlighted that bananas are a rich source of vitamins, fiber and potassium and are low in fat. It is a crop that is well embraced can help farmers improve national food security for women, children, youth and vulnerable groups.
The crop can be farmed in wet areas as well as dry areas under irrigation.
This resilient crop has changed livelihoods by providing nutrition (food) and extra income that has been used by farmers to pay school fees for their children and cater for other bills.
Additionally, Dr. Makini advised banana farmers to join hands and form cooperatives so as to upscale their bargaining power in the market as well as attract financial institutions to boost their financial aid.
Other than eating bananas when ripe and cooking them, they can also be used to make wine, crisps and floor. This value addition can create avenues for employment for the general Kenyan populace. The project sponsored by ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business-news/article/2001375925/world-bank-to-fund-sh117m-kisii-banana-market">World Bank Other modules taught include integrated pest disease management, banana farming business and marketing, good agricultural practices in banana production, and post-harvest management and value addition.
The modules were taught and facilitated by KALRO’s finest crop experts that included Dr. Lusike Wasilwa, Dr. Violet Kirigwa, Dr. Antony Esilaba, Nasambu Okoko, Dr. Geoffrey Kamau, Dr. Japheth Wanyama, Mr. Samuel Maina, Dr. Ruth Amata, Mr. Anthony Nyaga, Dr. Francis Wayua among others.
Through extensive research, KALRO has developed varieties of banana crops that mature early, with high yields and are="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/the-standard/article/2001290979/research-agency-working-on-crop-breeds-resistant-to-fall-army-worm"> resistant to diseases.<
Author; Dr. Paul R. N. Kangethe (BVM, UoN)
Email; PKangethe@standardmedia.co.ke