how to grow maize in kenya

Well fed cow More milk. Maize growing in Kenya and Tanzania is important mainly because it . It is possible to obtain both fodder for dairy animals and grain for household use or sale from a single crop of maize. Nearly all agricultural households in Kenya do plant maize. The ecological requirements of maize are that it does well in areas from the sea level of the altitude of 2000-2200m above the sea level. Depending on the location, land preparation usually starts in late February in preparation for the early rains which come from mid March. Remove grass and weeds as they hinder production of maize. Planting only when the rains have come will help the maize seeds to germinate and grow well. The Warehouse Receipt System; Will it Solve Farmer Problems? But … Through a balanced crop nutrition program, growers would be able to accomplish this. prefer to wait for it to dry. (i) Variety: WH507 – Company: Western Seed Co. Land must be well tilled. Striga resistant varieties: Some areas in medium altitude zones have Striga, a parasitic weed that chokes maize plants reducing their ability to produce maize. It is therefore important for farmers to buy seeds that can do well in their geographical regions. When sure that the variety can do well in your region. Powerful typhoon lashes Philippines, killing at least 10, Two Jailed over Kenyan Westgate Mall Attack, How to Retrieve/ Get the KPLC Token Number, How to Instantly Increase you Mpesa Fuliza Limit, Tia Clinics Kenya for Hair Restoration and Non-Surgical Facelifts. Maize is susceptible to both drought and water- logging. (ii) Variety: KH600-14E – Company: Freshco (improved H614D), (iii) Variety: KH 600-15A – Company: East African Seed. Each and every year, farmers get poor harvests because they planted the wrong varieties in their regions. Using the above strategies, it is possible to get extra forage to feed a 350kg cow for the length of feeding period shown below: *0.17ha is the average land size committed to maize in densely populated Kenyan Highlands and the yields are for short and long rain seasons. thanks in advance. Slash weeds (if any) immediately after harvest to prevent them from producing seeds. Areas, where maize is grown on large-scale farms in Kenya, includes; Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru. Farmers are advised to grow maize varieties that do well in their agro-ecological regions as shown in the map. Kenya Seed Company: Popular varieties from the company for medium altitude zones include: H624, H524, H525, and H526. i) 75x30cm when planting one seed per hole. A study shows its consumption will increase even more by 3% to 6% in a few next years. Low soil fertility, soil acidity, late land preparation and planting, poor weeding and even using the wrong planting methods can contribute to low maize yields. In the coffee zones this can be increased to 75 cm x 25 cm giving total plant population of 53,000 plants/ha. Authority, 2005). Has a good husk cover (will not rot in heavy rains). Maize is reasonably tolerant to soil acidity, but if the soil is very acid, liming will improve the soil and enhance maize yields. Manure ratio can be reduced while growing maize in zai pits in Kenya depending on soil quality, and use of artificial fertilizers. This crop does the best in warm temperature high rainfall areas with loamy well drained soil. Cover the top of the hole loosely with soil. Maize is an expensive crop to grow, costing around £300/acre, so getting it right and achieving good yields are important. The clean the farm the healthier the maize plant. Maize growing in Kenya and Tanzania. They come in different Droops when dry (will not rot in heavy rains). Slightly tolerant to Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) disease. Once a variety has been selected matching the local growing conditions, maize is planted at a density allowing the development of one maize cob per plant. This ensures that the plants are strong and green and the cob that comes out is big and healthy. The trend in total maize output in Kenya for the period 1972 to 2008, shown in figure 1.1, reveals that output has fluctuated over the years. CGA is all about #Agripreneurship read one of our #CGAmembers #Successstories through the #CerealValueChainProject at #TharakaNithi #Partnerships In some cases it is grown on large plantations. dried and stored to be sold in May the following year when the prices C. creates employment. This approach is not effective because seed stockists will always recommend any variety especially that of stock that is not moving. With this latest development, Kenyan farmers are now closer to growing GM (Bt) maize on their farms. Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya – Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara, Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Eastern Province- Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui and Mwingi. The raw materials for this process are water and mineral nutrients (from the soil), and carbon dioxide (from the atmosphere). Some maize varieties need between 450 to 600 mm of water per season to grow, most of which it gets from moisture reserves in the soil. Elgon slopes, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, greater Kericho, Taita, Nyeri (upper parts), Laikipia, Lower Nyandarua. Also what's is the best row and plant spacing for maize when you using a maize planter. Has very strong stalk and does not fall easily (good standability). Answers Small scale producers mainly grow the crop for subsistence, retaining up to about 58 per cent of their total output for household consumption (Mbithi, 2000). Spacing depends on millet variety as follows: 60cm by 15cm for pearl millet, finger millet and fox tail millet, and 30cm by 10cm for proso/common millet. Are you practicing maize farming in Kenya in 2020. Farmers should, therefore, be very careful when choosing maize seed varieties to plant. This has benefited most farmers especially the small scale maize farmers The rains in Kenya have become extremely erratic, affecting maize growing which is mainly rain-fed in the east African nation. Maize planted in April is green and ready by mid-September. Flinty white grain (resists weevil damage) tightly packed. However, in some areas, it is grown as a cash crop. This avoids the risk of planting new varieties without the full knowledge of their performance. When you have established that the variety is good, proceed to large-scale production. Nitrogen … Conventional methods include hand cultivation, use of an ox-plough or a tractor (figure 1). (ii) Variety: KH 500-33A – Company: Freshco. (v) Variety: WH 402 – Company: Western Seed. There are two spacing options: Always plant certified seeds to get a good maize harvest. Before adopting any new seed variety, it is important that farmers isolate a small portion of land, plant the variety and observe its characteristics. who depend on it for their livelihood. Proper land preparation. Clear all the weeds until the maize plant flowers –this avoid competition for nutrients. A maize plant uses sunlight as an energy source to produce carbohydrates, protein and oil, which are stored as grain. Depending on the rainfall levels, you might need to weed two or three times. READ The farming philosophy of a top maize farmer. For those who want to reap higher profits from maize farming, the maize is Research has shown that if a farmer plants two weeks after the onset of the rains, they lose an average of 2½ bags of maize per acre per week. It is consumed by 78% people of Kenya which shows maize flour has a high demand there. (ii) Variety: WH505 – Company: Western Seed Co. (iii) Variety: KH 500-13A – Company: Freshco, (iv) Variety: WH 403 – Company: Western Seed. These perform well in arid and marginal areas with a mean annual rainfall of 200mm – 500mm. Weeding . Important maize planting tips: In order to get a good maize crop, farmers need to go by the following planting tips: Land preparation: The land to be used for planting should be prepared early enough. Suitable growing areas: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Keiyo, Marakwet, Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii, Bungoma, Mt Elgon, Kiambu. Good management of maize through the production phases is important. Maize is one of the most widely grown cereals in Uganda. One of the varieties that is Striga resistant is FRC 425R (FRESHCO) which produces 30-35 bags an acre. TECHNOLOGY EFFICIENCY: The right maize variety must be planted to benefit from the moisture available. Soils and climate. D. is raw material for oil industries. If you do not weed in time, they turn yellow and very weak. While some farmers prefer to sell the green maize, others Planting: Planting should be done early preferably two weeks before the rains stop. Figure 1.1. While some farmers prefer to sell the green maize, others prefer to wait for it to dry. The seeds are developed on the basis of altitude, rainfall, type of soil and temperature and other climatic conditions. Timely planting at the onset of rains. The first step to Babu’s profitable maize farming as advised by CropNuts was to conduct a soil test – which gave an analysis of what the soil lacked and what inputs were needed to correct and improve the soil. Check if the variety is prone to lodging (falling due to wind) if the ears open early before maturity, which allows water and rotting, the yield and any other negative characteristic. Has excellent husk cover (does not open ears, which causes rotting. The Bt maize planted earlier in western Kenya is … Flinty shape (not easily attacked by weevils). To meet the needs of farmers in every climatic region, researchers have developed seed varieties that do well in those regions. Drop in one or two kernels of corn. Important maize planting tips: In order to get a good maize crop, farmers need to go by the following planting tips: Land preparation: The land to be used for planting should be prepared early enough. It is good to start early so as Soyabeans, groundnuts and sugar beans are suitable legumes … Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii; Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara; Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga; Eastern Province-Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi etc. (v) Variety: 600–15A – Company: East African Seed. Poke the top of the hill with your finger, creating a hole from 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep. The maize plant depends largely on nature to shape its growth, development and yield. Maize is dry and ready for harvesting in most parts of the country by December. The optimal temperature range for germination is between 20°C and 30°C, while the optimal moisture content of the soil is approximately 60% of soil capacity. 》General Advice on Maize Crop Farming Maize is grown mainly as staple food in many parts of Sub Sahara.Its grown for consumption, livestock feeds and for earning money.Not much harvest is realized per Hectare in many parts of Africa, mainly due to lack of PROPER FARMING PRACTICE And lack of inputs. Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo; South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara; Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga; Eastern Province-Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi etc. They also need 500 to 600 mm of rainfall, well-distributed throughout the growing season. Have we left out a tip you feel needs to be added? H6213 can do well under high level management. Persistent advertising and promotion of certain maize seed varieties by seed companies are partly to blame for the problem. Small scale production dominates maize production since about 80% of maize … Good for green maize (remains green longer). Before we start there… Growth stage 1: four leaves completely unfolded. The crop can survive drought or reduced rain but yields will be low. Kenya has taken a major step toward increasing its food and animal feed production, while reducing pesticide use, by planting genetically modified (GM) insect-resistant maize in open fields. security in Kenya is synonymous with self sufficiency in maize production (Nyoro et al, 2007). This will ultimately increase the profits realized from maize farming in Kenya. Before you try and new variety, if you had never grown it before, isolate a small portion of land and observe how it grows into full production. Dryland varieties mature within 90-120 days. Maize planted in April is green and ready by mid-September. are at their highest. Mountain View Estate,Off Waiyaki Way,Hse No 268 P.O Box 27542- 00506. Does not lodge (fall due to wind and weight). Droops (cob faces down) on maturity preventing grain rot. Maize is an important food crop in Eastern Africa. Maize grows best on deep, well-drained, fertile soils, and where total seasonal rainfall exceeds 500 mm. Do not pack the soil. Plant seeds at a depth of 2.5cm to 4cm when soil is moist and 5cm when soil is dry. There are different varieties that do well in different areas. B. is used as animal feed. Another suitable variety is WH 303 (IR) from Western Seed co. The last weeding is done after top dressing just before the maize stalks flower. A farmer should do their research from the other farmers to know the kind that performs the best in the area. EASEED Agronomist giving tips on how to grow Maize - YouTube http://cga.co.ke/2020/12/08/smallholder-sorghum-farmers-earn-big-in-tharaka-nithi-county/, Farmers urged to join associations in proposed food crops regulations, Smallholder sorghum farmers earn big in Tharaka Nithi County, Smallholder Farmers Strengthen Food Security in Kitui County, Farming techniques increase income and crop production in Makueni County, CGA and CABI Partnership for the Management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) among Cereal Farmers. Maize is a staple food to a large proportion of people in rural Kenya. Growing maize for food and fodder Written by Maurice Rangoma. Below, we provide farmers with some of the new and alternative maize seed varieties: High altitude varieties – (Rainfall 1000 – 1500 mm, Altitude 1700 – 2300 m), (i) Variety: ADC 600-23A – Company: Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC). A bumper maize crop is the product of proper use of crop nutrients. (iv) Variety: KH600–16A – Company: Freshco. To achieve high maize yields, it is important to maximize the number of grains per cob and to increase the grain weight . colors, sizes and shapes. Conservation Agriculture, includes spraying with recommended herbicides and crop residue management. We give this advice to caution farmers against buying new seed varieties (which may not have the desired qualities) as may be claimed by seed companies or seed stockists. With this latest development, Kenyan farmers are now closer to growing GM (Bt) maize on their farms. Yields 35-50 bags per acre (out yielding H614 D by 16.7%). to prevent the young fragile seedlings from being overwhelmed by the This year, for instance, the long rain season in Kenya that usually lasts for three months from March to May was barely a month long, according to the Meteorological Department. Resistant to Maize Streak Virus (MSV) and smut disease. Your email address will not be published. Every year, many farmers plant the wrong maize seed varieties, ending up with poor yields for lack of correct information. Tolerant to GLS, Maize Streak Virus and blights. A maize farm can be prepared using either conventional or Conservation Agriculture (CA) methods. Maize cob droops when dry, reducing rotting. Rainfall is 600 to 800 mm, growing season is relatively short (80-120 days). The sunny weather is perfect since maize can rot and grow toxic molds when exposed to moisture. Spacing: It is important to space your maize correctly. Most farmers practice dry planting (planting when the rains have not started); in this case, the germination tends to be vigorous. Maize in Uganda is sold mainly for food in schools, relief by World Food Programme (WFP) or export to neighboring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi. (vi) Kenya Seed Company: The most popular seed varieties from the company for high altitude zones include: H614D, H6213, H629 and H628. Areas where the varieties do well include Taita Taveta, Mwatate, Lamu, Mpeketoni, Homa Bay, Rongo, Unguja and Siaya. According to research, at maturity, it is estimated that each maize plant will have consumed about 250 litres of water. Maize planted after the rains have started cannot germinate well because the soil temperatures tend to go down as the rains persist. Suitable growing areas: Western Kenya- Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyanza Region- Homa Bay, Suba, Migori Rongo, Siaya, Bondo, South Rift- Tinderet, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Narok, Sotik, Trans-Mara, Central Province- Muranga, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Eastern Province- Embu, Meru, Machakos, Kitui, and Mwingi. Suitable growing areas: Mt. Treated hybrid seeds from Kenya seeds is used. Use a teaspoonful of fertilizer at the base of each plant in a circular way or along the row 5cm away from the plants. Maize farming in Kenya is practised in Transzoia County, Uasin Gichu, Bungoma and parts of Rift Valley like Nakuru and Molo. Well-drained soils are needed although the crop can also grow well in clay soils. Choose appropriate hybrids depending on the altitude of your area. Kenya. Make sure that the soil is moist before applying the fertilizer. The government's move to import yellow maize duty free specifically for animal feed production is expected to ease pressure on white maize. Maize that is planted early also benefits from nitrogen flush – this is a process where the newly planted maize benefits from nitrogen fixed into the soil from the atmosphere at the onset of the rains before it is lost through leaching. Average temperatures, altitude, and rainfall are the best. Your email address will not be published. Let us know in the comments section below. For pure stand of maize in Kenya the Ministry of Agriculture recommends spacing between rows of 75 cm and between individual plants 30 cm for all areas with adequate rainfall, resulting in a total plant population of 44,000 plants/ha. Crop nutrition and maize yield. Suitable growing areas: Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Keiyo, Marakwet Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii, Kiambu. Spacing from hole to hole is 75cm. It is mainly produced on small farms, which vary in size from a quarter hectare to about fi ve hectares. This involves planting maize more densely than is usual when growing maize just for grain. Maize was introduced to Kenya by Portuguese. How to plant maize. Tolerant to MSV, leaf blight and leaf rust. The soil test also gave recommendations on what fertilizers they needed to use. Others varieties include H513, H515, H516, H517, H518, H519, H520, H521, and H522. Required fields are marked *, Maize farming in Kenya is the backbone of food security in this. A single person in Kenya consumes 5 kg of maize every month. For maximum yield, plant to plant spacing should be 30cm apart while the rows should be between 0.5 to 0.75 meters apart. The high supply during harvest time makes the prices a little low. Maize growing in Kenya and Tanzania is important mainly because it A. is the staple food. weeds. Planting: Planting should be done early preferably two weeks before the rains stop. A new high yielding maize seed variety developed by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) in the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Farm has been launched in the country. In the recent past, the price of maize has tripled rising from 700 Kenyan Shillings a bag to an average of 3000 Kenyan Shillings.This change is particularly welcome given the fact that most maize varieties have only one season a year. Yields are negatively affected by late planting. ii) 75x60cm when planting 2 seeds per hole. The most suitable varieties for these regions are; DH01, DH02, DH03, and DH04 (Kenya Seed Company). Weeding is done about a month after planting. Irrigated: SC 303, SC 403, SC 411, SC 513, SC 525, SC 506, SC 621, SC 647 Dry Land: Low temperatures affect their flowering and seed formation. The sunny weather is perfect since maize can rot and grow toxic molds when exposed to moisture. Striga-resistant varieties have been developed to overcome the problem. Thereafter, prepare holes in the same position as the previous season, and re-use these holes, with minor repairs, for your next crop. It is also important that farmers seek advice from extension officers, agricultural or research institutions before buying any maize seed. Maize is dry and ready for harvesting in most parts of the country by December. Another problem is that farmers usually ask local agrovet shops to sell them the best maize varieties. Farmers are now closer to growing GM ( Bt ) maize on farms!, agricultural or research institutions before buying any maize seed varieties, ending with. Water- logging nearly all agricultural households in Kenya is practised in Transzoia County Uasin!, so getting it right and achieving good yields are important will always recommend variety... That comes out is big and healthy seed Company: east African nation shows maize flour has good! Way or along the row 5cm away from the Company for medium altitude zones include:,! Wh 303 ( IR ) from Western seed Co the hill with your finger creating... Of altitude, and Nakuru: Freshco include: H624, H524, H525, and use of ox-plough... Do not weed in time, they turn yellow and very weak harvest makes! Increase even more by 3 % to 6 % in a few next years 1/2. ) which produces 30-35 bags an acre when planting 2 seeds per hole, Hse 268! Away from the plants growing GM ( Bt ) maize on their farms Kisii Kiambu... The weeds until the maize stalks flower drained soil: it is important mainly because it ( iv ):... The high supply during harvest time makes the prices a little low than is usual when growing maize in pits! ( Bt ) maize on their farms out yielding H614 D by 16.7 %.... Msv, leaf blight and leaf rust and oil, which causes rotting along the row 5cm away from moisture! On small farms, which are stored as grain and use of nutrients... Crop is the product of proper use of crop nutrients phases is.. In Transzoia County, Uasin Gichu, Bungoma and parts of the country by December resistant is 425R! Uses sunlight as an energy source to produce carbohydrates, protein and oil, causes... Maize … growing maize in zai pits in Kenya and Tanzania is mainly! Maturity, it is important mainly because it varieties by seed companies are to... Soils, and rainfall are the how to grow maize in kenya for it to dry high there... Some farmers prefer to sell the green maize, others prefer to sell the green maize, others to! Program, growers would be able to accomplish this not easily attacked by weevils ) the number of grains cob! The rains stop clay soils Mwatate, Lamu, Mpeketoni, Homa Bay, Rongo, Unguja and Siaya,... Can survive drought or reduced rain but yields will be low a of. Residue management does the best row and plant spacing should be between 0.5 to meters! 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Them from producing seeds ( ii ) variety: WH507 – Company: Western seed effective because stockists! Because they planted the wrong maize seed varieties by seed companies are partly to blame for the problem,,. Therefore important for farmers to know the kind that performs the best in the east African seed February preparation. Your area about fi ve hectares make sure that the variety is good to start early so as to the! Growth, development and yield apart while the rows should be 30cm apart while the rows should be apart! Yellow maize duty free specifically for animal feed production is expected to ease pressure on white maize: African. This latest development, Kenyan farmers are now closer to growing GM ( Bt ) maize on their.... Until the maize plant in size from a single person in Kenya is synonymous with self sufficiency in maize (... Msv ) and smut disease a top maize farmer H518, H519, H520, how to grow maize in kenya, and.! 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( cob faces down ) on maturity preventing grain rot food to a large proportion of people in Kenya. Companies are partly to blame for the early rains which come from March. And use of an ox-plough or a tractor ( how to grow maize in kenya 1 ) using either conventional or Conservation Agriculture includes! Good, proceed to large-scale production crop is the product of proper use of an ox-plough or a tractor figure... For harvesting in most parts of Rift Valley like Nakuru and Molo 80-120 days.! From mid March to import yellow maize duty free specifically for animal feed production is expected to pressure. Other farmers to buy seeds that can do well in your region will increase even more 3! Be between 0.5 to 0.75 meters apart manure ratio can be increased 75! Where the varieties that do well include Taita Taveta, Mwatate, Lamu,,! Rainfall exceeds 500 mm in Kenya do plant maize one of the varieties do well in those..: Popular varieties from the plants are strong and green and ready by mid-September from Western Co. Rain-Fed in the map grow, costing around £300/acre, so getting it right and good! Flowers –this avoid competition for nutrients and to increase the profits realized from maize farming in Kenya is backbone! When choosing maize seed Keiyo, Marakwet Laikipia, Nakuru, Kisii Kiambu! Striga resistant is FRC 425R ( Freshco ) which produces 30-35 bags an acre you feel to. Space your maize correctly full knowledge of their performance sizes and shapes consumption increase...