Farmers in Western Kenya have been advised to plant alternative crops from maize to beat the erratic weather.
Farmers who planned to plant maize for the short season have since halted their plans.
They cite the unpredictable weather patterns and challenges in accessing government-subsidised fertiliser and certified seeds.
The Kenya National Farmers Federation (Kenaff) urged them to diversify by planting crops that can tolerate the weather.
Western and Nyanza co-ordinator Pius Akhonya cited cassava, sweet potatoes and African leafy vegetables.
“Most farmers have come to us, complaining that recommended short-season maize seeds, including the five series hybrid seeds are not available in the market,” Akhonya said.
“This poses a major challenge because it will be unrealistic for the farmers to plant maize that takes a longer period to mature during the short rains season.”
Some farmers in Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia counties have expressed their concerns that the erratic weather conditions could disrupt the short season.
This even after the government reduced the prices of subsidised fertiliser from Sh3,500 to Sh2,500 per 50kg bag
They said they had been forced to postpone or abandon plans to plant maize due to the unpredictable weather.
“I had adequately prepared to grow maize again, but the rains appear unreliable and getting the government subsidised fertiliser and the right seed is a challenge as well,” Maryanne Mukolwe from Navakholo said.
Linet Wafula, a farmer from Matungu, said she was disappointed after, missing fertiliser meant for planting season despite paying money for it.
In Kakamega, farmers have been camping at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot, demanding to be given the fertiliser.
Akhonya urged the farmers not to rely on rainfed agriculture to grow crops.
“We have been educating our farmers across the region to embrace irrigation,” he said.
The coordinator blamed unreliable rainfall on climate change, and said farmers ought to resort to irrigation and go for short-season crops that are also tolerant to drought and diseases.
"Kenaff has been encouraging farmers to work in groups and pool resources to invest in irrigation at their level,” he said.
The organisation also encouraged farmers to practice conservation agriculture which does not affect the soils.
Akhonya said watering crops is the way to go because it is not practical to ask farmers to plant indigenous trees that attract rain, yet they are expecting to take advantage of short rain season to grow crops.
Source: The Star