Farmer Training Activities: Composting, Liquid Fertilizer Making, and Quality Pre-basic Seed Potato Dissemination
1. Introduction
The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and economic stability. To enhance productivity and sustainability, it is essential to train farmers in improved farming techniques. This document outlines efforts to reach out to farmers and provide training on composting, liquid fertilizer making, and the dissemination of quality pre-basic seed potatoes.
In partnership with #Agriterra EGSP-IMBUTO LTD Agronomist team has reached out to more than 600 farmers, in this agenda we had an aim of disseminating quality seed potatoes to the farmers in sectors nearing our company , Gataraga Sector, Shigiro village, Kinigi and Nyange sector and lastly Mulinga sector in Nyabihu district. As agronomists we’ve been delighted to share our knowledge and skills to the farmers and of course this was also a way of making seeds easily accessed by farmers.
we have travelled all the way to their local villages, we have got to hear farmers’ insights, witness their happy face. below is summary of the activities done in #Acting now project.
2. Objectives of the Training Program
- To educate farmers on the benefits and methods of composting for soil health improvement.
- To train farmers in the production of liquid fertilizers to enhance crop growth.
- To disseminate quality prebasic seed potatoes to improve yields and disease resistance.
3. Training Approach To ensure effective learning, a participatory approach was used, which included the following:
- On-farm Demonstrations: Practical demonstrations were conducted to show farmers the step-by-step process of composting and making liquid fertilizers.
- Workshops and Seminars: Farmers were engaged in interactive sessions to discuss best practices and share experiences.
- Dissemination of Educational Materials: Brochures and leaflets were provided to reinforce learning and serve as reference materials.
- Group Discussions and Experience Sharing: Farmers exchanged knowledge and strategies to enhance the adoption of new techniques.
4. Composting Training Farmers were trained on composting as a sustainable way to enrich soil fertility using farm waste. The training covered:
- Selection of composting materials (organic farm waste, manure, crop residues, etc.).
- The composting process, including layering, aeration, and moisture control.
- Benefits of composting, such as improved soil structure and enhanced microbial activity.
- 5.Liquid Fertilizer Making Training To reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, farmers were introduced to liquid fertilizer making. The training included:
- Identification of suitable organic materials (e.g., animal manure, plant extracts, and bio-waste).
- Fermentation techniques to extract nutrients effectively.
- Proper application methods to maximize plant uptake and minimize wastage.
6. Quality Prebasic Seed Potato Dissemination Improving potato productivity requires access to quality seed potatoes. The training program included:
- Selection and multiplication of high-yielding and disease-free prebasic seed potatoes.
- Proper handling and storage of seed potatoes to maintain quality.
- Field preparation, planting techniques, and pest and disease management to maximize yields.
7. Impact and Farmer Adoption Initial feedback from the trained farmers indicated positive responses, including:
- Increased awareness and willingness to adopt composting and liquid fertilizer production.
- Improved soil health and plant growth in demonstration farms.
- Enhanced potato yields due to the use of quality prebasic seed potatoes.
8. Challenges and Recommendations Challenges encountered during the training included:
- Limited access to resources for large-scale composting and fertilizer production.
- Need for continuous follow-up and extension services to ensure proper implementation.
- Some resistance from farmers accustomed to conventional farming methods.
Recommendations:
- Establish farmer cooperatives to facilitate resource sharing.
- Develop policies to support organic farming initiatives.
- Conduct regular follow-up and refresher training sessions to reinforce learning.
9. Conclusion The training on composting, liquid fertilizer making, and quality prebasic seed potato dissemination has proven to be beneficial to farmers. With continued support and follow-up, these practices will enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Future programs should focus on scaling up the initiative and integrating more farmers to ensure long-term impact.
10. Next Steps
- Organize additional training sessions in other regions.
- Strengthen partnerships with agricultural research institutions.
- Provide small grants or support programs to encourage the adoption of these practices.