Kidugala CVP Visit Report - Jan 15-2013

2010 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Three January 16, 2013 Village Kidugala Pastor Wallace Lupenza Companion Immanuel Lutheran Attendees 16 Weather for the past month Dry and Warm Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Gabriel, Ibrahim , and Venance 09007.372S 034032.185E 1670m asl Introduction As we approached Kidugala Parish we saw some corn plants wilting because of the long period of draught which had existed around the village and the nearby villages. We met an audience of 16 members of the Parish eagerly waiting around the church premises to begin the meeting. Purpose of the visit • To deliver the second application fertilizer and insecticide for insect pest control on corn and beans Topics 1. Review of the handouts,  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control • Weeding after planting • Monthly weeding after tasseling 2. Demonstration on second fertilizer application on corn There was demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a demonstration on how do second applications of fertilizer in corn 3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply 4. Delivery. Two bags of NPK cereal and a litre of thionex insecticide was delivered. Corn and bean Plots discussion According to the parishioners, corn was planted sometime in December 2012. The rain has been so erratic in the whole of Kidugala and nearby villages such that germination of the corn was uneven. We encouraged them to continue weeding the growing plants, fertilize and apply insecticide against insect pests. The beans will be planted later in February. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked a few questions on bean and corn diseases and answers were provided. Question 1: What are the white insects which have been observed to eat the roots of corn and how can it be controlled? Answer: The insects are probably termites and can be controlled by anti- termite, red the instructions enclosed in the container carefully before attempting to apply and if you don’t understand ask for assistance from the extension officer around the village or you may call us; phone numbers are in the quest register book. Question 2: Some corn plants at knee-high height show white lines on leaves, what is the disease and how can that problem be rectified? Answer: It is probably the maize streak virus disease which is often spread by leaf hoppers. It is a viral disease which can not be treated but can be prevented by the use of certified disease free seeds, crop rotation and removal of diseased plants and proper disposal. Question 3: Beans wilt at flowering stage and finally die completely. What is the cause for that problem? Answer: The cause is probably an insect called the bean fly. It can be controlled by spraying an insecticide such as thionex 3-5 days after beans germination to kill the insect pest larvae or eggs. After the questions and answers, Gabriel presented to the members the message brought to them from the Microfinance Institute to address some SACCOS issues. Conclusion The parish members showed a great interest in learning the new farming methods and asked for the Microfinance Institute to visit them for capacity building in the area of SACCOS.