Kitasengwa CVP Visit Report - Jan 11-2013

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two January 11, 2013 Village Kitasengwa Pastor Aloyce Mwagogo Companion Raquet Family Foundation Attendees 14 Weather for the past month Rainy Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim and Venance 08012.815S 035020.458E 1753m asl Introduction Upon arrival at Kitelewasi which is a preaching point of Kitasengwa we met an audience of 14 people waiting 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 bottle of thionex insecticide containing one litre was delivered. Corn and bean Plots discussion Corn was planted sometime before December 11, 2012 but did not germinate until after December 11 when it rained. We saw young corn plants growing well. The plants were well spaced and weeded. Beans were not planted yet, the parishioners said they would plant beans later in February. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked a few questions about Minjingu Rock Phosphate (MRP) and 2nd application fertilizers: Question 1: Tell us about the quality MRP Answer: MRP is a good fertilizer but releases nutrients slowly and contains fewer amounts of nutrients as compared to the NPKs that we recommend. Question 2: If I did not apply any fertilizer at planting, can I double at 2nd application to compensate? Answer: Compensation won’t work because the plants have already past a growth stage at which they required the nutrients. Lastly, one farmer brought a sample of pollen eating insects on corn for identification and consultation for possible ways to control them. Consultations have been made and advise given back to the farmers in this village. Conclusion The villagers showed a great interest and eagerness to learn more about the modern farming methods that are taught by the Institute. The growing corn was in a good shape giving hope of good yield from the preaching point.