Mgama CVP Visit Report - Jan 9-2013

2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two January 09, 2013 Village Mgama Pastor Edward Mgeyekwa Companion St Paul Lutheran Church Attendees 06 Weather for the past month Rainy Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim and Venance 08001.311S 035035.509E 1765m asl Introduction We met a small audience of six people waiting at the church. Most of the village members were busy weeding their corn fields. We saw a nice looking church which was rehabilitated recently. 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 fertilizer application and bean planting: There was a demonstration on how to do the 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot, planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. 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 The corn plot has been moved away from where it was last year to get away from thieves. We did not go to the plot as it was beginning to rain. According to the Pastor, the corn was planted sometime in December, 2012 and the plants were doing well. We advised them to weed and apply the insecticide immediately. The beans will be planted later in February. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked two questions. One question was about when exactly is the right time to do the 2nd time fertilizer application in corn. We told them to apply the fertilizer when the corn is at knee high or 60 days after planting. The second concern was actually a comment on the significance of replanting in case of poor germination. We emphasized that replanting may be beneficial only if done in the first week of germination. After the first week of germination, replanting is insignificant. Conclusion We hope the plot performance will improve this year because the plot is away from thieves who stole con last year, and secondly, the pastor and parishioners have gained more knowledge and experience on good farming practices as they are in the second year.