Ilambilole - CVP Visit Report - Apr 22-2013

2008CVP Companion Village Project 2nd Visit of Extension Network Program April 22, 2013 Village Ilambilole Pastor Meshack Magova Companion Our Saviors, Hastings Attendees 18 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel and Micro-finance (Itiweni,Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topics • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Question/comments  Termites are a problem in our area, what should we do? There are special pesticides for termites, it is sold in almost all the agro-chemical shops. You are advised to visit there and get the pesticides. However, you should not burn the crop residues as the means to control the termites. We need the crop residues to add organic matter in our soil an increase soil fertility.  If the crop is affected by the virus, should I change the crop? Change the crop to control diseases (virus diseases and others) is recommended. Crop rotation cuts the disease cycle and is one of the cheap ay to control diseases.  How to control nematodes in tomatoes? There are special pesticides for nematodes. However one has to be sure that the symptoms observed in the form are occurring because of the nematode infestation. If the yellowish and drying of tomatoes is due to fungus (which is common in your areas), you are advised to use fungicides.  How should we control fungus in irrigated tomatoes? Fungicides such as Mancozeb, Unizeb 80wp or Unilax 72wp can be used to control fungus in the tomatoes. Remember to follow instructions on how to apply.  Can insecticides used to control fungus or bacteria? No, insecticides such as theonex are meant to kill or chase leaf/shoot eating insects. They are not very effective in controlling fungus or bacteria. Please use fungicides to control fungus or bactericides to control bacteria. Conclusion After the agricultural training, the farmers received micro finance training. They discussed on how to develop business plans, fill the loan contract forms and how to return the loans. We told them that the next extension meeting will be in August/September.