Tungamalenga - 4th CVP visit

Partner: Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley, Minn.
Wed., January 21, 2009
Pastor: Naftal Nga’amilo

Today the group of eight from Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV) was at Tungamalenga:
· We viewed the corn plot and the plot where beans will be planted
· We reviewed the record book, it was very complete
· We explained the improved farming practices that are being introduced
o Minimum tillage
o Use of hybrid seed
o Proper fertilization
o Weeding
o Pest control

Because the group from SOTV was meeting with others in the congregation we met with a representative group under the tree in the courtyard.

We reviewed the corn planting which occurred on December 15. The rows were about 65 cm apart, and there was an average of 37.5 cm between plants in a row. Seeds which did not germinate were not replanted since there has been little rain, and the replanted seed would not have germinated. The last date to replant corn is January 15 in order for the replanted seed to germinate, grow and reach maturity. The first weeding took place on December 31, and the field looked very clean.

We discussed the importance of weeding regularly, and clipping the weeds off just below the surface. Lack of weeding, resulting in competition from the weeds has the greatest negative impact on yield.

They have noticed some insects on the corn. They were given a bottle of insecticide to spray on the corn.

We discussed how to make the second application of fertilizer to the corn. Use two bottle caps per plant, and keep the fertilizer 5 cm away from the plant.

We marked the hoe at 50 cm and 9 cm. We demonstrated how to clip the weeds and place the residue in 50 cm rows. We demonstrated how to dig holes 9 cm apart between the rows of residue. We explained how to put one bean seed and one cap of fertilizer in each hole, keeping the fertilizer 5 cm away from the seed. We emphasized that they should use all the fertilizer allocated for this plot. If there is any left over, they should broadcast it over the bean plot. They will plant the beans during the first week in February if there has been enough rain and moisture in the soil to allow for germination.

This CVP site is the only one that will have a rice plot. Because of the lack of moisture they have moved the plot planned for rice to a lower area near the river. This will allow for irrigation of the rice. We were shown to the proposed rice plot and the nursery where the rice seedlings were about 3 inches tall. They will transplant the seedlings once there is enough moisture.

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604424500182/detail/