Lusinga - PYRETHRUM - Report of Dec 8-2011

2011CVP
Companion Village Project & PCT
1st Visit, Year One
December 8, 2011

Village Lusinga
Pastor/Leader Galosi Kwamba
Sponsorship Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania (PCT)
Attendees 11
Weather for the past month Dry
Ag inst/ PCT Staff Magnus Chaula (PCT), Rev. Mang’ulisa and Pongolani

Institute of agriculture in partnership with Pyrethrum Company of Tanzania is going to establish an agricultural extension program that will teach farmers better agronomic practices. The program will include three crops; corn, beans and pyrethrum. Three demonstration plots will be established from which farmers will learn farming techniques. Today was an introductory meeting.

Purpose
• Introduction of the program
• Delivering corn seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer applications
Topics
• Review of the handouts
- Corn planting Instruction
- Plant population and Fertilizer applications
- Fertilizer needs template
• Demonstrations
o Pyrethrum
Field officer from PCT conducted spoke about advantages of growing pyrethrum. He assured the villagers that there is reliable market of pyrethrum. PCT will get into contracts with farmers to buy from them with a good price. A famer has to follow appropriate agronomic practices to get high quality flowers. He then instructed them about appropriate land preparation for growing pyrethrum. Thus villagers were instructed to prepare a plot for pyrethrum demonstration plot. Seedlings will be transplanted to this plot in January.
o Corn
Demonstration on how to plant corn and apply fertilizers was conducted. They participated in planting and fertilizer application in the demonstration plot.

• Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Corn Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
H6303 8 NPK 2
Conclusion
This program’s success depend on the commitment of the villagers. The villagers were assured the continuous support in the demonstration plot by the PCT and Institute of Agriculture as long as they commit themselves to the program and take good care of the demonstration plots.