Ihemi CVP Visit Report - Apr 24-2012

2008 CVP Companion Village Project 5th Visit Year Four April 24, 2012 Village Ihemi Pastor Anania Kadege Companion Christiania Lutheran, Lakeville Attendees 13 Weather for the past month Dry Reporters Gabriel, Don and Karen In this visit we were accompanied by Mr. Msonde Maigwa, a YARA Sales Agronomist. YARA is the fertilizers selling company in Tanzania. The company has made fertilizers formulation specific for Tanzania regions and is now trying to introduce to the market. Mr. Msonde was visiting the demonstration plots; he also spent few minutes talking with farmers in the meeting. Purpose of the visit • Demonstrating on how to take yield measurements Topics 1. Greetings Don delivered greetings on behalf of Christiania Lutheran, Lakeville, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee 2. Review of the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 3. Demonstrations It was demonstrated on how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm), this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string. Farmers were instructed to count the number of corn plants and ears. Yield recording sheets were provided. Plots information • Corn is still in the field for further drying. There has been no major problem in this plot. Plants in some parts of the plot, plants were planted a little bit closer than instructed. However, generally, the plants look good; good yield is expected. • Beans plot will be harvested this week. The bean maggot problem has been controlled this year. The control might have been attributed by crop rotation instructed and early pesticides spraying. Questions/ comments from audience  Farmers asked about number of question from the YARA sales agronomist. They were anxious to know availability of the fertilizers and appropriate types of fertilizers to their areas We told them that the Institute of Ag and the YARA Company is looking for the way to partner in demonstrating fertilizer usage. Through that partnership information about fertilizer type, prices and usage will be passed to farmers.  Fertilizers that have remained in the last season, will it be suitable for the coming growing season Yes it will be suitable for application for the coming season. Just store it in cool environment, close the bag and keep away from moisture environment.  Is there any difference between liquid fertilizers and crystal fertilizers? In term of the how quickly the fertilizer is absorbed in the plants yes, liquid fertilizers is absorbed quicker than crystal fertilizers. However both do the same purpose; supplying nutrients to the plants Conclusion We told them that weeding should continue until the crops are harvested from the field because stopping now will allow weeds to grow; the weeds that will be consuming fertilizers applied in the farm.