Idunda - CVP Visit Report - Feb 19-2013

2012 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two February 19, 2013 Village Idunda Pastor Letson Chusi Companion St James Lutheran Church Attendees 15 Weather for the past month Rainy Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Ibrahim, Rev. Mang’ulisa and Venance 08007.332S 035005.390E 1650m asl Introduction Idunda is a distantly located site on the mountainous part of Iringa region in Kilolo district and the road to the village is the difficulty one. The planting season for corn and beans is very different from many villages. The parishioners in this village planted corn in September 06, 2012 and at the time of the visit corn had matured. We had a good taste of the fresh corn from the plot. Purpose of the visit • To observe the progress of the plot and solve any arising problems. Topics Since the village is visited a few times in a year, we covered as many topics as we could include land preparation, planting, spacing, fertilization, weeding and pest control on corn and beans. Special emphases were given to the following: 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 second fertilizer application on corn There was demonstration on planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. Also there was a demonstration on how do second applications of fertilizer in corn 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. There was no any delivery on the day of the visit because all deliveries were done earlier before the planting season. Corn and Bean Plots Discussion As mentioned earlier in the introduction, Corn was planted on Sept 6, 2012. The crop looked good although it was widely spaced. The parishioners said a serious drought hit the area after planting. They did not harvest any beans. Questions/Comments from Audience The parishioners posed a problem of having no proper corn seed suitable to their area. They suggested trying Pioneer seed. Probably this is one of the sites to try the Pioneer seed specified to high rainfall areas. They remarked for the modern agriculture radio program which they said they listen every Friday and Monday and they like it. Conclusion The parishioners seemed interested with modern farming techniques but more teaching is required and the proper seed has to be sought.