Kipanga - CVP Visit Report - Feb 13-2013

TUMAINIUNIVERSITY – IRINGAUNIVERSITYCOLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE 2011 CVP Companion Village Project 4th Visit Year Two February 13, 2013 Village Kipanga Pastor Winled Fwimi Companion Lake Park Lutheran Church Attendees 21 Weather for the past month Rainy, wet Ag Institute staff Location GPS read. Mangu’lisa, Pongolan and Venance 08024.579S 035051.707E 1823m asl Introduction It is very exciting to learn the things which are happening at Kipanga this year on the CVP plot. After arriving at Kipanga, we were taken to the plot which had corn last year and which I call corn plot A. The plot has been planted with corn again but the pastor is practicing a different farming technique called “Ngolo” usually practiced by Matengo people of Ruvuma region in the Southern part of Tanzania. Then we were taken to a preaching point called Ihimbo, some 8km away from Kipanga station. The parishioners are growing corn there using the inputs provided by the government corn plot B). Upon returning back to the station, we were told the parishioners have the third corn plot C in which the Institute’s inputs are being applied. We could not go to see that plot because it is not near the church and it was becoming late in the day. Purpose of the visit • To observe the progress of the plots. Topics 1. Review of the handouts,  4th visit instructions • Discussion about germination, Replanting and Pest control • Weeding after planting • Monthly weeding after teaseling 2. Demonstration on fertilizer application and bean planting: There was a demonstration on how to do the 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot, planting and fertilization of beans on rows 30cm apart and 10cm between plants. 3. Insecticide Application. We instructed them on how to apply the insecticide on both corn and beans and the recommended rates to apply Corn, bean and pyrethrum Plots discussion: Corn plants in plot A were doing well although the applied techniques were slightly different from what we teach. Corn plants in plot B were planted following all the practices that we teach except the fertilizer type and quantity was different. The plants looked yellow, an indicator of lacking N. The plot was fertilized with Minjingu at planting and top – dressed by one bag/acre of Urea. Corn plot C at Kilagala preaching point was not visited but the pastor and parishioners assured us that plants were doing well. They had not planted beans yet, but said they would plant later in March or April to avoid excessive moisture prevailing in February Kipanga Parishioners did a wonderful job of raising many nusery beds of pyrethrum at each preaching point. At the time of visit, each parishioner was preparing own plot to transplant pyrethrum seedlings; besides each preaching point had a pyrethrum plot for the congregation. Questions/Comments from Audience The attendees asked two questions. Question one: how to control maize streak virus (MSV)which affected a few corn plants at plot B Answer: By use of certified seed, crop rotation and phytosanitary practices. Question two: What corn seed should they rely on since all seeds seem to rot after crop maturity Answer: They should rely on the local varieties resistant to ear rot, meanwhile we are still looking for improved verieties which are resistant to ear rot Finally the parishioners expressed their concern about the pyrethrum buying agent taking dried flowers without paying. We took the matter to the PCT Mafinga for solutions. Conclusion We are optimistic that Kipanga parishioners will succeed to obtain good corn harvest and adopt the farming techniques for application in their individual plots. For sure there will be a good harvest of pyrethrum flowers this year and PCT promised make changes to improve the pyrethrum buying process. Current news from Kipanga Pastor is that all the three corn plots are doing well and a big number of parish members succeeded to transplant pyrethrum which is growing well.