Lulanzi - CVP Visit Report - Apr 23-2013

2009CVP Companion Village Project & PCT 2nd Extension visit of Network Program April 23, 2013 Village Lulanzi Pastor Tuluwene Gavile Companion Christ Lutheran, Lake Amo Attendees 23 Weather for the past month Cloudy and cold Ag Institute Staff Gabriel and Microfinace Institute staff (Itiweni, Peter and Magreth) On this visit, we were accompanied by Micro-finance institute staff. The meeting was organized with the aim of conducting two trainings; Agricultural training and Micro-finance (SACCOS) training. The trainings were conducted in the church. Purpose of the visit • Extension education: Plant diseases Topics • Review of the handout We went through the extension network handout about plant diseases • Discussion We discussed about plant diseases on both corn and beans. The discussion focused on the causes of plant diseases, disease symptoms and plant disease control. Common plant diseases found in Iringa region were addressed. Farmers were advised on how to control these diseases using resistant varieties, chemical control and agronomic practices Questions and Comments  We have problems with beans. When they get close to flowering stage, the leaves turn yellow and start drying. What is this? This might be the fungal disease. Your village has a long wet season. This is a favourable condition for fungal diseases. Please spray fungicides when you see these symptoms.  Can I spray fungicides for just protecting the crop? Yes, some of the fungicides can prevent and cure the diseases while some function in curing the disease only. Fungicides such as Redomil and Supalaxyl 72wpc can prevent and cure the fungus. However fungicides such as Farmzeb 80wp and Tangrizeb 80 can not prevent but can cure the fungus n beans  What are good pesticides? This is difficult to say. There are many types of pesticides,each function differently and also they differ in performance according to the climatic condition of the given area. However most commonly used pesticides in iringa are Thionex, Profit 720, Ninja and Selectron. When you observe pests in your farm, please seek advice from an extension agent  Why do you say we should not feed the rotten corn to the livestocks? Corn rotting especially in wet areas like here is caused by fungus. The fungus produces poisons (Toxins). The toxins can affect humans and even livestocks that why it is not advised to feeds animal fungal infected corn.  Sometimes the corn form ball of black power either on top or in the ear. What is this? How should I control this? This is the fungal diseases. To control this, you are advised to plant improved seed variety that is resistant to this type of disease. Also you can do crop rotation to cut the disease cycle. Conclusion After the agricultural training, the micro-finance staff trained the farmers on issues concerning micro-loans. We told them that the next extension meeting will be in August/September. We will prepare the topic according to their suggestions