Showing posts with label Ipogoro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ipogoro. Show all posts
Friday, May 17, 2013
Ipogoro - CVP Visit Report April 22-2013
2008
Companion Village Project
Extension Program, 5th Year 2nd Visit
April 22, 2013
Village IpogoroParish
Pastor/Evangelist Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran Church
Attendees 21
Weather for the past month Cloudy and Rainy
Reporters Ibrahim and Venance
Upon our arrival, we were thrilled by the big number of attendees; there were 21 members of the village anxiously waiting to attend the meeting. Unfortunately we were not accompanied by any member of the Microfinance Institute that the villagers expected to meet together with us. In the meeting, they asked questions, shared experience and gave opinions on plant diseases and gave a detailed report of their SACCOS plus a copy to be sent to the Microfinance.
Purpose of the visit
• To move into lesson two of the extension education network and share ideas about the topics taught.
Topics covered
Lesson two of Extension Education Network: Plant Diseases
• The concept of plant diseases
• Causes of plant diseases
• Disease symptoms
• Common methods used to control plant diseases
• Some common diseases around Iringa region
• Cited examples of common corn and bean diseases, symptoms and ways of control
Corn plants with disease infected leaves were examined and two types of diseases were identified as Maize Leaf Blight and Gray Leaf Spot (GLS). We used the diseased plant samples to discuss the details of disease causes, symptoms and ways to control.
Questions/Comments
The Parishioners asked a number of questions and answers were provided through discussion.
Question: Can nematodes affect corn?
Answer: Yes, nematodes attack the roots of corn and feed on them as parasites while affecting the growth of the corn plants. Probably it is not a reported problem in Iringa because no one has investigated but it is a case in some parts of the world where corn is grown.
Question: If a farmer sprays an herbicide this season, can the chemical affect corn in the next growing season?
Answer: No/ Yes depending on how the herbicide is applied. It is advisable to follow manufacturer’s instruction properly when applying pesticides in order to avoid any side effects.
Question: Which pesticide among some named pesticides is the best for use in controlling crop pests?
Answer: Unfortunately the Trade Names of pesticides change very much with time, what matters are the chemical compositions of the pesticide; therefore it is important to seek for advice from an extension agent when planning to buy a pesticide.
After the questions and answers, the parishioners read their SACCOS report and submitted a copy to be handled to the Microfinance Institute.
Important hints from the report include:
1. The SACCOS is registered with 45 members; 30 females and 15 males
2. The SACCOS began with initial capita of 400,000Tsh and has expanded to 10,000,000Tsh
3. 28 Members have taken loans including25 females and 3males.
Conclusion
The meeting was lively with members participating by asking questions and commenting on plant diseases. They commented that SACCOS was so vital for the success of the farming techniques which we are teaching.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Ipogoro - CVP Visit Report - Jan 23-2013
2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Five
January 23, 2013
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran & YARA Co.
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Roger and Rev. Mang’ulisa
Topics
1. Demonstration
This place has had demonstration plot the past four years. Pastor is good instructor and supervisor. We asked him to repeat the demonstration to the member of the parish at the parish convient time.
2. Insecticide Application.
We delivered a bottle of pesticides and reminded them on the ratios to be used to apply the fields.
3. Delivery.
We delivered fertilizers and insecticides
Item Pesticides
Variety/Type Thionex
Amount 1 bottle
Fertilizers for corn and beans had already been delivered during the 3rd visits.
Demonstration plots
Corn was planted in December 17, 2013 and bean were planted on December 29, 2013. Both demonstration plots look good. The spacing is proper.Second application of fertilizers have already been planted.
Conclusion
This plot is also sponsored by the YARA Co. that distribute and sell fetilizers. The demonstration plots is also used as the trial plot of the company demonstration better use of fertilizers. We expect the good performance of the plots here.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Ipogoro CVP Visit Report - Nov 8-2012
2008CVP
Companion Village Project
1st Visit Extension Network & YARA
November 08, 2012
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 25
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Phil and Happy
Purpose of the visit
Extension Education; Fertilizers and Seed
Introduction
The demonstration meeting was conducted in the church. Fred delivered greetings from Augustana and US adversary comettee. Happy (an intern from Tumaini University) gave a presentation about entreprenaureship.
Review of the handout
We went through the extension network handout about seeds and fertilizers
Training
The training was divided into two parts: Fertilizers and seeds. The discussions were conducted in the church. Farmers had many questions and the discussion was very good.
Comments/questions
• are fertilizers poisonous to plants?
No, this is not true, fertilizers are not poisonous. Fertilizers are neither dangerous nor harmful to you when applied in the soil. Fertilizers are beneficial to the soil and plants. As food to the human body, fertilizers are “food” to the soil. Benefits of fertilizer far outweigh any potential negative impacts on soil.
• When applying fertilizers at planting, do I have to mix NPK and DAP?
No, you do not have to mix NPK and DAP. Both are fertilizers used for the first application. Mixing them increases cost and do not make any big difference
• You have told us Manure are good but do not have as high nutrient content as industrial fertilizers. Is it possible to mix manure and something else to add more nutrient in them?
It s not recommended to mix manure and other staff just to make them more powerful. We would suggest to complement manure and industrial fertilizers. Apply manure before planting then later on add industrial fertilizers ie. Nitrogenous fertilizers.
• Can we have an opportunity to learn other crops rather than corn and beans?
Yes, in the next extension meeting, we will discuss crops or other areas of interest which you will suggest today. We will come with experts of various subjects to train you.
Demonstration
This village is one of the village that will have demonstration plot sponsored by YARA fertilizers’ company. Th company has offered the fertilizers and the institute is offering corn and bean seeds. We demonstrated on how to plant and apply fertilizers.
Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered
Corn Seeds Bean Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
Pionner 3253 8 Wanja 40kg NPK 6
Conclusion
We had a good participation here. Most of the evangelists from various preaching points participated. The topics for the next demonstration meeting suggested were marketing, livestock keeping and crop pest and diseases.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Ipogoro CVP Visit Report - Aug 2-2012
2012 CVP
Companion Village Project
6th Visit Year Four
August 2, 2012
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran
Attendees 22
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Gabriel, Pongolan and Venance
Purposes of the visit:
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting:
Both corn and beans were harvested and threshed. We saw well dried corn in good shape put in plastic bags. The harvest was as shown in the table below:
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 14.5 bags 2.0 tins
3. Storage:
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussion about the farming season:
The Pastor had organized a big meeting of evangelists and church elders from all the preaching points for the purpose of discussing about demonstration plots. Some of the members of this meeting were new to the CVP; therefore, we went through the 3rd and 4th visit handouts together with the plant population at different levels of fertilizer so that we could give them in detail what is taught and done at the CVP. We spent much time answering questions about fertilizers; seeds and pesticides which were asked by knowledge thirsty attendees. The parish had succeeded to produce 14.5bags of corn in half an acre; an exemplary yield despite of the bad weather which hit the region this year. Unfortunately the bean yield was extremely low due to the dry spell that occurred between Jan. and March this year.
5. Adoption:
Most of parishioners have been adopting some of the techniques. The District Pastor showed us his yield which he got from his farm after using the techniques. He harvested a lot of corn that he was going to store in the new storage silo under construction. Construction of the silo will be completed soon. The pastor testified before the audience how he is reaping from the demonstration plot as well as his own farm after using the techniques taught at the demonstration plot by the Institute of Agriculture from Tumaini University. Pastor Nixon is very active and likes farming. Probably that constitutes to the success of the parish demonstration plot.
Comments/questions
We encouraged the Pastor and the church elders to show the good farming methods to the other members of the church and villagers so that they can see and follow in order to get rid of famine in the region.
We asked them to make use of the silo under construction for grain storage by increasing production.
Conclusion
We congratulated them for the good job they have done in the demonstration. We encouraged them to adopt the techniques taught. The Pastor and Parish members were very happy with the performance of the corn demonstration plot.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Ipogoro-Augustana Luth CVP Report Jan 3-2012
2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Four
January 03, 2012
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran, W.S. Paul
Weather for the past month Rainy
Institute staff Gabriel, Roger and Venance
Purpose
• To deliver fertilizers for second application in corn and Pesticides
Demonstration meeting
The demonstration meeting here will be run by Pastor Nixon Mwitula to his parish members. Pastor is an agricultural expert. His Parish is one of the parishes which are doing very well in the program. He has gained knowledge and experience from the agricultural training program conducted by the Institute of Agricultural of Tumaini University. Therefore this time Pastor will run the demonstrations in his parish. We delivered fertilizers for the second application.
Delivery
Item Fertilizers for Corn Pesticides
Variety/Type CAN Thionex
Amount 2Bag 1litre
Bean seeds and fertilizers have already been delivered
Corn and bean plots
The corn and bean plots look very good. Corn was planted December 12, 2011 and beans December 8, 2011. Corn plants are about knee high. We told Pastor that soon the will have to apply fertilizers as a second application. There have been rodents’ problems at the time of germination. Moreover, part of the corn plot was eaten by cattle grazed around. However the plants are sprouting back and probably this will not affect the yield.
Conclusion
This is one of the best Parish with good demonstration plots every year. We expect they will do the same by following instructions and manage the plots as instructed. Pastor said that many people in his Parish are adopting the techniques to their own farm. Also evangelists do come to the Parish to learn farming techniques and then go back to their preaching point and teach other parish members.
Companion Village Project
4th Visit Year Four
January 03, 2012
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran, W.S. Paul
Weather for the past month Rainy
Institute staff Gabriel, Roger and Venance
Purpose
• To deliver fertilizers for second application in corn and Pesticides
Demonstration meeting
The demonstration meeting here will be run by Pastor Nixon Mwitula to his parish members. Pastor is an agricultural expert. His Parish is one of the parishes which are doing very well in the program. He has gained knowledge and experience from the agricultural training program conducted by the Institute of Agricultural of Tumaini University. Therefore this time Pastor will run the demonstrations in his parish. We delivered fertilizers for the second application.
Delivery
Item Fertilizers for Corn Pesticides
Variety/Type CAN Thionex
Amount 2Bag 1litre
Bean seeds and fertilizers have already been delivered
Corn and bean plots
The corn and bean plots look very good. Corn was planted December 12, 2011 and beans December 8, 2011. Corn plants are about knee high. We told Pastor that soon the will have to apply fertilizers as a second application. There have been rodents’ problems at the time of germination. Moreover, part of the corn plot was eaten by cattle grazed around. However the plants are sprouting back and probably this will not affect the yield.
Conclusion
This is one of the best Parish with good demonstration plots every year. We expect they will do the same by following instructions and manage the plots as instructed. Pastor said that many people in his Parish are adopting the techniques to their own farm. Also evangelists do come to the Parish to learn farming techniques and then go back to their preaching point and teach other parish members.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Ipogoro - Augustana Luth - CVP Report Dec 7-2011
2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Four
December 7, 2011
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran, W.S. Paul
Attendees 16
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Rev.Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
This demonstration was conducted by Pastor Nixon Mwitula to his parish members. Pastor has become an agricultural expert. He has been invited to various places to share with people his farming experience and knowledge he has gained from the agricultural training program conducted by the Institute of Agricultural of Tumaini University. This time the Institute decided to let Pastor run the demonstration meeting to his parish. We delivered corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers.
Purpose
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application
Topics
• Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
Pastor demonstrated on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers. He insisted that during planting seeds and fertilizers should not be placed together in a hole. Fertilizers should be at least 5cm from the seed.
o Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered by the institute of Agriculture
Corn Seeds Bean Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
Pioneer 3253 8 Wanja 40kg NPK 4
Conclusion
We expect better results as that of last year and probably more. We got the reports from Pastor that many people are now adapting the farming techniques. The success of the program is highly depending on the commitment and management offered by the Pastor and parish members to the plots. Through the years we have seen great commitment and good management of the Pastor Nixon. Ipogoro has become one of the best places to conduct this program.
Companion Village Project
3rd Visit Year Four
December 7, 2011
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana Lutheran, W.S. Paul
Attendees 16
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Rev.Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
This demonstration was conducted by Pastor Nixon Mwitula to his parish members. Pastor has become an agricultural expert. He has been invited to various places to share with people his farming experience and knowledge he has gained from the agricultural training program conducted by the Institute of Agricultural of Tumaini University. This time the Institute decided to let Pastor run the demonstration meeting to his parish. We delivered corn seeds, bean seeds and fertilizers.
Purpose
• Demonstrating planting and fertilizer application
Topics
• Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
Pastor demonstrated on how to plant seeds and how to apply fertilizers. He insisted that during planting seeds and fertilizers should not be placed together in a hole. Fertilizers should be at least 5cm from the seed.
o Seeds and fertilizers
The following were delivered by the institute of Agriculture
Corn Seeds Bean Seeds Fertilizers
Variety Amount (kg) Variety Amount (kg) Type Amount (bags)
Pioneer 3253 8 Wanja 40kg NPK 4
Conclusion
We expect better results as that of last year and probably more. We got the reports from Pastor that many people are now adapting the farming techniques. The success of the program is highly depending on the commitment and management offered by the Pastor and parish members to the plots. Through the years we have seen great commitment and good management of the Pastor Nixon. Ipogoro has become one of the best places to conduct this program.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Ipogoro - Augustana Luth; CVP Report for July 27, 2011
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 3rd Year
July, 27 2011
Village Ipogolo
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees 13
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, and Pongolani
Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handouts
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
Both corn and beans have been harvested. They have shelled corn and threshed beans.
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 14 bags 7 tins and 2 Litters
3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussions about the farming season
They harvested more yields this season compared to the previous season even if they had little rain during the growing season. The crop residues they left on the ground helped to retain moisture which was a great resource to plants during the growing season.
5. Adaptation
Majority of the attendee have started using the techniques and Pastor Nixon has been involved in training other farmers after being invited by government leaders. That happened because they saw the progress of the plot at the parish. The parish also ranked second in Iringa municipal and they were invited to attend the zonal agricultural fair in Mbeya.
Pastor Nixon harvested 20 bags of corn from one acre which he raised using the techniques we teach on the demo plot.
Comments/questions
The requested to give them corn and bean varieties they planted last season. We told them that we will keep the same kind of varieties we gave them last year.
Conclusion
We congratulated them for the good job they have done in the demonstration. We encouraged them to adapt the techniques taught. Pastor and Parish members are very happy with the performance of the corn demonstration plot this year.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit 3rd Year
July, 27 2011
Village Ipogolo
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees 13
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, and Pongolani
Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handouts
• 6th Visit instruction handouts
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
Both corn and beans have been harvested. They have shelled corn and threshed beans.
Crop Corn Beans
Yield per ½ acres 14 bags 7 tins and 2 Litters
3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussions about the farming season
They harvested more yields this season compared to the previous season even if they had little rain during the growing season. The crop residues they left on the ground helped to retain moisture which was a great resource to plants during the growing season.
5. Adaptation
Majority of the attendee have started using the techniques and Pastor Nixon has been involved in training other farmers after being invited by government leaders. That happened because they saw the progress of the plot at the parish. The parish also ranked second in Iringa municipal and they were invited to attend the zonal agricultural fair in Mbeya.
Pastor Nixon harvested 20 bags of corn from one acre which he raised using the techniques we teach on the demo plot.
Comments/questions
The requested to give them corn and bean varieties they planted last season. We told them that we will keep the same kind of varieties we gave them last year.
Conclusion
We congratulated them for the good job they have done in the demonstration. We encouraged them to adapt the techniques taught. Pastor and Parish members are very happy with the performance of the corn demonstration plot this year.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Ipogoro - Augustana Luth; CVP Report for May 26,2011
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 3rd Year
May, 26 2011
Village Ipogolo
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees 11
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Don, Karen, Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
At Ipogoro we happened to have ward executive officer and Village executive officer who are government leaders of that area. Ward executive officer wanted to know the recommended fertilizer for planting and 2nd application suitable for Ipogolo area the information which will help them when they request the subsidized fertilizer.
Purpose of the visit
The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate and give instructions on yield measurement.
Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and he also delivered greetings from the Iringa diocese. Don delivered greetings from St. Paul area Synod and US Ag.Isnstitute Advisory Committee. Done also explain the important of the yield data we are expecting to take from the demo plots.
Review of the handouts
• 5th Visit handout
• Yield recording sheet
• Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
Demonstrations
We were supposed to demonstrate how to measure the 10M row of corn and beans then record the yield data. They harvested corn and beans before we visited them. Then we told them to record the total yield of corn and beans.
Comments;
• They like the corn and bean variety which we provided them to grow on the demo plots
• Ward executive officer suggested that if possible to train all the farmers around the area before they got the subsidized inputs so that they can use them properly. Pastor Nixon said he will be able to teach them all the things we teach them regarding corn and bean production, he will invite also pastor Laiton from Nduli to help him.
Conclusion
We thanked the pastor and church members for the good work they did on corn and bean plots and encouraged them to do the same even on their own farms.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit 3rd Year
May, 26 2011
Village Ipogolo
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees 11
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Don, Karen, Mang’ulisa and Pongolani
At Ipogoro we happened to have ward executive officer and Village executive officer who are government leaders of that area. Ward executive officer wanted to know the recommended fertilizer for planting and 2nd application suitable for Ipogolo area the information which will help them when they request the subsidized fertilizer.
Purpose of the visit
The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate and give instructions on yield measurement.
Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo Mang’ulisa introduced the Ag. Institute staff and he also delivered greetings from the Iringa diocese. Don delivered greetings from St. Paul area Synod and US Ag.Isnstitute Advisory Committee. Done also explain the important of the yield data we are expecting to take from the demo plots.
Review of the handouts
• 5th Visit handout
• Yield recording sheet
• Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
Demonstrations
We were supposed to demonstrate how to measure the 10M row of corn and beans then record the yield data. They harvested corn and beans before we visited them. Then we told them to record the total yield of corn and beans.
Comments;
• They like the corn and bean variety which we provided them to grow on the demo plots
• Ward executive officer suggested that if possible to train all the farmers around the area before they got the subsidized inputs so that they can use them properly. Pastor Nixon said he will be able to teach them all the things we teach them regarding corn and bean production, he will invite also pastor Laiton from Nduli to help him.
Conclusion
We thanked the pastor and church members for the good work they did on corn and bean plots and encouraged them to do the same even on their own farms.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Ipogoro - Augustana Luth; CVP Report for Jan 20, 2011
2008 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit 3rd Year
January 20, 2011
Village Ipogoro
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana, West St. Paul
Attendees Male 6 Female 6
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani
Purpose of the visit
• Deliver fertilizer for 2nd application
• Deliver bean seeds and NPK fertilizer for planting beans
• Deliver pesticides (Thionex) and Sprayer
• Give instructions on bean planting and 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot
Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Iringa Diocese. Roger also gave a summary of what we are instructing them to do on our demonstration plot and the importance of using the techniques on their own farms.
Review of the handouts
We gave them and went through the handouts for the 4th visit containing detailed information on;
• The importance of regular weeding
• Planting bean seeds and NPK fertilizer placement
• 2nd fertilizer application
• Pesticide application and instructions on how to use the sprayer.
Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Wanja 40kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre
Demonstrations
Corn plot
Corn plants are knee high and they are ready for 2nd fertilizer application. Corn looks good and they were planted using the recommended spacing and they had good germination. We demonstrated how to apply CAN fertilizer and pesticide on the corn plot.
Bean plot
Beans will be planted anytime from the end of January once they get rain. We gave them instructions on how to plant beans were given.
Questions from the audience
1. Why do we plant beans in late January?
Beans should be planted in late January in order to utilize rain water in February and March especially for low land areas where there is little rain and it rains for short time. For those planting in high altitude areas where there is enough rainfall beans can even be planted in March.
2. If there are no pests in the field is there any need to apply pesticide?
If there are no pests in the field there is no need to apply pesticide. We recommend that you regularly visit the plot so that if are there any signs of pests then you can apply pesticide.
Comments;
A good number of people have started using our techniques on their own farms and Pastor Nickson told us that if we can get time we can visit his farm which is five acres in size he planted using our recommended practices. Two other people also told us that they have five acres each and they planted the same way we have told them to plant.
Conclusion
Ipogoro has good looking corn and so far is one of the best plots in the region.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit 3rd Year
January 20, 2011
Village Ipogoro
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana, West St. Paul
Attendees Male 6 Female 6
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti, Roger and Pongolani
Purpose of the visit
• Deliver fertilizer for 2nd application
• Deliver bean seeds and NPK fertilizer for planting beans
• Deliver pesticides (Thionex) and Sprayer
• Give instructions on bean planting and 2nd fertilizer application on the corn plot
Greetings
Roger delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and Iringa Diocese. Roger also gave a summary of what we are instructing them to do on our demonstration plot and the importance of using the techniques on their own farms.
Review of the handouts
We gave them and went through the handouts for the 4th visit containing detailed information on;
• The importance of regular weeding
• Planting bean seeds and NPK fertilizer placement
• 2nd fertilizer application
• Pesticide application and instructions on how to use the sprayer.
Delivery
Type/Variety Amount
Bean seeds Wanja 40kg
Fertilizers NPK 2 bags
CAN 2 bags
Pesticides Thionex ½ Litre
Demonstrations
Corn plot
Corn plants are knee high and they are ready for 2nd fertilizer application. Corn looks good and they were planted using the recommended spacing and they had good germination. We demonstrated how to apply CAN fertilizer and pesticide on the corn plot.
Bean plot
Beans will be planted anytime from the end of January once they get rain. We gave them instructions on how to plant beans were given.
Questions from the audience
1. Why do we plant beans in late January?
Beans should be planted in late January in order to utilize rain water in February and March especially for low land areas where there is little rain and it rains for short time. For those planting in high altitude areas where there is enough rainfall beans can even be planted in March.
2. If there are no pests in the field is there any need to apply pesticide?
If there are no pests in the field there is no need to apply pesticide. We recommend that you regularly visit the plot so that if are there any signs of pests then you can apply pesticide.
Comments;
A good number of people have started using our techniques on their own farms and Pastor Nickson told us that if we can get time we can visit his farm which is five acres in size he planted using our recommended practices. Two other people also told us that they have five acres each and they planted the same way we have told them to plant.
Conclusion
Ipogoro has good looking corn and so far is one of the best plots in the region.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Ipogoro - Augustana Luth; CVP Report for Nov 11-2010
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 3rd Year
November, 11 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees Male 11 Female 7
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Itiweni, Pongolani
Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications
• Provide information on micro finance Institute
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template
Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds.
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn Pioneer 3253 8kg (4 bags ) NPK 100kg (2 bags)
Questions from the audience
• If you use different corn variety from the one you planted last year is it necessary to use different fertilizer?
No need of using different fertilizer if at all you are using the right kind of fertilizer.
• Old people have trouble changing from the use of organic manure to commercial fertilizer. How do we convince them to change?
The best way to convince them is by doing a good job in our demo plot through that they can notice the difference and slowly they can start to adopt.
• We would like to use the techniques in our own farms but the problem is money to buy quality seed and fertilizer.
You can begin with proper spacing and leaving crop residues on the field will help to increase crop yield. Micro-finance Institute of Tumaini University is aiming at empowering people so that members of SACCOs will have money to buy Inputs.
• What have you learned?
− Learned how to use fertilizers
− Learned how to plant properly using high quality seeds
− Can harvest more grain from a small plot of land
− How to harvest and dry crops
− Learned how to retain soil moisture using crop debris
− Do frequent visits to shamba
Conclusion
Pastor Nickson has taught 20 others, plus an orphanage about our farming techniques.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
3rd Visit 3rd Year
November, 11 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor NIckson Mwitula
Companion Augustana Luth.
Attendees Male 11 Female 7
Weather Sunny
Reporters Nafeti,Phil, Itiweni, Pongolani
Purpose of the visit
• Delivering seeds and fertilizers
• Demonstrating corn planting and fertilizer applications
• Provide information on micro finance Institute
Greetings
Before we began the demonstration, Phil delivered greetings from St. Paul Area Synod and US Institute of Ag advisory committee
Review of the handouts
Together with them we went through the handouts
• 3rd Visit Instruction
• Plant population with 60 cm. rows and Fertilizer applications
• Fertilizer needs template
Demonstrations
o Planting and fertilizer applications
We demonstrated on how to place seeds and how to apply fertilizers. We insisted that they should not place seeds and fertilizers together. There should be at least 5cm apart.
o Seeds and fertilizers
We delivered 2 bags of NPK and corn seeds.
Crop Seeds Fertilizer
Varieties Amount Type Amount
Corn Pioneer 3253 8kg (4 bags ) NPK 100kg (2 bags)
Questions from the audience
• If you use different corn variety from the one you planted last year is it necessary to use different fertilizer?
No need of using different fertilizer if at all you are using the right kind of fertilizer.
• Old people have trouble changing from the use of organic manure to commercial fertilizer. How do we convince them to change?
The best way to convince them is by doing a good job in our demo plot through that they can notice the difference and slowly they can start to adopt.
• We would like to use the techniques in our own farms but the problem is money to buy quality seed and fertilizer.
You can begin with proper spacing and leaving crop residues on the field will help to increase crop yield. Micro-finance Institute of Tumaini University is aiming at empowering people so that members of SACCOs will have money to buy Inputs.
• What have you learned?
− Learned how to use fertilizers
− Learned how to plant properly using high quality seeds
− Can harvest more grain from a small plot of land
− How to harvest and dry crops
− Learned how to retain soil moisture using crop debris
− Do frequent visits to shamba
Conclusion
Pastor Nickson has taught 20 others, plus an orphanage about our farming techniques.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Ipogoro July 15, 2010
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
July 15, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 14
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Rev. Lunodzo
Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handsouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
Here we failed to get the yield records in 10m because they harvested earlier than the time we instructed them.
Amounts in bags/ ¼ acre Remarks
Corns 3 bags 4 tins Yield higher than local varieties
Proper planting time
Beans 1 bag 4 tins Drought reduced the expected yield and affected the grains
3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussion about the farming seasons
Corn and bean plots
Their demonstration has big trees which have been forming shadow to parts of the farm hence some of the plants did not perform well. There were birds (Crows) eating grains. Moreover unexpected drought affected plants.
Lessons
• Corn: They said they have witnessed how close planting and use of fertilizer can give higher yield that what the used to get in their farms. They said they like the type of seeds introduced in their area
• Beans: The seed type is good. It has high yield and tolerate drought
Comments
In spite of drought occurrence the demonstration plots gave higher yield than other farms. Pastor said people have been asking him questions about the type of seeds and fertilizers used. He said he believes the techniques like leaving crop residues and minimum tillage has also contributed to better results of these plots.
Conclusion
The Pastor on behalf of his parish members and evangelists express his gratitude to the Institute of Agriculture for the program and to their companion congregation Augustana for supporting the demonstration plot in their congregation and for agreed to support another demonstration plot at Lundamatwe which will be established this year.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
6th Visit Year Two
July 15, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 14
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Rev. Lunodzo
Purposes of the visit
• To collect the yield measurement
• To deliver grain storage chemical “Shumba”
• End of season discussion and planning for the next farming season
Topics
1. Review of the handsouts
• 6th Visit instruction handout
• Yield recording sheet
2. Harvesting
Here we failed to get the yield records in 10m because they harvested earlier than the time we instructed them.
Amounts in bags/ ¼ acre Remarks
Corns 3 bags 4 tins Yield higher than local varieties
Proper planting time
Beans 1 bag 4 tins Drought reduced the expected yield and affected the grains
3. Storage
We instructed them on how to store grain for home usage and for selling at the time of high price. We instructed how to mix grain storage pesticides “shumba” and the appropriate volume of grain per bottle recommended. We left the pesticides to them to mix with their harvested grains.
4. Discussion about the farming seasons
Corn and bean plots
Their demonstration has big trees which have been forming shadow to parts of the farm hence some of the plants did not perform well. There were birds (Crows) eating grains. Moreover unexpected drought affected plants.
Lessons
• Corn: They said they have witnessed how close planting and use of fertilizer can give higher yield that what the used to get in their farms. They said they like the type of seeds introduced in their area
• Beans: The seed type is good. It has high yield and tolerate drought
Comments
In spite of drought occurrence the demonstration plots gave higher yield than other farms. Pastor said people have been asking him questions about the type of seeds and fertilizers used. He said he believes the techniques like leaving crop residues and minimum tillage has also contributed to better results of these plots.
Conclusion
The Pastor on behalf of his parish members and evangelists express his gratitude to the Institute of Agriculture for the program and to their companion congregation Augustana for supporting the demonstration plot in their congregation and for agreed to support another demonstration plot at Lundamatwe which will be established this year.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Ipogoro CVP Report May 11-2010
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year Two
May 11, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Lunodzo
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo gave greetings on behalf of the DIRA, Augustana, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee for volunteering to provide fund and to implement the training Ag program
2. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm) for the yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string, how to measure and count the number of corn plants and ears. After shelling they are supposed to measure the amount of grain by using a one liter container that was given to them by the institute of Ag.
These measurements are done to both corn and beans.
Plots information
They have already harvested both corn and beans. Corn yielded 4 bags of corn (equivalent to 21 tins) per ¼ acres outside the church. Beans yield is 1.25 bags and 2.5 tins (equivalent 9.5 Tins). Reason of this kind of yield is due to shortage of rain, however it is a better yield as compared to what they harvested in their fields, some farms they didn’t harvested at all.
Comments
Pioneer seeds are a good variety for them, yields well than any variety the ever planted at Ipogoro.
Pastor Nixon told us this year the harvesting offering is not good because of draught, normally they collect 6 bags but this year they only collect 1 bag.
They already chipped off the weeds in the beans plot ready for the next season.
The pastor reminded others about to have a file to document all handouts the Institute is giving them.
Questions from audience and answers
They wanted to know about the black bugs found on the corn field when the corn just starts to dry.
We told them mostly this kind of bugs normally attack stored corn, and this is due to poor storage. To control this kind of problem we insisted on proper storage of corn. This will be taught on our 6th Visit next time.
They identified the wilting happened on beans just after germination. What is this kind of problem?
We told them since we have been using certified seeds we believe it is clean seeds and free from seed born diseases, however we also identified in our research farm and took pictures and we will determine the problem and let them know.
Conclusions/Recommendations
We congratulate them for a good job they have been doing for two years now, despite the fact that this year they received less amount of rain.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
5th Visit Year Two
May 11, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 10
Weather for the past month Dry
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel and Lunodzo
Purpose of the visit
• Explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement.
• Deliver two containers (20 liters and 1 liter size) and a 10 m string.
Topics
1. Greetings
Pastor Lunodzo gave greetings on behalf of the DIRA, Augustana, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee for volunteering to provide fund and to implement the training Ag program
2. Went through the handouts
o 5th Visit handout
o Yield recording sheet
o Rain record sheets to know the amount of rain received during this season
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot and neighbors farm) for the yield determination, this was demonstrated by using a 10 m string, how to measure and count the number of corn plants and ears. After shelling they are supposed to measure the amount of grain by using a one liter container that was given to them by the institute of Ag.
These measurements are done to both corn and beans.
Plots information
They have already harvested both corn and beans. Corn yielded 4 bags of corn (equivalent to 21 tins) per ¼ acres outside the church. Beans yield is 1.25 bags and 2.5 tins (equivalent 9.5 Tins). Reason of this kind of yield is due to shortage of rain, however it is a better yield as compared to what they harvested in their fields, some farms they didn’t harvested at all.
Comments
Pioneer seeds are a good variety for them, yields well than any variety the ever planted at Ipogoro.
Pastor Nixon told us this year the harvesting offering is not good because of draught, normally they collect 6 bags but this year they only collect 1 bag.
They already chipped off the weeds in the beans plot ready for the next season.
The pastor reminded others about to have a file to document all handouts the Institute is giving them.
Questions from audience and answers
They wanted to know about the black bugs found on the corn field when the corn just starts to dry.
We told them mostly this kind of bugs normally attack stored corn, and this is due to poor storage. To control this kind of problem we insisted on proper storage of corn. This will be taught on our 6th Visit next time.
They identified the wilting happened on beans just after germination. What is this kind of problem?
We told them since we have been using certified seeds we believe it is clean seeds and free from seed born diseases, however we also identified in our research farm and took pictures and we will determine the problem and let them know.
Conclusions/Recommendations
We congratulate them for a good job they have been doing for two years now, despite the fact that this year they received less amount of rain.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ipogoro CVP Report Jan 11-2010
2010 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit Year two
January 11, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 17 (9 males and 8 females)
Weather for the past month Raining
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel, Roger and Alfred
Purpose of the visit
• Planting bean and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Demonstration of second fertilizers application in corn
• Deliver fertilizer, Bean seeds, bottle sprayer, and insecticide
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger gave greetings from Augustana, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee
2. Went through the handouts
o 4th Visit handout
o Quiz handout
o Rain record sheets.
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm). Using a string and a hand hoe we demonstrated how to make a trench for planting the bean seeds. One seed was placed every 10 cm. Using a bottle cap for measuring fertilizer, we demonstrated how to place one full bottle cap between 2 seeds i.e. Seed-seed-fertilizer-seed-seed-fertilizer etc.
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the analysis of the soil in this area, the type of fertilizer recommended was NPK (10-18-24) for bean seed planting. The congregation was given 2 NPK bags and 40 Kg of bean seeds, the variety of bean seeds delivered is WANJA-(drought resistance variety).
Comments
Ipogoro is an urban congregation so many people work in the city; the pastor, and evangelists need to be teachers to others. On Sunday January 10th, 2010, one day before we went there, just after the Sunday service all people who attended went to the plot and the pastor was teaching them the agronomic practices we have been addressing. This is good to be happening and that is the reason why we have been insisting pastor and evangelists attend all meetings.
On Jan 11th, 2010 during our meeting. Rev Nixon Mwitula was able to explain to other fellows who attended by saying if you don’t have fertilizer you need practice other agronomic such as proper timing, use proper spacing, don’t burn crop residues etc , this will help you to harvest more yield than if you couldn’t follow those agronomic practices.
Iringa Municipality banned people from growing tall crops such as corn in the city. When the municipal officer saw the demonstration plot planted with corn they asked why they planted corn while it was announced not to plant. The Pastor answered that it is a demonstration plot; they went to the demonstration plot site and were impressed with what was happening especially when they also saw that it was documented in the box file. They promised to send some of their officers to visit Ipogoro to learn.
One church member farms about 50 acres and would like to start using our methods to his farm, such as not to burn crop residue etc.
We advised them instead of paying a tractor/ oxen to cultivate their field they should go for minimum tillage and use that money to buy fertilizer.
Questions from audience and answers
How can they get inputs for their own farm?
They can get from stores in town, and in case of the bean seeds we gave cell phone number of the seed dealer (Uyole Research Farm)
Somebody is grazing cow on his field because he leaves in town he can’t protect
If he knows a person around his farm that has cows, he should find a way to have some agreement to let him feed the crop residues and bring several carts of manure into the field.
For those who already intercropped their farm, what can they do now and what kind of fertilizer should they apply?
NPK will be the best fertilizer and they were reminded for the next year they are supposed to plant one kind of crop per area
In the past they have been using insecticides but still there were some crop damage
Reasons; Use of wrong insecticides, wrong amount and if there were heavy rain just after application of insecticides. One lady agreed that she was mixing insecticides in 15 liters instead of 18 liters of water.
If they don’t have enough fertilizer as we recommend what they can do?
We suggested to them to use manure (compost) or to go for larger spacing that will give them maximum plant population per area.
Conclusions/Recommendations
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed. They promised to follow all the instructions.
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
4th Visit Year two
January 11, 2010
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana
Attendees 17 (9 males and 8 females)
Weather for the past month Raining
Reporters Ibrahim, Gabriel, Roger and Alfred
Purpose of the visit
• Planting bean and fertilizer application demonstrations
• Demonstration of second fertilizers application in corn
• Deliver fertilizer, Bean seeds, bottle sprayer, and insecticide
Topics
1. Greetings
Roger gave greetings from Augustana, Saint Paul Area Synod and US Ag Advisory Committee
2. Went through the handouts
o 4th Visit handout
o Quiz handout
o Rain record sheets.
3. Demonstrations
We demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (30cm). Using a string and a hand hoe we demonstrated how to make a trench for planting the bean seeds. One seed was placed every 10 cm. Using a bottle cap for measuring fertilizer, we demonstrated how to place one full bottle cap between 2 seeds i.e. Seed-seed-fertilizer-seed-seed-fertilizer etc.
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the analysis of the soil in this area, the type of fertilizer recommended was NPK (10-18-24) for bean seed planting. The congregation was given 2 NPK bags and 40 Kg of bean seeds, the variety of bean seeds delivered is WANJA-(drought resistance variety).
Comments
Ipogoro is an urban congregation so many people work in the city; the pastor, and evangelists need to be teachers to others. On Sunday January 10th, 2010, one day before we went there, just after the Sunday service all people who attended went to the plot and the pastor was teaching them the agronomic practices we have been addressing. This is good to be happening and that is the reason why we have been insisting pastor and evangelists attend all meetings.
On Jan 11th, 2010 during our meeting. Rev Nixon Mwitula was able to explain to other fellows who attended by saying if you don’t have fertilizer you need practice other agronomic such as proper timing, use proper spacing, don’t burn crop residues etc , this will help you to harvest more yield than if you couldn’t follow those agronomic practices.
Iringa Municipality banned people from growing tall crops such as corn in the city. When the municipal officer saw the demonstration plot planted with corn they asked why they planted corn while it was announced not to plant. The Pastor answered that it is a demonstration plot; they went to the demonstration plot site and were impressed with what was happening especially when they also saw that it was documented in the box file. They promised to send some of their officers to visit Ipogoro to learn.
One church member farms about 50 acres and would like to start using our methods to his farm, such as not to burn crop residue etc.
We advised them instead of paying a tractor/ oxen to cultivate their field they should go for minimum tillage and use that money to buy fertilizer.
Questions from audience and answers
How can they get inputs for their own farm?
They can get from stores in town, and in case of the bean seeds we gave cell phone number of the seed dealer (Uyole Research Farm)
Somebody is grazing cow on his field because he leaves in town he can’t protect
If he knows a person around his farm that has cows, he should find a way to have some agreement to let him feed the crop residues and bring several carts of manure into the field.
For those who already intercropped their farm, what can they do now and what kind of fertilizer should they apply?
NPK will be the best fertilizer and they were reminded for the next year they are supposed to plant one kind of crop per area
In the past they have been using insecticides but still there were some crop damage
Reasons; Use of wrong insecticides, wrong amount and if there were heavy rain just after application of insecticides. One lady agreed that she was mixing insecticides in 15 liters instead of 18 liters of water.
If they don’t have enough fertilizer as we recommend what they can do?
We suggested to them to use manure (compost) or to go for larger spacing that will give them maximum plant population per area.
Conclusions/Recommendations
We emphasized the importance of following instruction because the success of the program depends upon them following what we instructed. They promised to follow all the instructions.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ipogoro CVP Visit of Nov 12-09
2009 CVP
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1st Visit-YEAR TWO
November 12, 2009
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana, West St. Paul
Attendees 20
Weather for the past month Rainy for past couple of days
Reporters Gabriel Malima, Phil Larsen
We met almost all the evangelists from all the preaching points of Ipogoro. They had been in a meeting which was conducted before starting ours. We told Pastor that next time he should invite everybody to the demonstration day of the Institute.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil provided greetings from Augustana (West St. Paul), Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Going through the handouts
o Fertilizer need template
o Plant population handout
o Fertilizer application handout
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was placed every 20 cm and a bottle capful of fertilizer was placed 5 cm. away on each of the seed .
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given 2 bags of fertilizer (NPK) and 4 bags of Pioneer seed. The Pioneer variety is drought resistance hence is suitable in this area.
Comments/questions from audience
They asked why they are going to use NPK instead of DAP in their plot.
We told them according to the soil analysis, their soil lacks Potassium which DAP does not have.
They were wondering whether the same type of fertilizer should be used in all parts of their village.
We told them that we could not take soil samples for soil analysis from every part of the village; however we believe that one part of the village might be good representative of the whole village and the fertilizer recommendations in that part should be used in the whole village.
They said they have heard fertilizer has chemicals that reduce life span of human being ( probably from the people teaching about organic agriculture)
We told them that fertilizers contain nutrients which are used by plants for their life and productivity. They are allowed and recommended because they have been proved to be safe for human life.
One evangelist said he has been using DAP and he wanted to know how he can remove the DAP from his farm before start using NPK
We told them that there is no need to get rid of old fertilizer in the soil before starting using the new one. The old one has done its work and probably is no more in the soil due to being used or leached. However fertilizers just add nutrients in the soil, the old one and the new one do the same thing and they do not contradict each other.
Conclusions/Recommendations
The audience was very attentive and had many questions. It seemed as if we could not finish discussing with them. We told them we shall answer other questions in the next visit. We thanked them for the good work they did last year and for the good results they had in their plots.
NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg
Companion Village Project
Visit Report
1st Visit-YEAR TWO
November 12, 2009
Village Ipogoro
Pastor Nixon Mwitula
Companion Augustana, West St. Paul
Attendees 20
Weather for the past month Rainy for past couple of days
Reporters Gabriel Malima, Phil Larsen
We met almost all the evangelists from all the preaching points of Ipogoro. They had been in a meeting which was conducted before starting ours. We told Pastor that next time he should invite everybody to the demonstration day of the Institute.
Purpose of the visit
• Planting and fertilizer application demonstrations
• To deliver seed and fertilizer
Topics
1. Greetings
Phil provided greetings from Augustana (West St. Paul), Saint Paul Area Synod and US Advisory Committee
2. Going through the handouts
o Fertilizer need template
o Plant population handout
o Fertilizer application handout
3. Demonstrations
It was demonstrated how to measure inter row spacing (60cm) and intra row spacing (20cm). Using a string and a hand hoe, it was demonstrated how to plant and apply fertilizer. One seed was placed every 20 cm and a bottle capful of fertilizer was placed 5 cm. away on each of the seed .
4. Fertilizer and seed delivery
According to the soil analysis of the soil of this area, types of fertilizer recommended are NPK (10-18-24) and CAN (27-0-0). The congregation was given 2 bags of fertilizer (NPK) and 4 bags of Pioneer seed. The Pioneer variety is drought resistance hence is suitable in this area.
Comments/questions from audience
They asked why they are going to use NPK instead of DAP in their plot.
We told them according to the soil analysis, their soil lacks Potassium which DAP does not have.
They were wondering whether the same type of fertilizer should be used in all parts of their village.
We told them that we could not take soil samples for soil analysis from every part of the village; however we believe that one part of the village might be good representative of the whole village and the fertilizer recommendations in that part should be used in the whole village.
They said they have heard fertilizer has chemicals that reduce life span of human being ( probably from the people teaching about organic agriculture)
We told them that fertilizers contain nutrients which are used by plants for their life and productivity. They are allowed and recommended because they have been proved to be safe for human life.
One evangelist said he has been using DAP and he wanted to know how he can remove the DAP from his farm before start using NPK
We told them that there is no need to get rid of old fertilizer in the soil before starting using the new one. The old one has done its work and probably is no more in the soil due to being used or leached. However fertilizers just add nutrients in the soil, the old one and the new one do the same thing and they do not contradict each other.
Conclusions/Recommendations
The audience was very attentive and had many questions. It seemed as if we could not finish discussing with them. We told them we shall answer other questions in the next visit. We thanked them for the good work they did last year and for the good results they had in their plots.
NB:
• 1 bag of NPK is 50kg and 1 bag of seed is 2kg
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Ipogoro-6th CVP Visit - Aug 26-2009
Ag Inst – Ipogoro notes
6th CVP Visit
(Partner – Augustana, St. Paul, MN)
Aug 26, 2009
Pastor Mwitula
Remember: Ipogoro has half the plots and the preaching point, Kitwiru has the other half.
They were only a pastor and 2 other people who attended, reason was, there was another meeting in the morning around 7 am up to 1pm and Inst of Ag meeting scheduled at 2pm, so people were really exhausted and went home before we arrived from Tungamalenga. We requested pastor to inform us when we schedule if there will any meeting so that we see if it will work out or we should change the schedule.
They told us they are happy with Pioneer seed variety and would like to continue growing the same variety 2009/10 growing season.
Yield obtained from ¼ of an acre is 38.5 tins equivalent to 5.5 bags of shelled corn. And the pastor said he will donate 1 bag of corn to the church during the harvest offering time.
In Kitwiru plot, they harvested corn already but not thrashed yet, soon they will thrashed and give us how many bags obtained. The harvested corn in Kitwiru was also good and similar to the harvested corn in Ipogoro.
They will prefer to have a different beans variety.
Today we discussed and demonstrated the use of storage chemicals and delivered the storage chemical called Shumba i.e. a trade name.
They didn’t record yield as we instructed them in our early visits, and we highly recommended them to record 10 meters in rows next year 2009/10 in both demo plots and neighbors farm.
6th CVP Visit
(Partner – Augustana, St. Paul, MN)
Aug 26, 2009
Pastor Mwitula
Remember: Ipogoro has half the plots and the preaching point, Kitwiru has the other half.
They were only a pastor and 2 other people who attended, reason was, there was another meeting in the morning around 7 am up to 1pm and Inst of Ag meeting scheduled at 2pm, so people were really exhausted and went home before we arrived from Tungamalenga. We requested pastor to inform us when we schedule if there will any meeting so that we see if it will work out or we should change the schedule.
They told us they are happy with Pioneer seed variety and would like to continue growing the same variety 2009/10 growing season.
Yield obtained from ¼ of an acre is 38.5 tins equivalent to 5.5 bags of shelled corn. And the pastor said he will donate 1 bag of corn to the church during the harvest offering time.
In Kitwiru plot, they harvested corn already but not thrashed yet, soon they will thrashed and give us how many bags obtained. The harvested corn in Kitwiru was also good and similar to the harvested corn in Ipogoro.
They will prefer to have a different beans variety.
Today we discussed and demonstrated the use of storage chemicals and delivered the storage chemical called Shumba i.e. a trade name.
They didn’t record yield as we instructed them in our early visits, and we highly recommended them to record 10 meters in rows next year 2009/10 in both demo plots and neighbors farm.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ipogoro - 4th CVP visit
Partner: Augustana, West St. Paul, Minn.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pastor: Nickson Mwitulla
Evangelist: Hopeman Kihonza
Pastor Nickson had been assigned to Ipagoro in November. He was ordained on January 18, 2009. He had been present at the 3rd meeting with the Ag. Institute in November, but was still pretty new to the CVP program. There were not many people in attendance. Because of the recent rains the people were weeding their own fields. Local farmers have their fields out and away from the village of Ipagoro and did not come back for this meeting.
The corn looked quite good as a result of the rain that they received four days ago. The CVP plot at this parish is at two locations, one at the main church and one at a preaching point. This is because there was not enough land around the church to have two one-half acre plots. The plots at the main church are located in a prominent location, right outside the door for the church. Pastor Nickson said that a lot of people walk by and can observe the practices that are being demonstrated.
Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, 16 kg of Uyole Market seed, and I bottle of Thionex.
The corn was planted on December 20, 2008 and two weeks later they replanted where the seed did not germinate and emerge. One could see the smaller plants that had been replanted and are now trying to catch up. The rows averaged about 63 cm apart, and the plants averaged 33.3 cm apart. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of proper row and plant spacing. In these demonstration plots we are applying fertilizer to high plant populations in order to maximize yield, but we need to have the correct spacing to achieve the high plant populations.
We met outside under the tree between the corn and the bean plots. Ihrahim went through the handout. He emphasized the importance of weeding, and pointed out that lack of weeding has been shown to be the biggest deterrent to crop yield. He also went through the Record of Events sheet which he gave to them to record the dates when important events occurred.
Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.
Ibrahim asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Placing the residue in rows between the corn.
o Previously they had been concerned about termites.
o Now they see that the corn is doing fine.
o They can see that the residue helps hold moisture.
· One person said that they had taught their neighbor how to put the crop residue in rows between the corn.
· They asked if they have double plants can they separate and replant, we said yes, they should do this.
· Plant spacing
o They always thought that the plants should be far apart
o There have been comments on how close the plants were in the demonstration plot.
o They were surprised that today we told them that the plants should be even closer together.
· Fertilization
o Taking soil tests to determine the kind and amount of fertilizer to apply.
o A better understanding of the types of fertilizer, NPK, CAN.
o The reason to use CAN and not Urea as a source of nitrogen.
· One person stated that they were pleased with what they have already learned and believes that they will learn even more as this crop grows and the plot is repeated during the next two years.
· Because of its location, a number of people have observed the plot and have asked questions, especially about fertilizer and seed.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604428690017/detail/
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pastor: Nickson Mwitulla
Evangelist: Hopeman Kihonza
Pastor Nickson had been assigned to Ipagoro in November. He was ordained on January 18, 2009. He had been present at the 3rd meeting with the Ag. Institute in November, but was still pretty new to the CVP program. There were not many people in attendance. Because of the recent rains the people were weeding their own fields. Local farmers have their fields out and away from the village of Ipagoro and did not come back for this meeting.
The corn looked quite good as a result of the rain that they received four days ago. The CVP plot at this parish is at two locations, one at the main church and one at a preaching point. This is because there was not enough land around the church to have two one-half acre plots. The plots at the main church are located in a prominent location, right outside the door for the church. Pastor Nickson said that a lot of people walk by and can observe the practices that are being demonstrated.
Today we delivered 100 kg of NPK, 100 kg of CAN, 16 kg of Uyole Market seed, and I bottle of Thionex.
The corn was planted on December 20, 2008 and two weeks later they replanted where the seed did not germinate and emerge. One could see the smaller plants that had been replanted and are now trying to catch up. The rows averaged about 63 cm apart, and the plants averaged 33.3 cm apart. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of proper row and plant spacing. In these demonstration plots we are applying fertilizer to high plant populations in order to maximize yield, but we need to have the correct spacing to achieve the high plant populations.
We met outside under the tree between the corn and the bean plots. Ihrahim went through the handout. He emphasized the importance of weeding, and pointed out that lack of weeding has been shown to be the biggest deterrent to crop yield. He also went through the Record of Events sheet which he gave to them to record the dates when important events occurred.
Ibrahim demonstrated the placement of the second application of fertilizer (CAN) 5 cm on each side of the corn plants. The fertilizer should be placed 5 cm, the distance between the second knuckle and the tip of the index finger, from the plant along side of the row and not in the row. Ibrahim demonstrated how to plant and fertilize the bean seeds. First dig a row or trench with the hoe by digging at 90 degrees to the direction of the trench. Place the bean seeds 9 cm apart, or about the width of one’s fist, and then place one cap of fertilizer between the bean seeds. Finally cover the bean seeds and fertilizer with soil. If there is any fertilizer left over it should be broadcast over the entire plot.
Ibrahim asked if they have experienced any benefits from the teaching we have done and the demonstrations that have been conducted. Some of their responses were:
· Placing the residue in rows between the corn.
o Previously they had been concerned about termites.
o Now they see that the corn is doing fine.
o They can see that the residue helps hold moisture.
· One person said that they had taught their neighbor how to put the crop residue in rows between the corn.
· They asked if they have double plants can they separate and replant, we said yes, they should do this.
· Plant spacing
o They always thought that the plants should be far apart
o There have been comments on how close the plants were in the demonstration plot.
o They were surprised that today we told them that the plants should be even closer together.
· Fertilization
o Taking soil tests to determine the kind and amount of fertilizer to apply.
o A better understanding of the types of fertilizer, NPK, CAN.
o The reason to use CAN and not Urea as a source of nitrogen.
· One person stated that they were pleased with what they have already learned and believes that they will learn even more as this crop grows and the plot is repeated during the next two years.
· Because of its location, a number of people have observed the plot and have asked questions, especially about fertilizer and seed.
Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21557421@N08/sets/72157604428690017/detail/
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