Diet for seed extraction

By Irene Yemit, Henry Nyamweya, Henry Njehia, Obeta Sirma and Bernice Kikenyi

It is at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)-Perkerra, that one is engaged mutually in extraction of seeds in gain of diet in the form of fruits. The high cost of fruit prices in Marigat town has been an issue since September.

Okomo and his friends extracting seeds

The centre initiated in 1956 with an objective of giving technical support to the farmers on the relevant crop and animal breeds in the region. The fruit seedling project was initiated in 1989 with aim of producing the seeds and seedlings for farmers around.

“The seeds are extracted to facilitate planting. They are normally extracted daily around early November to late January when the mangoes are ready,” says Susan Kazungu, Nursery Attendant at KARI-Perkerra.

It is in this process that the centre deployed a mechanism of seed extraction. The fruits are harvested where people within the institution strictly consume the fruit leaving behind the seed.The seedlings are then grafted and once they are mature they are sold out of the county.

“I always walk a distance of more than one kilometre to come and eat fruits. The fruits are very sweet. Most of the times I manage to eat ten (10) mangoes. I also slice some then I leave the seeds to take to my children,” said Michael Okomo, a local farmer.

People enjoying KARI Perkerra fruits

The varieties in the centre are pawpaw (solo sunrise), Mangoes comprising of apple, Kent, Vandyke and Tommy. Citrus seedlings include Valencia and Tangerines. This was promoted in the area based on their early maturity and resistance levels.

"Most families staying in Marigat are not able to buy fruits on a daily basis thus the seed extraction exercise will ensure that they get the commodity free of charge," said Peter Siele, KARI-Perkerra officer.

It was established that the centre sells the seedlings at affordable prices. Grafted mangoes goes for Ksh 110, pawpaws goes for Ksh 20 and citrus seedlings for Ksh 60.

A visit to the local market stalls indicated that most of the products were sourced from as far as Kisii, Ukambani, Marakwet and Eldoret though the centre has been in existence for that long.

KARI encourages members of the public particularly women and children to come and extract seeds.This will enhance their nutrition.

There is need to create awareness to the farmers within range on the available varieties so as to increase supply of the commodities locally.