By Joyce
Okuta
Farmers in Marigat Sub-county have
for a long time relied on maize crop for subsistence and commercial use. This occasionally
leads to massive loss caused by emergence of pests and diseases like maize
lethal necrosis that has been reported in most parts of Baringo County.
In Loboi location, Kamoskoi village
in Marigat sub-county, farmers have ventured into banana farming to supplement
maize.
Mr. Vincent Sibilo is among the farmers
who have taken the initiative to plant bananas. After quitting a job he found
to be unfulfilling, he decided to undertake banana production which he says he
has never regretted.
He bought 2 acre piece of land in
Kamoskoi village in 2012, the land was bare with no vegetation, but three years
down the line it is a different environment, green and serene.
“The effects of climate change motivated
me to plant bananas in my farm.” He says
Mr. Sibilo recounts the change in
rainfall patterns over the past 10 years, farmers expected short rains between
March and April but in the recent years rains are erratic.
Farmers in kamuskoi irrigation scheme
depend mainly on water from River Loboi and irrigate using canals.
Bananas require little water compared
to maize. Bananas are irrigated once in a month while maize is irrigated 2-3
times in a week; furthermore the crop is much resistant to plant pest and
diseases compared to maize.
“Bananas are cheaper to produce due
to its perennial nature. Once established, one can harvest for 4 years or
more.” Mr. Sibilo affirms.
During drought banana stalks are used
as livestock feeds hence reducing the cost of buying hay.
He adds that it takes 6 months for
the crop to mature and the market is readily available and lucrative. Prices
range between 300- 700 depending on the variety and size.
The market is diversified; he sells
locally and in major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret.
Just like any other crop banana
farming has its own challenges. Banana vegetation creates a favorable
environment for dangerous snakes. The crop may also be attacked by diseases
like banana cigatoka and pests like nematodes. Wildlife like zebras and
antelopes might cause destruction in the banana farm.
Mr. Sibilo’s initiative has attracted
attention from neighbouring farmers who have replicated his venture. He
recently hosted a delegation from Ethiopia who visited his farm to learn about
climate smart agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of
Agriculture is planning to hold farmers field day in September 2014 at Mr. Sibilo’s
farm.
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