Olerai Field Day

Lives to its Expectation

They came by foot, bicycles, motorcycles, cars and heavy machinery. Even the muddy soils could not stop them. All in need to exchange ideas during the Olerrai field day. It is no gain saying that cereal famers play a major role in Kenya’s economy.

Cereal growers from different parts of the country gathered at Olerai field to participate in a one day event organized by Cereal Growers Association and sponsored by Bayer Cropscience. Suppliers had created makeshift offices in their exhibition stands and growers had the opportunity to gather new agro-knowledge, buy or order inputs and exchange knowledge with them. “Farmers are the backbone of our economy as Kenyans”, said Mr. Anthony Songoro, Marketing Manager Bayer Agrosciencies, the sponsors. Adding, ‘’this is why we have left our offices today to mingle with them”.

To cap it all, growers had the opportunity to listen to key industry stakeholders discuss the challenges facing the cereal sector. In his remarks, the CGA chairman, Mr. Farnie Kruger encouraged farmers to unite, so as to get the best, as the saying goes, ’United we stand, divided we fall’. It is through the unity that the growers will end up getting market for their farm produce, and again the cereal companies depend on these growers for their raw materials. He noted that farmers in the country suffer a lot since they get lower price for their produce. He particularly singled wheat growers, who are pressed with the fact that their farm produce is bought at a lower price. He went farther and compared the market of wheat with the market of barley in Kenya. Barley growers in Kenya have collaborated with the brewing companies for the market of their products, yet wheat lacks such collaboration, hence growers suffer. He said, ‘The barley subsector can grow enough in the country, but where is the wheat?’ Actually, there is a lot to be done so as to improve the wheat market in the country, may be the government should come in and assist in this”. Concluding, ‘‘No farmers, no food!’’

In his remarks, Mr. George Kamuiru of Bayer Agrosciencies, touched on the challenges facing cereal growers and their possible solutions. He mentioned some challenges such as soil and seed-borne diseases, fungal diseases and their control. He also talked of leaf rust, which is caused by puccinia recondite, and is the most widespread and regularly occurring rust on wheat. Genetic resistance is the most economical method of reducing yield losses due to leaf rust.

Mr. Kamuiru cautioned on the impact of diseases on wheat yield formation. He said they lead to low quality produce, and growers loose almost 60% of their wheat yields. He advised farmers on the importance of spray timing and observation of latent period, to gain the best quantity and quality of their cereal yield.

Lastly, the area Assistant County Commissioner gave a piece of advice to the farmers. He encouraged them to put more effort in their plantations, regardless of the land size they own. He went further and promised that the government will support farmers especially on the market of their products, so as to reduce the tension of farmers who were almost quitting the sector because of the low income.

Exhibitors were drawn from Agrochemical companies, Crop nutrition suppliers, Seed companies, Farm machinery suppliers, government institutions among others. Olerai Farm, as the host, also participated in exhibition. “NO FARMERS, NO FOOD.