In the heart of the North Rift region, a transformative event was taking place at the Parachichi Centre in Uasin Gishu County. The renowned Egerton University dons, Professor Paul Kimurto and Dr. Caroline Mutua, stood before a gathering of eager residents, urging them to embrace new farming opportunities to combat the challenges posed by climate change and soil degeneration.
The occasion was a field day training at the Centre in Tembelio Ward, Moiben Sub-County to enhance linkages and collaboration with stakeholders in the Avocado value chain and provide an opportunity for them to connect and discuss the key issues affecting the industry.
Specifically, designed to equip farmers with the best practices for cultivating the highly sought-after Avocado crop, affectionately known as the 'Green Gold.' The experts covered a diverse range of topics, including seedling management, pre-harvest techniques, post-harvest management, market access, and the pressing need to prioritize Avocado farming as an alternative to the declining yields of maize and wheat.
“We have witnessed a range of pests and diseases that are difficult to manage in the region like Fall Army Worm, among others as well as the soil profile has degenerated which means that it is high time our farmers to embrace Hass Avocado farming which has high yields and resistant to diseases and pests which are common in the area,” said Professor Kimurto.
Professor Kimurto addressed the audience, highlighting the various pests and diseases that had plagued the region, such as the notorious Fall Armyworm. He emphasized the urgency of transitioning to Hass Avocado farming, which not only promises high yields but also boasts natural resilience against common pests and diseases prevalent in the area.
Dr. Mutua took the opportunity to educate the farmers on the intricacies of Avocado cultivation. She discussed the process of planting seedlings, the importance of pollination and flowering, and the proper techniques for harvesting the ripe fruits. She stressed that improper handling and premature harvesting had been significant factors contributing to the poor quality of Avocados reaching the market.
To rectify this issue, Dr. Mutua encouraged the farmers to store their harvest in shaded areas, avoiding tossing them on the ground carelessly. She also recommended the use of cooling facilities for storage, as this would greatly minimize post-harvest losses. Additionally, she advised planting the local Fuete variety alongside the Hass variety, as their combined traits would strengthen the plants' ability to withstand the region's unique climate conditions.
The Horticulture specialist said: “You need to know the characteristics of the fruit that is ready for harvest. For example; the fruit stops to be shiny, the stem becomes yellow. You also pluck in the morning, put in cold under a shade to remove the field heat.”
The Parachichi Centre, founded by former Central Bank Governor Dr. Micah Cheserem, had been instrumental in promoting Avocado farming in the region. Dr. Cheserem expressed his dedication to the cause, overseeing the farm's management himself. Since their registration and certification with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) in 2018, the center had worked tirelessly with various stakeholders in the value chain to reduce dependency on maize crops.
Thanks to their efforts, the Avocado produce from the Parachichi Centre had found its way into international markets, including Europe and China. Dr. Cheserem's vision was gradually transforming the agricultural landscape of the North Rift, empowering farmers to embrace sustainable farming practices and capitalize on the growing demand for Avocados.
“I spend most of my time here overseeing the management of the farm. When we registered in 2018 and got certification with Kephis, we have been able to work with other stakeholders in the value chain so that we change the dependency on maize crop,” said Dr Cheserem.
As the field day training came to an end, the residents of the North Rift departed with newfound knowledge and determination.
Inspired by the expertise and guidance of Professor Kimurto, Dr. Mutua, and Dr. Cheserem, they embarked on a journey towards a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future. Through the cultivation of Avocado, the 'Green Gold,' they were poised to adapt to the changing climate, rejuvenate their soil, and secure a bountiful harvest for generations to come.
Mrs Elizabeth Ngimor, from Sikirio village Kapenguria, 61 took early retirement to engage in maze farming. She was at the training and has planted atleast 30 trees of avocado. “I took my first seedlings from President William Ruto’s Farm in Eldoret. The fruits remained green so I could not tell whether they were ready, but Mr Kiptum from Parachichi Centre enlightened me.”
Richard Boen Koitor is a farmer who has planted about 100 trees. He explained that Dr Cheserem as a neighbor inspired him. “I now harvest and sell to those who export. I have been earning decently and paying school fees for my childen in secondary schools and Colleges.”
Mr Tubei Andrew is the General Manager at the Parachichi Centre. He explained how the centre has embarked on seedling production by grafting using the Jumbo (Indigeneous variety) from the mother block certified by Kephis that is the Puebla variety grafted using the certified Scion from the Centre.
Climate Change has brought UG 99 Stem rust, Fall Army worm, among other new pests and diseases that have reduced maize and wheat production in the region, explained Professor Kimurto. Research is being done on the seedlings, pests, and diseases.
He said that the Hass variety of avocado can yield in diverse agro ecologies; it is like the H614 variety of maize. If planted, farmers will conserve their soil and also harvest high yields of fruits. He noted that the Kephis report shows that avocado market has not been exploited. China, Europe, and many others. This means the dependency on crops that have been here for the last century and have declined in yields is no longer acceptable.
