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Post date: Nov 19, 2011 1:08:42 PM
On Saturday 5 November 2011, sponsored by PALWECO, a busload of farmers and agricultural officers from Busia County's 7 districts went to see the farm of Eunice and Paul Gimonde in Mbale, Vihiga district. They liked what they saw: since 2008 the farmer had gradually done away with the 'fanya juu' and instead established Vetiver hedges to control erosion. These also use the leaves for mulch of their food crops and in a small tea plantation.
The visitors were given plantin
g materials, handouts, a slide show on the use of Vetiver System on-farm and some slides on its use for handicraft.The planting material was sourced from Rose Olumu (Siaya) who owns the 2nd largest nursery in Nyanza province (the first one being Caleb Omolo near Kisii). Rose delivered the plants in good company of the Siaya NEMA officer. And Rose came prepared, presenting her experience as owner of a large nursery.
Photo: Rose Oluma presenting her expertise on Vetiver.Reactions on what was seen on the farm: - "Now I can allow my son to sell the stones I used for contour bunds - I will replace that with Vetiver" (Christian Makokha, Bunyala Conservation Self-Help Group)"- "Please organize one more visit like that, agriculture officers from all the district should take notice, and more farmers want planting material." (District Agricultural Officers from Busia and Bunyala).
- "Please can you tell me where my plants have been dropped off? They are mine, I will come collect them today." (one of the farmer participants calling the next day).
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