Chrisstal FARMS.

The biggest banana producers in Africa are 👇👇
1.Uganda 🇺🇬
2.Tanzania 🇹🇿
3.Rwanda 🇷🇼
4.Kenya 🇰🇪
5.Burundi 🇧🇮

The high production of bananas in these countries are due to their favorable tropical and subtropical climate ,soil fertility and agricultural practices ❤️

Other countries following these 5 biggest banana producing countries are :
-Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩
-Cameroon🇨🇲
-Ghana🇬🇭

Chrisstal FARMS.

Discover the essence of mixed farming – where crops thrive alongside livestock! 🌾🐄

Mixed farming blends the best of both worlds: cultivating crops like maize and soybeans while raising cattle, sheep, goat, or poultry. 🚜🌱

Imagine fields lush with cereal crops, nourished by natural fertilizers from happy cattle. 🌾🐮 Plus, surplus crops become nutritious fodder for our livestock friends! 🌿🐑

Did you know? In the days before tractors, young male cattle weren't just meat – they were trained as bullocks, helping with ploughing and hauling! 🚜💪

Stay tuned with Chrisstal FARMS. for more fascinating farming insights! 🌾✨

Millet and Sorghum. That's the nutritionally superior food domesticated by our people long before christ. Lack of mechanisation is what made many farmers to stop farming them in favor of nutritionally inferior maize.

Chrisstal FARMS.

Avocados 🥑 in Kenya

▪️Kenya 🇰🇪 is Africa’s largest producer of Avocados 🥑

▪️In 2022, Kenya became the 5th largest producer of Avocados globally

▪️It's annual production in 2022 was estimated as 458,439 MTs

▪️Avocados production in the country nearly doubled in just 5 years (2017 to 2022)

▪️Kenya’s production accounts for nearly 40% of Africa's Production

▪️That is, of every 10 KGs of Avocados produced in Africa, 4 KGs are from Kenya

▪️In the Country, Murang’a County leads un annual production

▪️Murang’a accounts for nearly for 30% of the National Production

▪️Kenya is also Africa's largest exporter of Avocados, and in 2022, it ranked 5th globally

▪️It's annual exports hit 100,000 MTs in 2022, the highest by then

Chrisstal FARMS.

Two weeks old

The New Delta Project, Egypt 🇪🇬

▪️The country is in the process of constructing a mega man made river, and a project dubbed "The New Delta Project"

▪️The man made river is expected to stretch a distance of 114 KMs, and will mainly be filled by water from a number Oasis and underground water

▪️The Project is expected to cost about 5 Billion USD and will be pumping water from the Northern Coast to the Western Desert

▪️Linked to the same is the New Delta Agriculture Wastewater Treatment, Recycling and Reuse Plant

▪️The giant plant, with a capacity of over 6 million cubic meters per day, is part of the project and will treat agricultural wastewater for further exploitation

▪️The giant plant is a live testament to Egypt’s unwavering commitment to achieving water security through optimizing the usage of fresh water and building climate-smart water infrastructure

▪️The treatment plant if finished as planned is expected to break at least 4 Guinness World Records including:

1) being the largest water treatment plant by area, as it is spanning nearly 320,600 Sq.Mts

2) being the largest water treatment plant by capacity which is estimated as 86.8 m3 per second

3) being the largest epoxy coating in a building, covering an expansive area of 520,339 square meters;

4) being the largest sludge treatment plant, showcasing a substantial capacity of 670.01 kilograms.

▪️Once completed, the project is expected to support agriculture in approximately 1.2 Million Acres further expending the farmland in Egypt by 15%

▪️Most of the area will be under Wheat Production which is a major staple in Egypt 🇪🇬, and the country currently records an annual deficit of nearly 7 Million MTs thus the project seeks to reduce this deficit

Photo: Courtesy

CARROTS.

Growing carrots successfully requires attention to soil preparation, watering, spacing, and pest management. Here are the steps to grow carrots and tips for their care:

Growing Carrots:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select carrot varieties that suit your growing conditions and preferences. Some popular varieties include 'Nantes', 'Danvers', and 'Imperator'. Consider the length and shape of the carrot you prefer.

2. Prepare the Soil:
- Carrots prefer loose, well-draining soil that is free from rocks and clumps to allow them to grow straight and develop properly.
- Work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches (30 cm), breaking up any compacted soil.
- Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and provide a loose texture ideal for carrot roots.

3. Sowing Seeds:
- Carrot seeds are tiny, so mix them with sand or fine soil for even distribution.
- Plant seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring or late summer (for a fall crop). Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them 1 to 2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.

4. Watering:
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which usually takes 1-3 weeks.
- Once seedlings emerge, water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water. Consistent moisture helps prevent carrots from becoming tough or developing cracks.

5. Thinning:
- When carrot seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to ensure proper spacing. Carrots need space to develop their roots. Thin to 3-4 inches apart for smaller varieties and 4-6 inches apart for larger varieties.

6. Mulching:
- Apply a layer of mulch around the carrot plants to retain soil moisture, suppress w**ds, and keep the soil temperature more consistent. Mulching also helps prevent the carrot shoulders from turning green due to exposure to sunlight.

7. Fertilizing:
- Carrots are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from a balanced fertilizer application before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote lush foliage growth at the expense of root development.

8. Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for pests such as carrot rust fly and aphids. Use floating row covers to protect young plants from pests, or use organic insecticides if necessary.
- Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases that affect carrots.

9. Harvesting:
- Carrots are usually ready for harvest 60-80 days after sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
- Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size and color. Gently loosen the soil around the carrots with a garden fork and pull them out carefully to avoid damaging the roots.

Tips for Care:

- Regular W**ding: Keep the carrot bed w**d-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

- Sunlight: Carrots prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates.

- Succession Planting: Plant carrots in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

- Storage: Store harvested carrots in a cool, humid environment such as a refrigerator to maintain freshness.

By following these steps and caring for your carrot plants diligently, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, crunchy carrots from your garden.

Chrisstal FARMS.

HASS AVOCADO FARMING

🥑 ploughing

1)Soil should be ploughed sufficient to eliminate deberis

2)Plough to a fine tilth

3) Avoid field operations when it's wet to avoid soil composition and hard pans which affect proper Roots development.

4) it's recommended to have the land ploughed at least 2-3 month before transplanting

5) spacing - the spacing is 6-9m ×7-10 m depending on the growth characteristics of the individual variety and type of soil, Fertility status,agro - ecological conditions And agronomic practices

6)Hole size -60cm x 60xmx50 cm

7) plant population 44- 92 trees per acre.

8)Basal applications
During the preparation of planting Holes Mature/composite and basal Fertilizers are applied to allow the soil to settle and established

8) Top soil is Mixed one debe (20 kgs per hole= 4 tones per acre or well Decomposed Mature 250g of either triple super phosphate or Rock phosphate in the planting hole before refiling

Chrisstal FARMS.

Planting Peanuts at Home: A Guide to Cultivating Store-Bought Nuts in Your Garden

Growing peanuts from store-bought nuts can be a fun and rewarding gardening project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cultivate peanuts right in your own backyard:

1. Selecting the Right Peanuts
Type of Peanuts: Opt for raw, unroasted, and unsalted peanuts. These are more likely to germinate than the roasted or salted varieties.
Purchase Organic: If possible, purchase organic peanuts as they are less likely to have been treated with growth inhibitors.

2. Preparing the Soil
Soil Requirements: Peanuts require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.9 and 7.0. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it accordingly.
Tilling: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in some compost or aged manure to improve fertility.
3. Planting the Peanuts
When to Plant: The best time to plant peanuts is in late spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 65°F.

Planting Depth: Plant the peanuts 1 to 2 inches deep and about 6 to 8 inches apart. Make sure the peanuts are covered lightly with soil.
4. Caring for Peanuts
Watering: Peanuts need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, especially during flowering and pe***ng (when the plant starts producing the peanuts).
W**ding: Keep the area around the peanuts w**d-free. W**ds can compete for nutrients and water.

5. Harvesting
Harvest Time: Peanuts are ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the veins of the shells become prominent, typically about 4 to 5 months after planting.
Digging Up Peanuts: Use a fork to gently lift the plant from the soil, being careful not to damage the peanuts.
6. Drying and Curing
Drying: After harvesting, shake off any excess soil and hang the plants in a warm, dry place. Allow the peanuts to dry for a few weeks until the shells are completely dry.

Curing: Curing peanuts further improves their flavor and storage life. Keep them in a well-ventilated area for about two weeks.

Chrisstal FARMS.

BUTTERNUT FARMING

Soil requirements
Butternuts prefer well drained sandy loam to loam soils with a high calcium content. Butternuts like growing in soils with a PH value of between 5.5 to 6.3. If less than 5.5 agricultural lime should be applied in accordance with soil analysis results. Low PH soils have Molybdenum and Calcium deficiencies which reduce the keeping quality of the fruits. Soil temperatures are
important for good germination. Germination takes up to 3 weeks in soil temperatures between 10°C and 13°C, which makes the growth and management of the crop difficult. Soil temperatures around 15°C will result in good germination of around 7 days. 20°C gives maximum root development and even crops. Fields need to be prepared either by ploughing or rip and disc. If direct seeding, soil should be worked to a good tilth without too many big clods.
It should be as level as possible to ensure even plant emergence, so irrigation or rainfall cannot form puddles. Be careful of crusting at emergence a light irrigation may be necessary.

Climatic conditions
Butternuts are far less sensitive to unfavourable growing conditions than most other cucurbits.
Butternuts prefer a warm dry climate and best growing conditions are when the temperature is between 20°C - 25°C with a maximum of 32°C, night temperatures not lower than 10°C. At higher temperature range as indicated female flowers can abort and young fruit can wilt and shrivel. There is a tendency for plants to produce less female flowers with high temperatures and long days.

Planting time
For advice on varieties for seasons and the market place contact a Prime Seed Agronomist for his recommendations. Butternuts can be planted as soon as the risk of frost is over and temperatures are between the ranges stated earlier. Timing is important when planting so crops can mature before the hot humid summer rainfall conditions form as this can result in serious leaf disease problems. Aphids are usually a problem also at this time and can spread virus diseases very quickly. Direct seeding makes the germinating seed susceptible to attack by pathogens such as Fuserium and Rhizoctonia. Also rats and mice are a huge problem as they dig up and eat the germinating seed. Baiting with rat poison for these pests is most important to avoid heavy seed losses. A recommendation is for F1 hybrid seeds to be raised in a
recognised nursery like FROM our Farm Nursery because of the high cost of the seed. By doing speedlings early while soil temperatures warm up the crop will be 2 – 3 weeks earlier than if direct seeded. Depth for direct planting of seed is 25 – 30mm, for speedlings just cover to level of the top of the plug. Make sure good plug to soil contact is achieved to ensure rapid take off of seedlings in the fertilized enriched soil.

Spacing
This depends on the cultivar, if it is a semi bush or vine type, the market place and the irrigation system to be used. With overhead irrigation a single row 1.5m to 1.8m between rows and plants 0.5m to 0.8m in row. This gives a population of approximately 11,000 – 16,000 plants per hectare. Semi bush types can be planted in double rows 0.5m- 0.6m apart with plants 0.5m apart in row and 1.5m to 1.8m between the double rows. This gives 16,700 – 20,000 plants per hectare. This can help with w**d control and gives smaller fruits where this is desirable for the market place.

Irrigation
As the butternut plant is of desert origin it has a determined root system. Butternut plants have a deep tap root to utilise water deep down in the soil whereas the shallow fibrous root system draws the water just below the surface. Butternuts irrigated by overhead sprinklers have root systems which spread at much the same rate as the vines on the surface. Drip irrigation makes
an “Onion” shape of water in the soil and the roots are confined to the “Onion”. Over irrigation with drip if incorrectly applied causes a lot of problems with Butternuts. The soil will get over saturated in the “Onion” zone depleting the oxygen level in the soil so no roots will develop there. Calcium will therefore not be easily available in over irrigated soil leading to calcium deficiency and blossom end rot. It is usually preferable to under irrigate the crop while young except at the critical stage of fruit set when the water amount should be increased. Clay soils
tend to waterlog easily so let them dry out to some extent between irrigations, to allow oxygen to re enter the root zone. Sandy soils require more regular irrigation to keep the soil moist. Loam to clay loam soils need only to be watered every second day.

Fertilization
For a good crop of Butternuts the plant will require some200kg N: 50kg P: 500kg K, 120kg Ca and 70kg Mg per hectare. A guide is to use 600/800kgs compound

“D” per hectare. 3 top dressings of 75kg per hectare AN at 3-5-7 weeks. All cucurbits are
sensitive to Molybdenum deficiency. Symptoms are stunted growth and overall yellowing of the leaves. If the PH is above 5.5 more Molybdenum will be available. Seedlings can be sprayed with Sodium Molybdate at 120g in 500 litres water per hectare, which should be sufficient but a second spray can be done at fruit set. Boron is essential for root hair growth through which Calcium is taken up. Boron can be sprayed on shortly before fruit set and 2 – 3 weeks later.
Boron deficiency is indicated by a clear yellowish to light green rim to the leaf. Copper sprays can cause similar symptoms and stunt leaves so be careful with excess copper sprays.

Under irrigation the crop will emerge more quickly and will mature earlier when planted shallow and the seed covered by leveling the soil. Alternatively planting deeper but covering the seed with 2.5 – 5cm of soil then re-ridging two or three times during growth will produce similar

Pollination
Bees are the main pollinators of the Butternut crop. Bees are thought to be responsible for over 90%of its pollination. The female flower must be visited several times for efficient pollination. The use of 2 to 3 beehives per hectare is recommended.

Harvesting
Butternuts usually take 85 to 100 days to harvest. Before the fruits are ready for harvest the stage of ripeness should show the rind an even beige in colour, with no green ground colour or blotches, the stalk hard but not dry. There may still be green stripes at the stem end. At this stage the fruits are suitable to the local market, but the internal colour will be slightly pale andkeeping quality poor. To achieve a high sugar content and a dark orange flesh leave the fruit to ripen on the vine. Once the green stripes on the fruits have almost gone, plants can be left to dry out. If irrigation continues at this stage the fruits will swell and crack. When harvesting cut
the stalk 10 to 15mm above the thickened attachment to the fruit, this cut must not leave sharp edges or a point which could pierce other fruits during handling and storage.

Yields 30 to 45 tons per hectare.

Preamble, guide and information for you to know about sorghum.

Sorgo (Sorghum) is an annual or perennial cereal plant. Its homeland is considered to be the regions of East Africa where the plant was grown in the 4th century BC. In terms of crop production, sorghum plant is in 5th place in the world. Such high popularity of sorghum is due to its little requirements while growing, large yields, and many useful properties that can be used in various industries. A number of sorghum plant varieties are grown as a cultivated plant for grain, as an industrial crop, and as fodder. Besides, the cultivation of this crop does not require special machinery and equipment.

The first step in land preparation for planting sorghum is to carry out deep fall plowing, depending on the thickness of the arable layer of the soil to a depth of 25 – 30 cm. Keep in mind that the traditional system of soil preparation for sorghum is quite justified. All activities carried out in the field intended for sowing sorghum should be aimed at killing w**ds, accumulating moisture, and leveling out the soil. The most common soil cultivation system for sorghum is the early plowing, which provides w**d destruction, leveling the soil so that in spring, before sowing sorghum on the prepared soil, enough moisture is retained in the upper layers.
Here are the main sorghum growth stages.

0. Germination

At this stage, the coleoptile leaf of the plant breaks through the soil surface. The stage lasts from 3 to 14 days, depending on the soil moisture, temperature, and seeding depth.

1. Leaf development

At this stage, the plant is 7 to 9 inches tall and starts developing leaves. The stage lasts until at least 5 leaves have developed.

2. Tillering

This is the period of rapid growth of a plant. At this stage, the bottom leaves fall off, and tillers appear at the base of the plant.

3. Stem elongation

At this sorghum growth stage, the last leaf of the plant emerges. Stem elongation manifests itself in the development of visibly extended internodes. It lasts until 9 of those are visible.

4. Heading

At the heading stage, the panicle emerges from the flag leaf sheath and becomes visible. The stage lasts until the plant progresses to mid-bloom when the panicle completely emerges from the leaf sheath.

5. Flowering

Flowering or blooming is the most critical of sorghum growth stages. At this stage, the peduncle is still elongating, taking 4 – 9 days for a single panicle to complete the flowering process.

6. Development of fruit

At this stage, the grain begins forming, quickly expanding and containing a milky fluid. The milk substage usually lasts 7 – 10 days. The next substage is soft dough, when the grain no longer contains a milky liquid and starts reaching its final weight. This substage lasts until the grain is as hard that it can no longer be crushed with the thumb and index finger.

7. Ripening

At this stage, grain has reached 75 % of its final dry weight and the seed coat has turned its final color (white, bronze or red). The total moisture content of the plant is at its lowest, and water stress during this time tends to promote lodging.

8. Senescence

This is the last growth stage of sorghum, when grain has achieved its maximum dry weight. Dark spots or a black layer on the bottom of the kernel are visible.

Uganda 🇺🇬 is Africa’s largest producer of Bananas (including Plantains) with an annual production of 11 Million MTs

The country ranks 3rd globally in the production of Bananas, just after India 🇮🇳 and China 🇨🇳.

How To Improve Maize Production in Your Farm

Always Scout Your Fields
One of the most important advices you can receive about how to increase crop yields is by scouting your fields on foot. This will give you a chance to assess soil conditions, notice any w**ds cropping up, and check that your crops are growing healthily.

Ensure Proper Water Drainage
Water management is essential to crop survival and maximizing your corn’s yield potential. It’s important to ensure your crop is getting enough water, but also that they aren’t being over-watered.

Utilize Fertilizers
Cultivating your soil with fertilizers is an important part of maintaining optimal soil conditions for crops on your farmland. Fertilizing your corn at the time of seeding can help provide the seeds with essential nutrients like potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. The root-zone at the base of your crops is the most important area to facilitate growth so your corn can thrive and produce an impressive yield.

Test Your Soil
Soil testing should be on your to do list right from the get-go, because your soil and its needs will directly influence the growth of your crops. Examining the phosphorus, potassium, and fertilization levels will give you insight into how to handle your crops. It will also let you know when proper soil conditions are forming, such as the optimal density and right amount of nutrients, so you are ready to start planting.

W**d Early and Often
W**ds are not just the enemy of front lawns and golf courses, they can also compromise your farmland. W**ds are invasive, and siphon nutrients away from the crops you are trying to grow. W**ds always need to be dealt with as early and often as possible.

Seed Quality
Having quality seeds is the basis for increasing crop yields. Whether you are looking into increasing your corn yields, or maximizing your overall agricultural productivity, you need to consider the strength of your seeds.

Chrisstal FARMS.

Happy new day farmers. Do you like ?

HOW TO GROW CABBAGE GLORIA F1

Growing the cabbage variety 'Gloria F1' can yield excellent results as it's known for its adaptability and vigorous growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow this type of cabbage successfully:

1. Select the Right Time
Cabbage is a cool-season crop. For spring planting, start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. For a fall harvest, plant seeds in mid-to-late summer.
2. Starting Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a sterile seed starting mix.
Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of about 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Seedlings should emerge in 5-10 days.
3. Transplanting Seedlings
Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.
Transplant seedlings to the garden when they have 3-4 true leaves, spacing them 12-24 inches apart, depending on the desired size of the cabbages. Rows should be about 2-3 feet apart.
4. Site and Soil
Choose a sunny site with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Cabbages prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter and a balanced fertilizer.
5. Watering and Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Cabbage needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress w**ds.
6. Fertilization
Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer midseason to support leafy growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, which can lead to rapid growth at the expense of solid head formation.
7. Pest and Disease Management
Monitor for common pests like cabbage loopers, aphids, and slugs. Use appropriate organic or chemical controls as necessary.
Keep an eye out for diseases like clubroot or black rot. Crop rotation and good sanitation can help prevent these issues.
8. Harvesting
Gloria F1 typically matures in about 70-80 days after transplanting. The heads should be firm all the way through when squeezed.

She chose to be her own boss, and this is how far she's come.

Deciding When to Prune Tomatoes

Step 1 Determine which variety...

Determine which variety you're growing. Before you make any cuts, figure out whether you're growing an indeterminate or determinate variety of tomato plant. Indeterminate varieties grow like vines, and they must be trained upright on poles and pruned in order to grow correctly.[1] Determinate varieties contain themselves before they grow into a bush, and they naturally direct their energy toward fruiting without needing as much intervention

2
Check the plant for signs of yellowing. One way to know when it is time to start pruning is to wait for the stems and leaves below the first set of flowers to turn yellow. When you notice this color change, you can start pruning.

3
Check for suckers. Look for the tiny new branches sprouting in the spot where a branch meets the stem on an indeterminate plant. These are called "suckers" and they're what you want to remove. Suckers left to grow will take energy from the rest of the plant and cause the plant to bear more fruits, but can cause the tomatoes to be smaller. This isn't always a bad thing, but strategically removing suckers will help your plant bear large fruit all season long.

4
Look for flowers. It is a good idea to start pruning your tomato plants early, as soon as there are flowers on the plants. At this point, the plants should be between 12 and 18 inches.

Agriculture isn't just for our parents and grandparents anymore!

It's a field that's ripe with opportunities for young people looking to make a difference and has a positive impact on the world.
isn't just for our parents and grandparents anymore!

It's a field that's ripe with opportunities for young people looking to make a difference and has a positive impact on the world.

WHAT QUANTITY OF ONION SEEDS IS ENOUGH FOR AN ACRE OF LAND

An acre requires 1-1.5kg of onion seeds depending on the variety and the spacing. The spacing normally affects the size of the bulb onions. Onions can be grown by direct seeding, which requires intensive management or one can decide to first establish a nursery bed. Just like other vegetables planted on nursery bed, site selection is key to proper planning for production of healthy and vigorous growing seedlings.

The site should be in a secure environment, near a water source and preferably near the crop production site. It should be raised to a height of about 15cm to encourage drainage, 1m width for easy workability and the length of your own desire depending on the number of seeds to be sowed.