Farmers from Kakamega County and Kenya as a whole have been urged to adopt new technology in farming and invest in seed varieties that have been researched on and certified by research bodies in the country especially the bean seeds. This is according to Andrew Egalla the CEO of a non-governmental organization, Green without Borders, that deals with new technology in bean farming.
Egalla revealed that a big percentage of farmers from Western Kenya are not receptive to new technology, a factor that costs them a lot when it comes to harvesting. He discouraged farmers from buying any seeds from the open air markets arguing that the germination rate is poor and the results are bad compared to the seeds that have been researched on. “Certified seeds have a germination rate of 99% and its produce is extremely high compared to any other seed,” said Egalla.
Egalla was speaking at a farm in Shitungu village Lurambi
Micronutrient rich beans are bio-fortified to increase the level of iron and zinc content through conventional plant breeding. Iron and zinc help reduce blood disorders such as anaemia, impaired physical and mental development, delayed maturation, poor appetite and impaired immune function among others.
The beans-Metameta, Nyota, Angaza, Faida-have been researched on and approved by Kalro and have an advantage given that they are early maturing. They take between 75 to 85 days to mature and give a bumper harvest of between 7 to 13 bags per acre. Egalla revealed that the research focused on iron and zinc as a way of fighting malnutrition and the many diseases that keep on emerging.