What farmers say:

Jun 14, 2011

<b>I would like to plant water melon</b><br>Editor - What are the steps to follow when planting water melon? What kind of environment is conducive for them? I would like to first plant them on a small scale for home use before expanding. Are there different types? Which is the best type?<br><b>Ele

I would like to plant water melon
Editor - What are the steps to follow when planting water melon? What kind of environment is conducive for them? I would like to first plant them on a small scale for home use before expanding. Are there different types? Which is the best type?
Eleanor

Editor’s note: The water melon grows fast with good care and can be harvested within three months after planting. The seeds can be obtained from farmers’ shops, where it may also be possible to get guidelines on how to grow the crop.

The ground into which you intend to plant the water melon should be clear of weeds and the holes should be dug about a foot deep and two square feet. Allow for spacing between the plants of some seven or 10 metres.

The hole should be filled up again with top soil. For better results, mix two spades of organic manure such as animal dung with the soil. About four seeds of water melon may be planted in each hole, one in every corner of the square. Since the seeds are planted in a hole from where the crop grows and spreads its vines to the neighbouring area, the farmer can water right at the spot where he planted the seeds.

Is there ready market for lablab beans?
Editor - I am a farmer interested in growing lablab beans. Under what conditions do they grow best? Is there a ready market for them? Where is it?
Richard Ssebirumbi
Mukono


Editor’s note: The lablab bean plant is commonly used as a cover crop to boost soil fertility and control soil erosion. Some farmers can buy it to feed their livestock, especially poultry. People in some parts of the world eat the beans. The lablab bean needs well-drained soils, lots of sunshine and heat to flower and produce pods. If well looked after, it is possible to earn sh900,000 per month from an acre of lablab beans. A farmer can harvest once a week continuously for one-and-a-half years on the average, earning sh60,000 from each lablab plant. Each kilogramme of lablab can be sold at sh300. One acre can carry up to 3,500 lablab bean plants. Lablab beans require supports on which they climb so as to maximise their production.

How do I save my pigs from swine fever?
Editor – I am a retired teacher who has invested all my life savings in a pig project in Masaka district. The project is so far doing well, but I have received information that there is a swine fever outbreak in our area. So far I have not lost any animal, but I am worried. How can I save my pigs from getting infected with swine fever?
Simon Peter Bukenya
Nyendo, Masaka


Editor’s note: It is true swine fever has broken out in Masaka, which has forced authorities to impose a quarantine on pigs and their products in the district. About 1,000 pigs have died of the disease. Restrict human, animal and vehicle traffic to your farm. Make sure your pigs are confined to their houses all the time. Maintain high levels of hygiene around your farm. If possible, restrict the movement of your farm workers, especially those handling pigs. Avoid feeding your pigs on leftover food from hotels, restaurants and markets.

I fear my goats may be stolen
Editor – After getting tips on successful goat farming in Harvest Money, I decided to start rearing goats. However, I have been scared by recent media reports of the rampant theft of goats. Although I had already constructed the goat pen, I have been forced to suspend the project for fear of losing my goats to thieves. What precautions can I take to ensure that my goats are safe?
Ben Mutyaba
Mukono


Editor’s note: While losing livestock to thieves is a vocational hazard every farmer has to come to terms with, the rate at which goats are getting stolen is becoming too much. One of the factors responsible for this problem is the failure by authorities to enforce livestock movement laws. Apart from cattle, the authorities do not bother to ask for movement permits for other types of livestock. One way to fight these thefts is by branding the goats. This may affect the quality of their skin, but they will be safer. The other is to have a strong fence, and even more important, a lockable room where the goats can spend the night. Some farmers acquire dogs which stay with the goats all the time to scare off thieves and wild animals.

What is the number of the Arua guinea pig farmer?
Editor – How can I get in touch with the Arua farmer who rears guinea pigs or do you know anyone else who rears them?
Berghounzer

Editor’s note: The Arua farmer who rears guinea pig is John Festus Odama of Nderea village. You can contact him through Richard Drasimaku on 0787159372. The other source of guinea pigs is Katende Harambe training centre in Namugongo.

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