Maize farmers have been left counting losses in the recent past due to challenges brought about by climate change.
However, all is not lost. A new crop nutrition product has been launched to cushion farmers against the effects of unpredictable weather patterns and the invasion of crop pests.
Speaking during the launch at Elfarm, Uasin Gishu county, Yara East Africa chief Agronomist, Kefa Makori said the YaraVita Seedlift comes into the market at a time when cases of crop failure have become widespread.
“As a result of the unpredictable weather patterns, seed germination has reduced, driving farmers to losses. The product insulates the seed and protects it against heat and insect’s infestation. The seed germination is a good determinant to profitable farming,” Makori said on Friday.
He said the product is a bio-stimulant that allows crops to absorb nutrients while surviving even under reduced rainfall and can be used in wheat, barley and maize.
“The seedlift has five components; Zinc, phosphorous, nitrogen, calcium and organic components. Some of the benefits include proper rooting of crops, the adaptation of climate change, soil health and increased production among others,” Makori said.
According to plant scientists, biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances that can be applied to seeds, plants, and soil.
These substances cause changes in vital and structural processes to influence plant growth through improved tolerance to abiotic stresses and increase seed and grain yield and quality.
“Findings have shown seeds dressed in seedlift tend to withstand harsh conditions. We did control planting, on one farm we used dressed seeds and the other ordinary seeds. The results were, the yield was higher by about three per cent on the dressed seeds,” Samuel Odhiambo, a researcher based in Trans Nzoia said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
