Mango the King Fruit fly turf wars - KSH 300, USD $5
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Issue No. 16 APR - MAY 2011 KSH 300, USD $5
Mango the King
Fruit fly turf wars
www.hortinews.co.ke / www.kenyaflowercouncil.org
4 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 5
Flower power
Equity Bank Chief
Executive Dr James
Mwangi and his wife Jane
laying a wreath on the
grave of his late mother,
Grace Wairimu Mwangi in
early July.
KCB sponsors Lake Naivasha Can we save Lake
Horticultural Fair 2011 Naivasha?
Pg 8-12 Pg 14-32
Fruit fly turf wars
bi. Inset, A Mango, king of fruits
39
balanced,
Pg
Pg 42-51
g your
poorly
much Second Regional Co-
s. It is Healthy soils with CropNutS operative Value Chain
eds are
Symposium
58
cy and
weeds
Pg
60
these
Kenyan
ed and Pg
educes.
g water
ed per
ed crop The results of good soilMount Kenya
management...a University
living soil!
USAID KHCP market Domestic Prices – Fruits Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Market Information Office and
indigenous vegetables
Compiled by KHCP
n your
Average Wholesale Price by market (Ksh/Kg)
FRUITS KENYA HIGHLAND SEED INTRODUCES PROFESSIONAL
Apr- May- Jul- CABBAGE VARIETIES……….
information
11 11 Jun-11 11 Average AS THE LENGENDRY COPENHAGEN TASTE IS BACK WITH MORE
organic
FEATURES
Banana
research
CABBAGE BLUE JAYS F1
Nairobi 45.5 47.9 74.9 50.4 54.7
Mombasa 33.9 24.5 35.3 33.5 31.8
r times r reduce global warming – this is by organic and conventional farming. these
Nakuru 21.4 20.2 19.6 20.7 20.5
Kisumu 21.4 21.4 21.4 21.4 21.4
73-80
Eldoret 44.7 39.3 29.7 30.0 35.9
capturing and storing carbon in your
Av. W/S
erefore benefits will start to be realized on your farm
54-56
P 33.4 30.7 36.2 31.2 32.9 Uniform early maturing variety Glossy attractive head type
Very early maturing cabbage with the easy to cook glossy looking heads of an average head
Mango weight of 3kg.
The variety brings back the legendry Copenhagen taste and the lost slogan of Bachelors’ variety.
Adapted to both hot and cold regions, it mature in only 55 days in hot areas and 60 days in cold
Nairobi 25.2 24.9 26.2 31.5 27.0 regions.
At a spacing of 45cm x 45cm, it gives a high profiting plant population of 50,000 plants/ Ha or
at you soils through improved crop residue within one growing season, depending on the
20,000 plants /Acre, with potential of 150T/Ha or 60T/Acre. The conventional varieties give
Mombasa 19.2 12.9 22.2 22.4 19.2
Pg
plant population of 28,000 plants/Ha or 11,000 plants /Acre at a spacing of 60cm x 60cm.
Excellent transport quality
Nakuru 24.0 26.8 22.2 20.0 23.3 Sweet taste
Easy to grow
High market demand
Kisumu 66.7 80.0 79.4 78.0 76.0
Pg
Vigorous and uniformly growing variety
Resistances:
n hold management. this aids in attainment level of implementation. No two fields are the
Eldoret 18.9 24.0 24.0 22.2 22.3
Av. W/S
P 30.8 33.7 34.8 34.8 33.5
Avocado
) more of a healthy microbial soil population same, so the system must be adapted to suit
Nairobi 25.2 29.2 26.1 25.7 26.6
Mombasa 28.3 15.1 26.4 24.9 23.7
Nakuru 20.9 19.7 20.0 20.0 20.2
Kisumu 14.3 10.9 9.0 8.1 10.6
which which enables rapid residue digestion each specific situation, and must be based on a Eldoret
Av. W/S
P
9.4
19.6
9.4
16.9
9.4
18.2
9.4
17.6
9.4
18.1
Passion Fruit
ments. and carbon sequestration. For every 1% specific soil testing and interpretation system. Nairobi
Mombasa
Nakuru
61.4
62.0
63.2
60.9
30.9
62.6
63.7
66.4
78.9
64.0
53.7
78.9
62.5
53.3
70.9
organic matter built up in your soils, you Our objective is to offer you a complete
Kisumu 52.6 53.1 52.6 52.6 52.7
Eldoret 62.2 80.0 100.0 89.0 82.8
Av. W/S
P 60.3 57.5 72.3 67.6 64.4
nmental are storing approximately an extra 12 range of professional soil and crop nutrient
Pineapple
Nairobi 65.6 88.2 51.0 50.8 63.9
Mombasa 62.1 44.6 61.6 62.8 57.8
mus and tons of carbon. Carbon trading is already management services which will enable you to
Nakuru 28.1 36.9 28.1 28.1 30.3
Kisumu 105.3 108.0 117.2 117.2 111.9
Eldoret 71.1 60.9 60.9 56.6 62.4
Av. W/S
P 66.4 67.7 63.8 63.1 65.3
Issue No. 15 JAN - MAR 2011 KSH 300, USD $5
Editorial
E ditorial board KSH 250, USD $3
Arim Ogolla
Catherine Riungu In a series of reports, Horticultural News will attempt
Jane Ngige to lay bare what makes Lake Naivasha tick.
Lusike Wasilwa
Nelson Maina
Stephen Mbithi
managing editor
The mere mention of the name “Lake Naivasha” stirs up controversy that is probably
Catherine Riungu
bigger than the Lake’s size and deeper than its physical depth.
But though the debate on the Lake’s history; how it is currently utilized as well on who
technical editor
owns its riparian reserve, has gone on and on –sometimes inspiring raw, unfettered
Gatu Mbaria
emotions- we should not lose sight of its economic significance; that’s unparalleled
anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa.
Editorial coordinator
Geoffrey Kamadi
In a series of reports, Horticultural News (HN) attempts to lay bare what makes the Lake
tick. We start off by taking a short tour down the memory lane to show how a carefree
M arketing
crowd of white settlers ensured the Lake is part of the so-called ‘happy valley’. Later, we
Nelson Maina
take a detour to talk about the more nagging issues as seen by researchers, politicians,
philanthropists, institutions, NGOs, local and international media as well as fire-spitting,
contributors
wide-eyed environmental activists (the lot who denounce everybody and everything).
David Njagi
We have also skimmed through the various initiatives put in place to save this veritable
Joseph Mukubwa
resource.
Kariuki Ngunjiri
Macharia Mwangi
And we are not stopping here. In subsequent editions, HN promises to zero in on the
Michael Ouma
issues, by asking the hard questions; can the Lake be saved? Has it been in anybody’s
Rachuonyo Duncan
interest to save it? What is there to show –in a tangible, unforgetteble way- for all
the tens of millions of shillings spent on projects meant to keep the Lake supplying
P hotography
environmental services into undetermined future? If the flower industry were to close
Allan Muturi
today, would the Lake still be saved? And just what does ‘saving’ Lake Naivasha entail?
Why, for crying out loud, aren’t we implementing the Lake Naivasha Management Plan?
D esign and L ayout
And so on and so forth.
Samuel Irungu
Equally as important, I invite you to take a tour of HN’s inside pages for some ‘juicy’
stories on why the Mango is the king of fruits. You will find fascinating insights on how
you can grow fleshy, sweet and real juicy mangoes. Our Public Gallery section reveals
how research established that a local mango variety, Ngowe, is superior to Totapuri, the
Horticultural News
world-renowned, high-quality variety grown in India. But Kenya has failed to capitalize
is published six times a year
on this clear advantage.
by Karuri Ventures Ltd and
circulated to personnel in the
We did not set out to make the magazine a depressing read, but we could not help
horticultural industry, foreign
but publish an exclusive exposé detailing how infighting among key agencies at the
missions and Kenya embassies
Agriculture Ministry over the control of a Ksh10 million fruit-fly kitty, has frustrated
abroad, extension officers in the
Kenya’s efforts to control the pest. Consequently, fruit farmers continue to lose billions
Ministry of Agriculture, research
–both in real terms and lost export opportunities. For instance, the country has lost
officers and suppliers of
three years of avocado production yet researchers at the International Centre for Insect
agricultural inputs and services.
Physiology and Ecology have tested and proved effective an impressive range of control
options that could be of ultimate importance to fruit farmers.
Communications
Indigenous vegetables are soon leaving the list of “neglected crops” in Kenya. This is after
Karuri Ventures Ltd a Mount Kenya-led multi-million research joined other similar initiatives meant to ensure
that farmers in the country get cleaner and reliable supply of seed to produce larger
Nature Hse 3rd Fl (513) Tom Mboya St
P O Box 1066 - 00518 Nairobi Brochures
quantities of the vegetables for home consumption and the market.
Tel: 020 35566911 / 254-722 403103
Welcome…. Magazines
horticulturalnews@gmail.com
news@hortinews.co.ke Subscriptions
www:hortinews.co.ke
|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
A bigger, better Naivasha Fair
This year’s Lake Naivasha Horti Fair is expected to attract more exhibitors and visitors
M
PHOTO| ALLAN MUTURI
ore children
from less
fortunate
backgrounds will have
a chance to spend
more time in school
while more women can
stand a better chance
at having their lives
improved, thanks to
a bigger, more robust
Lake Naivasha Horti Fair.
The Fair is expected to
attract more visitors
and exhibitors than
previous years due to
sponsorship by KCB. All
the proceeds generated KCB Company secretary Kiprop Malakwen (L) presenting a cheque to Roddy Benjamin (R) the Oserian’s roses
by the Fair will go to manager,and chair of Lake Naivasha Fair in late August. KFC’s chief executive, Jane Ngige looks on.
charitable courses as
Ruth Vaughan, the sector as far as environment, Have the objectives of the project in conjunction with Rotary.
production manager at sustainability, water efficiency, Fair been been achieved?
social and ethical responsibility The objectives of LNHF are to How much did the fair raise
Nini Ltd, who is also the
and awareness are concerned. improve the lives of women and last year?
Fair’s media liaison told
We would like this to extend to children in Kenya, to alleviate poverty The LNHF raised about Ksh7
Horticultural News.
other sectors. by facilitating more accessible million last year but at the end of
What is the objective of LNHF education, to pinpoint and help the day we raised at least Ksh10
in 2011? Do you expectmore completely helpless people, and to million due to partnership fund
The objectives of NHFAIR exhibitors in 2011? offer relief to victims of local disaster. matching.
organizers are to improve. We Yes, 2011 will be bigger than The objectives of LNHF have indeed
hope to have a bigger Fair with 2010, with more exhibitors, and been achieved and even surpassed. How were the funds allocated
more exhibitors, more visitors, more visitors. We expect that It is all about partnership and to the charities?
and more money raised 100 per cent of the profits will education, rainwater harvesting Funds are allocated on a
for charity. The objective go to charity because we have and storage for schools has performance and needs basis.
is growth, awareness and zero administration costs, and increased the time that students
sustainability. complete transparency. Very spend in school. All waste water is Are the organizers happy
few charitable organizations religiously collected and used to with the support this far?
How will the 2011 Fair be can boast of this. Our exhibitors grow trees that provide shade, wind Can you cite an example
different from last year’s Fair? are very proud to see and know shelter, and firewood for cooking hot of an exhibitor who has
In 2011, we hope that with KCB where the money goes, and to school meals, reducing soil erosion, sent the fair a word of
‘s sponsorship we will reach even know that they are contributing educating children on sustainability compliment?
more members of the public. to improvement, education by having them participate in a Every exhibitor has sent a fair
Horticulture is one of Kenya’s and growth in Kenya. This is life visual project. The Safe House word of compliment for the good
most important income sources. due to an excellent partnership for abused women and children work the Fair does.
We would like Kenyans to know with KCB bank, and good is a very successful and innovative
more about horticulture, to fund management. The Fair partnership. LNHF puts the money What more needs to be done
understand more and support has always believed in the where it’s needed to facilitate good for the course?
more. There has been a very importance of giving back to community spirit. In 2011 LNHF is We intend to make the LNHF to
positive trend in the horticultural the society. embarking on the Adopt a Village be known and recognized more
8 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 9
Chrysal Africa now offers — Cut flower care
Pre-treatment
When Chrysal cut flower foodChrysal
was introduced inRVB
the market by Chrysal is to preserve and condition cut flowers, houseplants
in 1949, it caused a revolution in the floral industry, being the and foliage.
Clear Intensive
first professional 1ml/L
cut flower food ever invented. The use of Chrysal As a result, their lives lengthen and there is a significant reduc-
flower food extends the lifespan of cut flowers enormously. In tion of waste within the total floral chain.
some cases the lifespan even doubles. The use of our products creates an added value for the entire
General
After the introduction of the cut flower food, Chrysal was horticultural chain: from grower to retailer to consumer.
• Post-harvest
often the first to comeproduct for and
up with new Roses,
innovative products for Using Chrysal in all steps of the floral chain guarantees a
the Chrysanthemum and a wide
floral industry, like post-harvest range
products forof
growers and sustainable approach and consumer satisfaction with every pur-
the ‘Professional’
summer flowers.range with dosing systems for use in the flower chase of a horticultural product. This is the essence of our pay-off:
trade. This innovative approach is still our main driving force. “The Beauty of Chrysal’.
• Does not contain Aluminium Sulphate,
The primary function of the premium care products supplied
therefore less risk of leaf scorching and leaf
drop - enabling a longer storage period in the
solution.
Test Results
Botrytis: Enemy number 1 of Rose, Gerbera and Lisianthus
• Available in 10 L and 100 L sizes.
The following graph shows the effect of Chrysal RVB Clear Intensive
on the vase life of Roses
and other flowers compared to water alone.
Effects
Fungi infection by Botrytis is one by keeping the relative humidity (rv) “Experience
shows that one grower’s
of the main post harvest problems as low as possible (Chrysal Africa now offers —
Pre-treatment Chrysal RVB
Clear Intensive 1ml/L
General
• Post-harvest product for Roses,
Chrysanthemum and a wide range of
summer flowers.
• Does not contain Aluminium Sulphate,
therefore less risk of leaf scorching and leaf
drop - enabling a longer storage period in the
solution.
• Available in 10 L and 100 L sizes.
Test Results
The following graph shows the effect of Chrysal RVB Clear Intensive
on the vase life of Roses
and other flowers compared to water alone.
Effects
• Stimulates water uptake, thus preventing
“bent-neck” in Roses.
• Prolongs vase life of flowers.
• Lowers the pH of the water.
• Maintains the quality of flowers.
• Dissolves clearly and without odour in water.
Applications
• Suitable for all types of water. For soft
water we recommend RVB Clear Soft Water
Intensive. The following table shows test results on various Kenyan Rose
• Can be dosed automatically.
cultivars. Chrysal RVB Clear Intensive is compared to the current
• For use by growers and flower importers. treatment used by the grower, mostly‘homebrews’.
Savings
• Reduces flower wastage.
• Prolonged distribution and sales period
possible.
• Reduces water consumption and labour
costs, as the solution can be re-used.
Contact us now locally, in Kenya. We’ll give you the support you need.
Premises No. 7, Sunflag Compound, Off Mombasa Road
& JKIA Resort Slip Road, P.O. Box 78219 00507 Nairobi, Kenya.
www.chrysal.com
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 11|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
KCB eyes business as it
raises sponsorship for Expo
Banking giant says it has products along the entire horticulture value chain
By Michael Ouma characterized by perishable
E
commodities – particularly
as Africa’s largest bank flowers and vegetables – the
in terms of assets, is bank aims to finance the entire
sustaing its sponorship supply chain,’’ she said.
of Ksh4 million for the “The weather in Kenya is ideal
2010 Naivasha Horticultural Fair. for flower growing throughout
Through the Fair, the bank aims the year. Our weather risk is
to widen its footprint within the thereby mitigated by targeting
fresh produce sector even as it the greenhouse production
continues its growth momentum more than open-shed grown
across the East African region. floriculture unless one has a
In an interview with borehole,” said Mrs Kimweli,
Horticultural News, Mrs Peninah adding that most of the country’s
Kimweli, KCB’s head of trade flower growing is technology-
finance unit, said: “We have based which also mitigates
a product along the entire weather-related risks.
horticulture value chain and The only challenge, she said,
see opportunities for growth as was price volatility including
we position KCB to become the transfer pricing service offered to
bank of choice for the high-value exporters.
sector.” “Price volatility and fluctuation
KCB currently provides various has been our major problem
financing solutions and services since banks rely on financials to
to exporters, greenhouse and appraise the borrowing capability
input suppliers - infrastructure of the customer. This can only be
development loans, dollar mitigated through negotiated
overdrafts and working capital. contract pricing offered to growers
Others are retail products by exporters,” stated Mrs Kimweli.
including ATM and internet She added that the bank is
banking services. positioning itself to offer a whole
The horticulture industry range of products and services
comprises both small and to vegetable and horticultural
medium enterprises (SMEs) exporters.
and mid-corporates including The Naivasha Horticultural
transporters, input suppliers - like Fair, also called Naivasha Horti
greenhouse suppliers, fertilizers, Fair, was started in 2002 to bring
planting materials and carton together exhibitors and visitors
manufacturers. in a spacious and pleasant
Although horticulture is a environment. It is run by a group
volatile high-value industry of volunteers with the proceeds
that is occasionally affected going to finance activities and
by the changes in weather, the initiatives of local and national
bank nevertheless, sees a huge charities particularly those caring
potential in supporting the for women and children. This
sector. year’s expo will open its doors
‘’Although we are aware of the from 16 to 17 September at the
Penninah Kimweli KCB’s head of finance during the interview fact that it is a high-risk sector Naivasha Sports Club.
12 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1Partnering for Success
Venue: Naivasha Sports Club
Admission: Adults Ksh 300
Children Under 16 - Ksh 100
Date: 16th and 17th September 2011
Bar, Restaurants, Childrens’ Play Area
(all profits to local charities)
Exhibitors can display their products and services at the available stands
by calling 0726 629666 or send an email to nhfair@kenyaweb.com
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 13|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Is there a collective will
to save Lake Naivasha?
Lake Naivasha’s interesting history and the sheer size of the economy it supports,
as well as the intense competition it attracts, not only underscores its uniqueness
but has somehow made it difficult for all to act as one to save it
By Gatu Mbaria to have attracted hordes of over 1,800 metres above the sea However, the Lake’s ecosystem
T
white farmers, ranchers, land level. It can be considered an ‘on- supports an impressive
here is probably no speculators and happy-go-lucky and-off’ water body that is said to diversity of wildlife with some
other resource in characters – with the latter have once dried up completely in ornithologists (scientists who
Kenya with as rich thronging its shores to establish the 20th century giving farmers studiy birds) recording as many
and controversial a the Happy Valley fraternity that and land speculators some as 400 species of birds. On their
history as Lake Naivasha. Its very lived large, merrily and carefree. unprecedented opportunity to part, such mammals as gnus,
name, Nai’posha – drawn from Living with this crowd were farm or own real estate on its bed. zebra, hippos as well as lesser and
the Maa language (spoken by the apparently serious land owners But this was before its waters rose greater reptiles grace and graze
Maasai) denoting “rough waters” who established the Lake again to send some unforgettable the ecosystem, inhabiting such
– is symbolic of the controversy, Naivasha Riparian Owners message to the occupiers as it protected areas as Hells Gate
tension as well as intermittent Association in 1929 and who submerged farmlands, drowned National Reserve and private
conflict the lake has attracted are said to have approached the animals, crops and everything game ranches.
over time. colonial government to give them else. Today, the lake distinguishes
The early British settlers used the responsibility of managing With a size somewhere itself from the other Rift Valley
it as a landing site for amphibian the lake in 1933. Though this is between 139 square kilometres lakes in more ways than one.
planes (or flying boats) with the subject to debate, it is said the and 150 square kilometres Besides being the only fresh
Imperial Airways making it part of colonial government granted (depending on who you ask), Lake water lake without a discernible
a mail route from Southampton, them their wish in a legal order Naivasha is neither as large as outlet, it is also a unique water
UK to South Africa. Years since that remains in force to date. Lake Victoria nor as impressively body in the sense that it has a
the advent of colonial rule, The lake sits prominently on the deep as Lake Tanganyika - its receding shoreline that creates
Naivasha’s fresh waters appear floor of the Great Rift Valley at well depth ranges from 6 to 30 metres. confusion and controversy over
14 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 15
|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Sleeping on the job? Not really, but with the invasion of the water hyacinth, scenes like these are common.
its exact size and the limits of its export-oriented ventures existing than its inflow can sustain while, at environmental agencies.
riparian reserve. There are those side-by-side with an intensive the same time, making its waters The big farmers have also raised
who say its boundaries, which semi-subsistence economy that unfit for most other domestic uses the counter-claim that those who
were marked by the colonial supports tens of thousands of through chemical pollution. have been making the accusations
administration in the early 1900s, farmers, pastoralists, fisher folks, On its part, the large-scale do so while ignoring the damage
should be respected. But others jua kali artisans, teachers, students farming fraternity has for long wrought on the lake’s ecosystem
say such delineations have been and idle people - with everyone protested that the alleged by the rot, garbage and sewage
overtaken by events and should making an ecological footprint on ‘ecological evils’ it is accused of as well as other urban-generated
therefore be discarded. the basin. The hopes, wishes, plans committing are not based on any pollution from Naivasha town,
But Lake Naivasha’s uniqueness and prospects of large and small hard evidence. Some within this Karagita slums and other local
has also to do with the fact that businesspeople, flower farmers group have gone to the extent of centres of human settlement.
it is the only Lake in the country as well as most of the relevant pointing out that the claims made They also decry the ongoing
that supports such a large, diverse households are pegged on the by local and international activists, damage caused by thousands
and high-earning economy with finite resource pool afforded by politicians as well as some of the of smallholder farmers who are
an annual turnover that has no the lake and its basin. other users of the lake’s waters lined up along the lake’s main
parallels in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, some intense were informed by malice and tributary, River Malewa, as well as
Because of this, the Lake Naivasha competition has emerged that jealousy. Gilgil River and who neither have
basin has attracted investors at times resulted in intermittent, Operating under the auspices of own certifying bodies nor are their
from all corners of the globe albeit muted, conflict over who is both the Lake Naivasha Growers activities adequately regulated
with European businesspeople to use what resources particularly Group and the Lake Naivasha by statutory bodies set up by the
dominating the scene. Attracted the lake’s waters, rivers flowing Riparian Owners Association, this central government. And most
too have been hordes of job into the lake, outlying forests and group has constantly stated that importantly, they have asked
hunters, big and petty traders grasslands, farmlands within the most, if not all, of its members relevant authorities to bring to a
from all corners of Kenya. The basin as well as fish and whatever apply sustainable production halt the diversion of water from
huge and growing population has other life forms are supported by practices. They say how they Malewa River into Nakuru.
created a cosmopolitan society the water. This competition pits produce is, in any case, scrutinized And so, for years, the heated
that, depending on different large-scale and purely export- by certifying bodies set up either exchange had gone on and on with
perspectives, has created both oriented agribusinesses against on the urgings of the main market relevant governmental agencies
positive and negative effects local smallholder farmers, fisher – European Union - or those that unable to resolve the issues.
played out in Naivasha town and folks, pastoralists and residents they themselves have set up under Matters have not been helped by
outlying settlements. of local towns and centres. The membership codes (for instance, the fact that well heeled, ‘hit-and-
Within the lake’s basin are large latter believe the former could be the Kenya Flower Council Code run’ activists and local politicians
and smallholder farms; purely drawing from the lake much more of Practice), as well as by national have taken sides, making one
16 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
sensational claim after another. reflective of the complicated There are those who say that how much water or fish or wood or
On the other hand, attempts to issues nor contextualized enough attempting to save the lake might grassland we will need to use and
brush off serious happenings (like to embrace the ‘hard’ reality eventually prove a futile thing preserve for those who will come
deaths of fish) within and around facing the entire ecosystem. when it is taken into account that after us. Now, this is tricky because
the lake through unbelievable For one, it is not clear whether most of those drawing water and such other natural processes
explanations, remains curious. there is a collective will to save other resources from the basin as unprecedented evaporation
In addition, a plan prepared to the lake because even though have not come forward to say that rates as well as massive siltation
harmonize resource use and many initiatives have been they are willing and ready to cut on that are triggered by human
regulate all the actors and undertaken, hardly are most or curtail whatever activities they activities have had a big toll on
activities around the lake, cannot of those overdrawing from its have been involved in to preserve the same resource. The question
even be implemented. resources or those who commit it into the undetermined future. of how much we need to use and
The media has not been ‘environmental crimes’ against it Instead, the universally-accepted, preserve becomes very pertinent
of any assistance either. At deterred. Of course, not everyone but highly elusive, concept of when one considers that not every
best, the Fourth Estate has using the lake and its basin can be “sustainable utilization” has been activity within the basin is geared
typically highlighted sensational accused of using it unsustainably embraced to ‘allow’ for the near- towards meeting such higher
issues or covered controversial or causing damage. A number of impossible scenario of using as needs as generating generous
developments without as big and small flower farms have much of the basin’s resources profits for agribusinesses. Some of
much as providing reasonable realized that the well-being of today while not compromising the activities there are principally
backgrounds that would have their businesses is pegged on the its ability to meet water needs of meant to ensure the survival of
enabled Kenyans to grasp and lake’s well-being. But other farms generations of the unborn. The those involved.
appreciate underlying issues. are said to have dug trenches that obvious question that arises here Should we then go ahead to ask
Consequently, mainstream media go right into the deeper sections is how far those currently using smallholder farmers to stop over-
can hardly be relied upon to of the lake while the unexplained the lake and its basin consider, as using water from Malewa River
inform decisions, policies or other deaths of fish and birds cannot be important, the need to preserve or to embrace better irrigation
corrective activities that could wished away. Fish and birds are its resources for the benefit of techniques when it is so clear
resolve the nagging issues. not known to commit suicide – future generations. that they cannot afford, say, a drip
Indeed, most of the claims they do not fall dead without an A counter question might be irrigation kit? And what should we
and counterclaims are neither apparent cause. whether we are able to determine do when hundreds of thousands
$ $%$ "$% $%" #%!! ( %#$"( &" $"!"# $$&#' $$ $
&# "$% $%" " ""$ $ " #$ $ $#!#$ " # (
"$% $%" $ #$" $ $" $' " #$" '"#* "$% $%" ## $ # ! ( "#,
! !
% &
(* #()$'' " #
! (*
' % $ &$( %$ $" " "*'' $ ! "(!$ ".0$
#$"$ $./+--"#$ #!# "$)!* %$ &#,# "' #$
&"$( #! "# % " " " $ "# $ ( "# "!"# $$&#
" $ ##(,$"'"#$"# !! "$% $($ &% ( $$%$
$ ,
Green Farming T: +31 6 53714966 & +254 7 01466219 E: info@greenfarming.nl I:www.greenfarming.nl
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 17|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
of Kenyans decide to ‘invade” of the basin’s resources?
the basin in search of the much- Naivasha Municipal Council
elusive better life? is another body that needs to
It is our considered opinion put its act together so that the
that some of the concerns raised lake can have a better chance
about the destruction of the lake’s of surviving for the sake of our
ecosystem might be academic children’s children. Horticultural
especially when subjected to News is privy to reports that the
the ‘mirror’ of societal realities in council might have rehabilitated
Kenya. a sewer facility that had remained
But again, should everyone unattended for long years. We
give up? Public bodies charged are also aware that the Rift Valley
with the responsibility of ensuring Water Services Board pledged to
that we all use natural resources disburse Ksh800 million to enable
sustainably ought to come to the council construct a bigger
the lake’s rescue. But public sewage system that would cover
bodies have failed Kenyans. every corner of Naivasha town. The lake must be used in sustainable manner.
These include NEMA. Though it These are commendable
draws its mandate and power developments. But the question the role of managing the Lake?
from the 1999 Environmental lingers: has the council done
Management and Coordination enough to ensure that Lake
Act, NEMA has not come out Naivasha survives into eternity?
strongly against apparent Why, for instance, does the council
degradation of Lake Naivasha fail to come up with by-laws that
Basin. Horticultural News poses would regulate the use of the
the question: when will NEMA lake’s waters? As a body given
and the Central Government stop, legal mandate over the entire
once and for all, this haemorrhage area, should the council assume
Elgon Kenya launches Trebon
A new multipurpose insecticide to user, low impact on environment, short had excellent effect especially on adult
counter pests affecting vegetables, pre-harvest intervals and low risk on flies and nymphs.
cereals, fruits and flowers has been pest resurgence. Elgon Kenya deals in agricultural
introduced in the market after a three- It is a product of Japanese chemicals and fertilizers, seeds, irrigation
year trial. multinational, Mitsui Chemicals Agro system and farm equipments. Company
Distributed by agro chemical firm, Corporation. Kenya representative, Mr. also manufacture polythene sheeting,
Elgon Kenya, Trebon, is known to Dickson Mureithi, said results indicated printed/plain bags, plastic containers,
combat a wide range of insects among that the insecticide effectively controlled corrugated cartons, labels, strapping
them whiteflies, aphids, leaf miners, whiteflies at the rate of 400-500 ml/ha. rolls among others.
hoppers, moths, common cutworms Mr. Mureithi said that 72 hours Mitsui Chemicals manager for Europe,
and caterpillars. after application, the efficacy against Middle East and Africa International
Trials on the efficacy of the insecticide whiteflies was excellent. On aphids, the Business Department sales and
were carried out in three regions in the rate of infestation dropped drastically Marketing Division Mr. Bunkichi
country on different plants. The trials until all insects were killed. Mr. Jack Tsunekawa said the product has
which started in 2008 were carried out Apollo Juma a researcher said Trebon maintained its status as a multipurpose
in Kericho on roses, Timau (carnations) has proved very safe to users and its insecticide with high efficacy. He said
and Naivasha (vegetables). effects on beneficial insects such as lady Trebonshowsinsecticidalactivityagainst
According to researchers who carried birds are insignificant. some organophosphate resistant and
out the trials, Trebon was found to Ms. Mary Opisa, a representative carbamate resistant insect pests. “It
have a knockdown effect on hoppers, of Finlay Flowers where trials were does not only kill insects but also shows
cutworms and whiteflies. The product conducted on roses, said that the specific activities like repellency activity
has low mammalian toxicity, rapid insecticide was tried on whiteflies on all inhibition against laying of eggs,” added
knockdown activity, no irritation to the stages of growth. She pointed out that it Mr. Tsunekawa.
18 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1®
Only by DuPont
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 19|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Rich ecosystem exploited with
no regard for tomorrow
Scholar says the lake’s catchment could be one of Kenya’s most
valuable ecosystems, yet if unplanned settlements, burgeoning population,
unsustainable water abstraction as well as inflow of nutrients and pollutants are
not checked, the lake’s future is in doubt
accounts for 90 per cent of the
total catch overtaking the popular
Tilapia which was the most
dominant species in the early
1980s.
The report by Mr Mbogo
says if the pesticides used in the
horticultural farms around the lake
find their way into the lake, they
will pollute it.
“About 70 per cent of nutrients
entering the lake are brought in
through River Malewa and Gilgil,”
says Mr Mbogo.
These come from urban
runoff, fertilizers and pesticides
application in the farms, livestock
watering in the lake and increased
use of pit latrines by the farm
workers.
The lake has also been a victim of the water hyacinth invasion According to Mr Mbogo, the
lake’s hydrological regime is
very dynamic and it’s feared
By MACHARIA MWANGI structures and increasing human contributes much of the rest of the that in a normal year, more
I
population in Naivasha. water. water goes out of the lake that
t is a lake of international Effluent from the sewerage “The higher altitude catchments it comes in.
repute that has attracted system is said to be finding its drained by the two rivers, receive “Water permits are issued
experts and local way into the lake, posing a health over 1,100 mm of rainfall annually without the consideration of the
stakeholders competing hazard. which enables them to flow lake’s capacity to sustain increased
to find a long lasting solution to Some of the problems throughout.” demands. In particular, there is a
sustain it. often highlighted include the The lake has made the area a proliferation of the uptake points
Prof Wangari Mathai, the degradation of the riparian focal point for both international and boreholes around the lake and
founder of the Green Belt land, unsustainable land use, and local investors in the in urban centres.”
Movement, had at one time poor planning, overgrazing, and horticulture industry. Indeed, Mr Mbogo says it is not yet
expressed concern over the unplanned settlement. Naivasha is the leading flower known how much water is
spread of the water hyacinth, According to a report by Mbogo growing region in the country. abstracted from the lake and
saying there was a need to Kamau, the lake’s monitoring More than 50 flower farms aquifer as the existing data cannot
remove the weed from the lake. officer, Lake Naivasha’s catchment operate here employing close to be relied upon.
“There are two ways of covers about 3,267 km2 - extending 50,000 people. The industry has To save the lake, the expert
removing the weed from the lake; to the Aberdares range and largely contributed to the influx of says the riparian zone should be
either physically or biologically.” Kinangop plateau to the north, job seekers from the rural areas. maintained in its natural state.
However, she said the use of Mau Escarpment to the west and “Fishing has however Only pump houses are allowed
beetles to fight the weed had the Eburru hills to the northeast. experienced a major decline but grazing may be permitted on
not been successful as witnessed Mr Mbogo said River Malewa culminating in the periodic closing this land.
in the Nairobi dam and Lake drains about 1,730 km2 and brings off of the fishing grounds to boost
Victoria. Prof Maathai blamed into the lake about 90 per cent restocking,” added Mr Mbogo.
the lake’s pollution on unplanned of the total inflow. River Gilgil Currently, Common Carp
20 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1120SC
GiveÊcaterpillars,ÊthripsÊandÊleafÊminersÊaÊfinalÊsend-off.
Radiant¨Ê120SCÊisÊanÊinnovativeÊmoleculeÊwithÊfastÊknockdownÊandÊbroadÊspectrumÊcontrolÊof
damagingÊinsectsÊsuchÊasÊcaterpillars,ÊthripsÊandÊleafÊminers
Radiant¨Ê120SCÊcontainsÊaÊnewÊactiveÊingredientÊSpinetoramÊinÊtheÊSpinosynÊchemicalÊgroupÊ
offeringÊanÊadditionalÊtoolÊforÊresistanceÊmanagement.
Radiant¨Ê120SCÊhasÊshortÊfourÊhourÊre-entryÊintervalÊandÊshortÊ3ÊdayÊPreÊHarvestÊInterval
MaintainsÊpopulationsÊofÊmostÊbeneficialÊinsectsÊandÊhasÊlowÊriskÊtoÊadultÊbeesÊonceÊsprayÊ
depositÊhasÊdried
TM
Dow Chemical East Africa Limited Local Agent/Distributor:Lachlan Kenya Limited
PO Box 856 - 00606, Nairobi, Kenya • Tel: +254-20-367-3672/3 • Fax: +254-20367-3232/1 P.O Box 49470 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya • Tel: +254 20 2073912 • Cell: +254-722-209-474
www.dowagro.com
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 21|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Lake study that never was!
‘When I said flower growers are not the only users,I did not say that they don’t cause problems’
Photos| allan Muturi
In an exclusive interview with
Geoffrey Kamadi, renowned
ecologist Dr David Harper,
denies reports in sections of
Kenyan media that he had
conducted a study showing
the flower industry was not to
blame over Lake Naivasha’s
woes. Harper, who teaches
at the Biology Department
in University of Leicester, UK,
has been studying lakes in the
Rift Valley for nearly three de-
cades.
What would you say was the basis for the
story?
We got some money from a European
supermarket to do a feasibility study on how to
restore (Lake) Naivasha because the lake is in a
very bad state. They gave the money because
they buy fair trade roses and believe if they
put some money back into restoring (Lake)
Naivasha, this would make their supply of roses
more sustainable.
I am always careful to say that flower
growers are not the only ones degrading Lake
Naivasha because they take one-third of the
water. Another third is used by the geothermal
station and then a lot of water is abstracted
from one of the rivers to supply drinking water
to Nakuru. These are the three biggest users
but there are also many smallholders. So, when
I said flower growers are not the only users
of the lake, I did not say that they don’t cause
problems. I was effectively saying that there is
more than one culprit. We have been studying
the ecology of the lake over the last 25 years.
From your long years of research, what
would you say ails the lake?
You could say the ecology of the lake has
been changing for two main reasons. One
is that there are too many people using the
water; there is overfishing, damage of the
shoreline and the papyrus fringe. Today, there
are too many people there who have come to
find work in the flower industry.
Secondly, the lake is full of ‘foreigners’ in
22 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1DUDUTECH KEEP THEM AT BAY!
PHYTOTECH - Phytoseiulus persimilis Red Spider Mites
AMBLYTECH - Amblyseius californicus Red Spider Mite, Thrips
AMBLYTECH C- Amblyseius cucumeris Thrips, Cyclamen Mite
NEMATECH S - Steinernema feltiae Thrips, Leaf miner, Sciarids, Shore flies, Bean flies
DIGLYTECH - Diglyphus isaea Leaf miner
TRICHOTECH - Trichoderma asperellum Soil borne pathogens
VERMITECH - Vermicompost Depleted soil
RHIZATECH - Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Water and nutrient stress
Fungi
Contact us: Tel: +254 (050) 2020859. Email info.dudutech@finlays.net
“Environmentally Intelligent Farming” for both small and large scale horticulture.
H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 23|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Dr Harper:’There are too many people using the water.’
that it has a lot of alien plant and into the water to push the boat out. them. For instance, one team was If the flower industry were not using
animal species, mostly from South But they are now gone because the entirely funded by the UK bank, the lake’s waters, Lake Naivasha would
and North America. Most of them crayfish has eaten all of them. There’s HSBC in 2007 while others were still be facing most of the problems. If
arrived by accident, while some also the carp which came from Asia funded by Shell. there were no flower industry, there
were deliberately introduced unexpectedly. These are what I call would still be all the alien species.
there. The most obvious is the accidental arrivals. Is it possible to save L. There would still be the abstractions
water hyacinth which is a much Naivasha? from the geothermal power station,
bigger problem in Lake Victoria You have been involved in a It is possible to save Lake Naivasha. and there would still be the large
because the lake is in a hotter project called Lakes, Wetlands But the most important thing is number of small holdings in its upper
region. At night, temperatures and People of East Africa’s Rift to ensure that the people who are catchment. So, the problem would
may range from 200C-250C in Lake Valley in which visitors from involved in the lake – people of all largely be there. What is not so certain
Victoria compared with only 100C abroad pay £850 to come for a levels of education and economic is what would happen to all the land
in Lake Naivasha. working holiday to help restore status – are in agreement on why around the lake’s edge…what kind of
The conspicuous absence L. Naivasha. How successful has there is a need to save it. From the activity would go on.
of water lilies is due to the fact it been so far? mayor of Naivasha town to the What makes Naivasha different
that they have all been eaten by Through the project, we have ordinary fisherman, all need to have from Lake(s) Victoria or Baringo -
crayfish which was deliberately found out that the lake is being a kind of an agreement. They all need which are the other fresh water lakes
introduced into the lake in the degraded by two different things. to think in the same way. - is that about 100 years ago, the
1970s by the Fisheries Department. One is the whole cocktail of Until this year, you could say there colonial government demarcated
The thinking was that if you had alien species and the other is the was no real agreement between the land around Lake Naivasha. They
more commercially exploitable fish, over-abstraction and growth of different stakeholders about what subdivided the land in such a way
then that would make the fisheries the flower industry. It has been should be done about it. Another that it was not easily accessible to the
better. And for five years, crayfish possible to know that because we big problem about Lake Naivasha people who live there. They did that
were being exported to Europe very have been coming back year after is that ordinary people don’t regard after signing an agreement with the
successfully. This was in the 1970s year. Effectively, the project ran it as their lake even though they live Maasai chiefs in 1904 after which the
when nobody knew any better… from 1987 to 2007 and was funded next to it and might go and collect Maasai agreed to move. So for 100
nobody knew that the crayfish, by the Earth Watch Institute, water every morning for washing. years, Naivasha has had plots of land
which is an American species, was an environmental charity that They don’t care much about what’s with title deeds that largely used to
going to eat up everything. recruits people who want to go going on because they find it be in white people’s hands. So, if there
Indeed, it wiped out all the native on environmental holidays during difficult to get near its edge. were no flower industry, you wonder
plants and then eliminated many which they would also work. Most who would own these lands and what
of the native animal species. If you of them were Americans. But in Suppose the flower industry effect they would have on the lake.
went into the lake in the 1960s and later years, other people came from were not using the lake’s waters, If there were no flower industry, it
early 1970s, your legs would be full the UK and Asia. And sometimes, or were non-existent, could the would become very valuable land
of leeches especially if you plunged huge companies would sponsor lake be facing similar problems? because of the easy access to the
24 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 25
|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Naivasha water to be shared
A process started by the Lake Naivasha Growers Group in 2005 culminated
in the harmonization of use of water resources in the basin under the
recently unveiled Naivasha Basin Water Allocation Plan
By Gatu Mbaria
F
or the first time in
Kenya, a plan prepared
through an all-inclusive
and mutually agreed
process, is being used to regulate
how water found in the Naivasha
Basin is allocated, abstracted and
used by everyone living there.
The unveiling of the Naivasha
Basin Water Allocation Plan
(WAP) marks a milestone as far
as governance of Kenya’s water
resources is concerned. It bases
the hard decisions over what
amount of water to allocate to
different users on the availability
of the resource as well as on
seasonal variations in the volume John Philip Olum, CEO of the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) during the interview.
of the water found in either Lake
Naivasha or in its feeder rivers and Naivasha Growers Group (LNGG) in environmental conditions. role of enforcing the rules to the
ground water table. 2005. According to LNGG chairman ‘’The plan has taken into 12 water user associations and
Set to be in operation between Richard Fox, the organisation consideration the seasonal variation provides sanctions to be imposed
July 2011 and June 2014, the WAP had spent 40,000 Euros to pay and availability of water,’’ says john on violators after they have been
also offers a stringent process consultants who came up with Philip Olum, WRMA chief executive investigated, identified and
of issuing water permits and the initial plan in 2007. The latter officer. warned. The plan says WRMA can
asks bodies charged with that was then submitted to the Water The plan’s overall goal is confiscate their equipment or
responsibility to abide by it. Resources Management Authority to reduce water abstraction even revoke their permits. Further,
‘’It is important that abstractions (WRMA). But it took over three by 10 per cent by 2012. violators can be prosecuted and ‘’if
are scaled according to availability years of consultations before it Among the main water bodies in the found guilty, would be liable to a
of the resource,’’ it reads in part. received widespread acceptance basin are Lake Naivasha, and Malewa, fine, imprisonment, or both.’’
According to data presented in by most of the stakeholders. Gilgil, Turasha and Karati rivers. There is hope that the Naivasha
the plan, there are as many as 928 ‘’We are encouraged that the The most important issues will Basin Water Allocation Plan will
abstraction points in the entire Plan has been officially adopted by be how to make different water solve some of the most critical
basin with the biggest percentage WRMA,’’ said Mr Fox. users comply with the plan and issues affecting water use in the
being those getting water from The WAP seeks to harmonize how it would be enforced. It basin. Occasionally, tension over
ground water table (32 per cent) how water found in the basin appears that those who prepared water use had degenerated into
while Lake Naivasha has 88. In is used by government bodies, WAP had acknowledged that conflict pitting players in the
addition, 358,250m3 of water is institutions, private industries, getting everyone to comply might horticulture industry against
abstracted each day from different agricultural concerns as well as be a major headache. pastoralists, smallholder farmers
water sources there, of which residents of local towns, pastoralists ‘’WAP recognizes weakness in and residents of Naivasha town
156,441m3 is sourced from the lake and smallholder farmers. By doing compliance to and enforcement.’’ and other centres.
itself. The plan says this intensive so, it attempts to avoid tensions At the same time, Mr Fox told On their part, NGOs, local and
abstraction of the water had led and conflicts experienced over the Horticultural News that will be ‘’a international media have taken
to the diminishing of river flows as years as different users clamoured challenge.’’ To go around this, the a keen interest on the goings on
well as falling of the lake water level for the finite resource. For instance, plan proposes ‘’raising awareness in the basin with some openly
besides having a negative impact it restricts how much water can be of the benefits of complying taking sides and providing
on underground water sources. abstracted from different water with the rules and the potential additional fuel that has kept the
The plan was prepared through bodies in the basin and recognizes consequences of not complying.’’ tension alive.
a process started by the Lake that water availability is subject to Olum says it also assigns the
26 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1 27
|| LAKE NAIVASHA ||
Lake Naivasha Management Plan
By correspondent updating of the water budget and only through designated public habitat areas.
the monitoring of the lake levels. corridors and prohibits grazing on The plan seeks to enhance tourism
The Lake Naivasha Management Equally important is carrying out riparian land. and recreation facilities and promote
Plan was drafted with the aim of a hydrological study on the lake’s It calls for environmental appraisal fisheries through monitoring and
ensuring sustainable management water budget and instituting meters of the watershed to determine collection of accurate data on the
and development of the lake’s to ensure that water is drawn as erosion hazards and assist in the commercial catch.
ecosystem. provided for in the water permits. formulation of a District Forestry Other measures described
It seeks to bring about better On habitat management and Action Plan. It seeks rehabilitation of in the plan include regulating
management of the lake’s nature conservation in the lake degraded areas, stops the cultivation the horticulture and agriculture
environmentandnaturalresources. zone, the plan advocates for on river banks and the control of tree sectors and ensuring proper
This is through ensuring efficient the establishment of an acacia harvesting and charcoal burning waste and wastewater disposal.
water use, habitat management, woodland and the restoration of to protect catchment areas in the Additionally, it provides
environmental appraisal of its papyrus around the lake. This is Naivasha Basin. for the identification and
watershed and monitor what is expected to form a buffer zone of To ensure that the health of plant designation of public access
happening to wildlife in the basin. at least 100m back from the land- and animal species is maintained, routes, development of suitable
The plan attempts to control side edge. Papyrus is important in the plan seeks to monitor the food management practices to
water use by determining how water purification. chain and support studies of bird promote education, recreation
water is allocated through the The plan further restricts species, monitor the composition and sustainable use through a
establishment of a water policy. livestock access to the lake and of submerged vegetation in the number of measures.
In addition, it also provides for the says animals should go there lake as well as protect sensitive
Radiant for pests
Farmers have the choice of a “Radiant provides a broad
new insecticide when fighting spectrum of pest control while
pesticides following the launch maintaining populations of most
of ‘Radiant’ by Lachlan Kenya and beneficial insects. It has short
Dow AgroSciences of France. re-entry, a three-day pre-harvest
The insecticide is targets small interval, low use rates, and has
insects like worms, thrips and leaf minimal personal protective
miners which cause significant requirements making it a
losses in vegetables. Radiant is also convenient, cheaper and easy-to-
active on diamondback moth and use product,” he said.
other pests. Among its other qualities is
According to Mr Angus Ker, Lachlan that it offers fast knock-down
Kenya’s sales and marketing against pests and is ideal for
director, the pesticide will be rotational use in Integrated Pest
available in local outlets in three Management (IPM) programmes.
weeks. It provides sharp, consistent
protection from insects between Mr Bruno de Canson, the food chain leader, Europe-Eufrasia of
“The product is to be repackaged sprays and may either remain AgroSciences.
and then released into the market on the surface or penetrate into
in units that are ideal for both suffer most from insect pests due and apply multiple pesticides
the leaf to control insects both
large and small-scale farmers to lack of resources to purchase on vegetable farms,” said Mr
by contact and ingestion (called
and vegetable growers,” said Mr insecticides. To meet the special Anampiu.
translaminar activity).
Ker, adding that the insecticide needs of this market segment, To ensure efficacy, Lachlan always
would be formally launched in The US Environmental Protection Mr Kithinji Anampiu, Dow tests any pesticide on its 5-acre
Naivasha during the Naivasha Agency has accepted it for AgroSciences East Africa Territory trial plot before releasing into the
Horticultural Fair 2011 scheduled registration and is labeled for Manager, said that Radiant market, said Mr Ker, who added
for September 16-17. Similar use in bulbs, fruiting, leafy and would be available in 30-millilitre that the plot has over 40 crop
launches will be in Rongai and root vegetables, cole crops, corn, packaging. varieties.
Nanyuki. cucurbits, legumes, potatoes,
“Radiant’s low-cost effectiveness
Mr MarioVietto, Dow AgroSciences soybeans and strawberries. In
should not be seen in terms “I can put Radiant among the top
Africa head of marketing, said that this regard, local farmers who
of being cheap but in terms three insecticides I have handled
Radiant is effective against a wide use Radiant have no fear of their
of the wide range of pests it recently. When launched, its price is
variety of pests but not harmful produce being rejected in the US.
acts against which in turn does also going to be very encouraging,”
to beneficial insects. Small-holder vegetable farmers way with the need to purchase was his parting shot.
28 H O R T I C U LT U R A L N E W S I a u g u s t - s e p t e M b e r 2 0 1 1You can also read
