RABBIT REARING

I have contemplated starting rabbit rearing after weighing the work they will subject me to.

The little research I have done shows that this is a viable farming practice one can venture into provided she/he has good plans.

Rabbits do not feed a lot as chicken, cows or goats and space for their upkeep is quite minimal compared to other rearing ventures.

Their reproduction cycle is quite fast and a doe can kindle up to between 8 and 18 kits (young ones) for up to 7 times a year. This translates to a lot of rabbits. Management is key.

According to rabbit.org Rabbit’s diet should be made up of good quality pellets, fresh hay (timothy or other grass hays), water and fresh vegetables. Anything beyond that is a “treat” and should be given in limited quantities.

The next time you think of venturing into farming, consider rabbit rearing and involve area agricultural officers for detailed advice on disease management and feeds for commercial viability.

When I start mine, I will keep you updated on my progress.

SUGARCANE PLANTING IS ENJOYABLE

Sugarcane planting can be an easy job if you want to enjoy extra practice on your farm. It requires little effort if you have the planting material.

As a farmer you need to prepare the section of land where you want to do cane planting.

Make furrows where you will drop cuttings and cover them with soil after adding some fertilizer.

Young Sugarcane plantation

It takes a few weeks for shoots to develop from newly planted cuttings.

Young sugarcane requires plenty of moisture and regular weeding until they are much longer to allow sunlight to reach the ground thus preventing much weed growth.

Grown Sugarcane plantation

Go out and dedicate a small section of your farm to sugarcane growing and you will for sure agree that it is enjoyable.

PLANT TREES TO CURB SOIL EROSION

Cover cropping is an essential part in farming to ensure that soil is protected from erosion.

Heavy rain and strong wind are major causes of erosion given that especially on steep ground and during dry seasons respectively.

It is therefore as a farmer to practice cover cropping to ensure the top rich soil is kept intact for better food production.

A farmer plants trees in her farm to help curb soil erosion 

It is good to add a few trees to your farm especially at the edges to act as a shield for strong wind that may carry loose soil especially during dry seasons.

These trees will as well prevent carried dust particles from being carried far away hence helping you as a farmer to preserve the soil within your farm.

TRY VEGETABLES THAT DO WELL IN UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER

Despite the much rain that has been raining in most parts of Kenya and the world at large leading to floods that has led to loss of life, some parts are still experiencing reduced or no rainfall at all. 

This has prompted me to identify alternative vegetables that can withstand harsh climatic conditions.

Vegetables like Amaranthus take a short while to mature making it appropriate to parts with minimal rainfall. 

Amaranthus, a type of local vegetable

They are very rich in nutrients hence good for nutritional purposes.

Another good crop is the pumpkin which has double benefit. Its leaves can be used as vegetable and the pumpkin itself cam be cooked for food.

Pumpkin plant

The pumpkin can also withstand minimal rainfall as well as do well in much rain. The advantage of the pumpkin is that it is a crawling plant and can spread as far as you could wish it to making it possible to yield more and more.

ROTATE YOUR CROPS FOR BETTER PRODUCTIVITY

The world is experiencing massive population growth which has led to struggle for resources as everyone eyes a piece of land to call his/her own.

This has led to massive land subdivision that has rendered productivity of land to diminish with time.

Viability of land has become an issue as the human race finds a place to shelter as well as farm for food to sustain their livelihood in this world.

In a previous post, I mentioned on why it is important to use farmyard manure on your farm so as to supply essential nutrients to support healthy crop growth.

A massively subdivided region in Kisii, Kenya

Today, I am emphasizing on the need to rotate the crops on your farm so as to give it time to recover the nutrients used by the previous crop.

Each crop requires specific nutrients from the soil and if crops are not rotated, that particular nutrient will be exhausted leaving you with a poor yield year in year out.

Even if the crops you rotate are not what you normally use as your stable food, you can sell it and purchase the food you prefer.

Growing one crop like a marathon on our farm will leave you with very little every other season.

So go ye and rotate crops on your farm.

DELIVER YOUR PRODUCE SAFELY TO THE MARKET

Small scale farmers need to take note when it comes to transportation of their produce to the market.

That’s why today I would like to caution you as a farmer to plan in advance on how your produce will get to the market to avoid total loss.

Passers by look at an overturned lorry carrying water melon

There may be accidents but try as much as possible to avoid it as this can drift you back to several steps.

If you are using a vehicle, ensure the driver is a qualified.

The route to use should be safe lest all you produce enjoyed by idlers on the road.

Have a safe delivery of your produce to the market

START HONEY PRODUCTION

Honey is one product from bees that is recommended by doctors as natural medicine to healing some diseases.

Despite its sweetness, it has no harm to the health of humans and to crown it all it’s the only food that never spoils.

Most people view bees as hazardous but you can turn those bees hanging on a tree to be beneficial.

Make several beehives or purchase some and install them just below the tree and soon enough the bees will discover a conducive environment to migrate to.

A transparent beehive used by a farmer to produce honey

Make sure the place for rearing bees is safe with regard to predators and disturbance that can agitate the bees and make them dangerous.

During harvesting, make sure you are in safe gear, that is, veil, gloves and a smoker to render the bees harmless.

Another thing you should not forget is to plant seasonal flowers to give the bees ample time in collecting nectar for honey preparation and then get ready to reap big.

Try it out.