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Research and Development project for Castor seeds farming and oil production small businesses in Africa.

I'm working on a documentary report on the plight of small holder Castor seed farmers of African descent titled "The Ignored Treasure of Africa". This report is aimed at capturing the resilience and creativity of the African Castor seeds farmers, the benefits of the Castor oil plant, and the challenges of attracting partnership and support  for the sustainable development of the value chain of Castor in Africa.

It's showcases the unique difference between the African indigenous Castor seeds variety, our farming practices and oil processing methods and the huge market potentials within the continent, as well as exploring and comparing with other cultures on the emerging trends in the global industry.

Join me on this journey, share your experience with the world.

#AfricanCastor
#IgnoredTreasure
#CastorOilbusiness

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Land Preparation in Castor seeds farming

Land preparation for castor seed farming involves more than just ploughing and harrowing.  Here's a breakdown of the key activities:  ðŸ‘‰ Ploughing and Harrowing:     These are fundamental steps to loosen the soil, break up clods, and create a suitable seedbed.  ðŸ‘‰Weed Removal:     It's crucial to eliminate existing weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.  ðŸ‘‰Soil Enrichment:    Adding organic matter, such as compost or manure, improves soil fertility and structure.  Soil testing and the application of necessary fertilizers may also be required.  ðŸ‘‰Leveling and Bedding:     Leveling the land ensures even water distribution. Forming ridges and furrows can aid in drainage and irrigation.  ðŸ‘‰Preparation for Sowing:     Creating a pulverized seed bed, that is loose, and friable.  ðŸ‘‰ Drainage considerations:     Because Castor plants do not like water logged soils, ensu...

Types of weeds that attack castor crops and their remedies.

These are the types of weeds that attack castor crops and their remedies: Types of Weeds:  * Broadleaf Weeds:    * Amaranthus viridis    * Boerhaavia diffusa    * Celosia argentena    * Portulaca oleracea    * Trianthema portulacastrum    * Digera arvensis    * Corchorus olitorius    * Cyanotis cucullata    * Cleome viscosa    * Commelina bengalensis    * Croton sparsiflorus    * Parthenium hysterophorus  * Grasses:    * Chloris barbata    * Cynodon dactylon    * Dactyloctenium aegyptium    * Bracharia reptens    * Panicum flavidum  * Sedges:    * Cyperus rotundus    * Cyperus esculentus Remedies :  & Cultural Practices:    * Intercultivation: Using tractor or bullock-drawn blade harrows, especially 20 to 60 days after seeding, is effective.    * Manual Wee...

Some Agronomic practice for castor seeds farming 1

1. Preparation of the field       Plough two-three times with country or mould board plough. 2. Application of Organic Manures       Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost evenly on the main field before last ploughing and incorporate in to soil by working a country plough. Apply 30 kg sulphur/ ha through gypsum at the time of last ploughing for higher castor yield. NOTE: Do not leave FYM or compost exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost. 3. SEED RATE       Adopt a seed rate of 10 kg/ha for varieties and 5 kg/ha for hybrid. 4. SPACING  Adopt the following spacing.   Rainfed situation Irrigated situation Varieties 90 cm x 60 cm 90 cm x 90 cm Hybrids 120 cm x 90 cm 150 cm x 120 cm In irrigated conditions, for clay soils wider spacing of 150 x 150 cm can also be adopted. For TMV 5 short duration variety 60 x 30 cm may be adopted. 5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS Apply NPK fertilizers basally as per soil te...