Small holder Castor seeds farmers in Africa form strategic alliance to generate market.

Clusters of small holder Castor seeds farmers in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi Uganda and Kenya have recently instituted a strong front to drive traffic to their Castor seeds produce.

Access to offtakers and the industrial market for their produce has posed a long time challenge to outgrowers of Castor seeds leading to poor bargains and slavish labour to exploitative contractors.

Castor Business Network gathered from the leadership of this new collaboration of outgrowers and producers of Castor seeds in 5 countries, who cordinates the activities of farmers and farmers market in their locations that a synergy has been formed recently in a meeting held in Kenya, which would improve the ROI, proceeds from Castor seeds sales and welfare of small holder farmers in Africa.

The group officially known as Castor Oil Processing for Export (COPEX) projects in Africa is an alliance of Castor seeds farmers, producers’ organizations, processors, and exporters to strengthen the Castor oil value chain at all levels.

This new collaboration comprehensively addresses challenges in the Castor oil sector by pooling their resources together to enhance the industry.

"Our activities includes training and capacity building for Small holder farmers, producers and processors of Castor oil Africa, increasing access to finance and inputs, and increasing opportunities to market, providing linkages to market information, and brand recognition." Says the President of COPEX, Mr. Chiegeonu Aga.

Comments

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: 👉 Ploughing and Harrowing: These are fundamental steps to loosen the soil, break up clods, and create a suitable seedbed. 👉Weed Removal: It's crucial to eliminate existing weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water. 👉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. 👉Leveling and Bedding: Leveling the land ensures even water distribution. Forming ridges and furrows can aid in drainage and irrigation. 👉Preparation for Sowing: Creating a pulverized seed bed, that is loose, and friable. 👉 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...

Castor BUSINESS - Blogger™

Search This Blog