Thursday, October 25, 2012

Viable Small Holder Organic Projects

Re-blogged from GREEN EMIPIRE FARMS courtesy of Antony Muhia

When we talk about Organic Farming for youths majority of them wonder how possible and yet they have no land for crop cultivation. Agricultural land has proved a big challenge due to the fact that the existing land is inherited and this mainly happens at the death of parents. The other option is purchasing one which is rely expensive beyond the capability of youths.
To my opinion there is a solution by adopting projects that require small portions like underutilized backyards, flower gardens and parking spaces and convert them to productive spaces.
Are you still wondering what I intend with such spaces? Well only high value crops like strawberries & basil can give you some substantial money. But rearing rabbits or mushroom growing are some of the most viable projects. The other option is value addition and processing of organic crops grown by elderly farmers who own agricultural land.
These are but just a few projects where youths can be self-employed with limited resources and make a decent living.
Antony Muhia harvesting spinach in his farm
This was my first commercial production organic plot from the successful experience of the organic kitchen garden. The plot measured 50×100 ft. equivalent to 1/8 acre.
On this plot I practiced intensive crop production and companion cropping of high value horticultural crops: Sweet & Hot peppers, Tomatoes, Italian spinach, Lettuce, Chinese cabbage, Broccoli, Asparagus, Assorted herbs & spices while observing a strict crop rotation routine.
There is a composting site at the entrance where all crop residue, fresh vegetation, leguminous crops and farm yard manure are composted to rich compost manure/ fertilizer for using at the plot.
From the sale of fresh produce I was able to construct a greenhouse measuring 25×45 feet and later on installed a drip irrigation system to the whole plot.
From the production and sales records it's evident that such a project is capable of generating sufficient income of KES 20,000-30,000 (US$300-400) a month to sustain a single household in rural or even urban Africa.
Post by Antony Muhia 

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