RICE.

RICE.
Over 1.8 billion shillings will be needed as food security if rice farmers do not take phase two spraying seriously.
Raphael Wanjogu researcher at MIAD said that the rice in the fields is estimated to be over 1 billion shillings saying that if it is not sprayed with immediate effect due to the change of the climate, will affect the most crucial rice stage which is called the pinnacle heading stage causing a neck-node blast thus bringing food insecurity.
Mr. Wanjogu added that for four days, the weather has changed to being humid, hot calling it outcast weather where the first spraying phase will be affected if farmers become reluctant.
“If farmers do not take the second phase spray very fast, the rice crop will be affected saying that the climate that has been for four days will wash down the chemicals sprayed during the first phase” added Wanjogu.
He said that when the former Agriculture PS Roman Kiome visited the area last month, the ministry promised to give farmers chemicals through DSP a company the has been licensed by the government where the chemicals are sold at a cheaper price.
Mr.Wanyaga added that the most critical thing with the rice blast at this stage is passing of food to the pinnacle where if the plant gets insufficient food, its growth will be affected thus the yield will be little.
He said that the leaves that were affected have recovered saying that the farmers took a very fats initiative in protecting the crop during the vegetative period.
Mr.Wanyaga disclosed that 95% of the rice crop has been saved after farmers did the first phase spraying immediately the ministry announced the re-occurrence of the blast.
He said that the ministry promised to off-set all the chemicals after a consultative meeting
with National Irrigation Board, and the ministry of irrigation and research development.
Ina rejoinder Kirinyaga South Agricultural officer Kinge Manene said that the ministry is taking the initiative to safeguard food in the area adding that the made orders and operations will start very fast to ensure that everything is okay.
Ends…
0723321326