A Report on Sensitization of Wheat Production and Organic Farming in Banten\ Mbosha Villages on the 10th – 11th July 2022
A Report on Sensitization of Wheat Production and Organic Farming in Banten\ Mbosha Villages on the 10th – 11th July 2022
LELIV Cameroon had a two day sensitization seminar with 35persons at the Catholic school Banten on wheat production and also valorization of organic farming. Participants were drilled on why, how, where and when to grow wheat. Wheat has a higher nutritional value as compared to other cereals (maize in particular which is the common cereal cultivated in this zone). It is in high protein content and can be used for pasta preparation and other simple and local ways of wheat of transformation. The agronomic requirements were also emphasized.
Wheat is mostly grown in cold climates. It is possible in mountainous areas to grow. Wheat of reasonable good quality can be possible, especially when the weather is dry during harvest. A seed rate of 80-150kg\ha is recommended with a spacing of 30-35cm between rows. Seeds are sown 2-4cm deep.
Rotation with non-cereal crop is advised in order to avoid or prevent the buildup of diseases. Production is best done on heavier soils with good water- holding capacity and good surface drainage.
As for diseases\pests, the gall nematode, Anguina tritia is dispersed by seed galls which are mixed with grains. However larvae may also be carried by seed of relatively normal appearance.
Birds eat the kernels and can drastically reduce production. Rodents and stray animals love the plants (crop) very much.
Production\ha ranges from 1500kg\ha – 5000kg\ha. In addition if wheat being a major source of starch energy, wheat also provides substantial amounts of a number of components which are essential or beneficial for health, notably proteins, vitamins (vitamin B), dietary fiber, and phytochemicals.
Participants were also encouraged on growing their crops organically. Compared with conventional agriculture, organic agriculture uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into ground water and surface water and recycles animal waste back into the farm. With organic farming, we have safer working conditions, less food and drinking water contamination, greater biodiversity, better nutrition, free of poison etc, reduce production cost over 20% etc.
The participants were now challenged to go and practice (take action) on what they have learnt. The participants were very satisfied and promised to take action immediately and also promised more collaboration with LELIV group. Some went as far as buying 2kg of wheat seeds. Follow ups by LELIV CIG will be done to see their progress in wheat cultivation till January anticipated time of harvest.
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Elfrida Njolai