Monies hidden in okra veggie

Okra is one of the few vegetables whose local and foreign market demand is increasing steadily. Yet it takes only two months to be ready for harvest.

Since okra is harvested over a long period, to control weeds the farmer should mulch or weed the garden. Mr Kanyije says though that mulching is better because it suppresses the weeds while at the same time warming the soil and encouraging plant growth.

Pests and diseases
Okra can be attacked by pests and diseases like silver leaf whitefly, rough bollworm, looper caterpillars and green vegetable bugs. Aphids and mites may also occur on okra crops.

These insects feed on okra by sucking the sap of the leaves. This results in yellowing, cupping and browning of the leaves, which is often called hopper burn.

Harvesting of tender okra pods should be done carefully by cutting the pods from stalks in a manner that will not bruise the pods.

Okra is a fast growing and high-value crop but few farmers in Uganda have taken the initiative to grow it.

fmuzale@ug.nationmedia.com