What type of chicken should I keep?

I have tried poultry farming once but did not reap much, so I still consider myself a beginner. I have pens that are secure and well ventilated with enough space. All I want is an advice on the type of chicken I can keep considering that this is what I want to do for long-term.

Ronald Kaala

Dear Ronald
The type of chicken to keep highly depends on type of market you want to get into and the ease of tapping into that particular niche. Some markets focus on product quantity (mass production) and in such cases, you should consider rearing hybrids.
These could either be layers of broilers. Other markets focus on quality of product, in terms of consumer preference for organic products, therefore indigenous chicken serve the purpose.

Options between quantity and quality influence the type of production system to be used.
Mass production requires intensification where birds are fully confined, dependent on commercial feeds and high management to maximise on production.
In case of quality, a semi intensive system would be convenient in which birds are left out to fend for themselves but supplemented with energy feeds.

Answered by Greenfarm organics

At what stage of the leaf should I harvest sukuma wiki? Harriet Nafuna

Dear Harriet
Kale locally known as sukuma wiki is a hearty vegetable that prefers the cold weather and if cared for correctly can produce a surplus of leaves throughout every season.

The time frame for harvesting kale is a personal decision, loosely based on flavour preferences. For those that require a lighter side to kale’s taste, younger leaves will suffice.

But for those that like the more pungent and bold flavour of kale, the matured leaves of fall are preferable.
Pick what you need throughout the season. Kale can be harvested soon after the plants begin to grow leaves.

Younger leaves can be a tasty addition to some salads, and the more mature leaves become more flavourful as they grow.
Remove the outer leaves of the Kale plant as it matures, for a continuous cycle of growth. The center of the kale plant containing the bud will continue to produce fresh leaves when the outer ones are removed.

By following this rule of thumb, you can expect a vast amount of kale production to suit your needs.
Choose leaves that are bright green and fresh, as opposed to yellowed leaves, when harvesting kale for eating.
The yellowish leaves can produce an undesirable taste, and their limp appearance may be unappetizing.

Answered by Greenfarm organics

What are the best options for crop rotation?

Dinah Nakalema
Dear Dinah
When carrying out crop rotation, you should not rotate crops that belong to the same family. Onions belong to alliaceae family, carrots and coriander (dhania) belong to apiaceae family and tomatoes belong to the solanaceae family.
Therefore you should rotate onions and carrots, onions and coriander, tomatoes and carrots, tomatoes and coriander and tomatoes and onions.
You should never rotate carrots and coriander because they belong to the same family.

Answered by Greenfarm organics

How do you prepare ground for vegetable garden?

Lisa Nakandi

Dear Lisa
The first step in establishing any enterprise is to write a business plan.
This document will help you approach potential investors who can also be friends and relatives. An entrepreneur’s commitment to a course is often determined by how well written their business plans are.

There are a number of interventions by government, learning institutions and private businesses that seek to help entrepreneurs to start businesses.
Your case can only be considered if you have a business plan with clear business model.

Answered by Greenfarm organics

I am a young farmer who is deeply interested in planting passion fruits. Please advise me on how I can engage in the business.? Moses Kiwanuka?

Dear Moses

If you want to have a farm on a flat ground, use posts spaced six metres apart. Connect the posts with wire so that you can support the plants along the wire using a sisal twine. This will allow the tertiary branches bearing fruits to hang on the wires.

This is necessary to expose the plants to sunlight for photosynthesis and pollination. Grafting is necessary to get a root stock resistant to soil borne pests and diseases.

Yellow passion fruit is the most-preferred root stock for its high resistance to soil-borne diseases. We help in training on passion fruit production. Short and long-term courses are available.

A fertiliser high in nitrogen promotes plenty of passion fruit leaf growth at the expense of fruit and flowers. Therefore, it is better to fertilise with chicken manure, well-rotted cow manure, citrus foods or compost.