Hydroponic fodder farming in kenya pdf

A system measuring 4m by 3m by 3 m high can produce 170 kg of hydroponics fodder dairy this amount of fodder can feed 14 heads of cattle at a cost of kshs 1,050. This report objectively investigates hydroponic fodder production systems and their applicability to new zealand pastoral farming. Our vision is to see kenya as a power in the field of horticulture. Feb 25, 2019 hydroponics is the pioneer initiator and leader of hydroponic farming systems in east africa.

Fodder yields from a hydroponics farm is said to be highly nutritious and can replace. Hydroponic farming brings on board limitless economic and ecological benefits. Hydroponic systems are good for the environment because they use less water than soil based farming. Oct 25, 2017 green economy with advanced technology. The farmer also uses hydroponics to plant strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce. Hydroponic farming increases milk production usaid.

Alternative fodder production for vulnerable herders in the west bank. Pdf socioeconomic analysis of hydroponic fodder production in. Analysis of fodder production and marketing in the rangelands of southern kenya omollo erick ouma b. Hydroponic systems recycle water, hence, you dont have to worry about environmental degradation caused by high concentration of nutrients calcium, phosphorous and potassium in the run off experienced in traditional farming. Well, as we all know the feed fodder forage is one of the major components of goat farming and the fodder management is a key factor in successful and profitable goat farming.

It also contains some mathematics on dairybeef cows. Oct 24, 2018 hydroponic fodder is very soft and nutritious and tasty, and the resulting animals enjoy it. Hydroponic fodder is raised by growing seeds without soil, and with the right amount of nutrientenriched water, within sixseven days the seeds are sprouted the seedlings will be up to 3035 cm tall and provide a highly nutritious fodder to your livestock that too effortlessly. The systems utilize a 7day growing cycle to produce highquality, nutrient, protein and enzymerich fodder each day. Advantages crops can be grown where soil is unsuitable reduced plant disease. Alternative fodder production for vulnerable herders in. The most popular grain used in hydroponic fodder applications is barley, but many people are experimenting with seed mixes to cater to specific animal dietary needs. Kaaa has partnered with hydroponicskenya to encourage farmers who want to venture in hydroponic systems, our focus is in sensitization of hydroponic farming, increase farmers yields and help even smallholder farmer to maximize on returns.

Hydroponic fodder the fodder solution for small holder dairy farmers from seeding to harvest in just nine days p. Irrigate from day 1 to day 6 at intervals of 4 hours in every 24 hours. Growing hydroponic fodder forage a full guide gardening. According to peter chege, the managing director, minerals and allied formulation centre limited, a company based in kenya and the brains behind localizing hydroponics, the benefits of fodder are enormous. The fodder easily grows in semicontrolled environmental conditions with the temperature range of 1532 c and relative humidity of 8085%. The first step to setting up a hydroponic garden is selecting a system that best fits your needs. Mar 01, 2017 hydroponic fodder for goats introduction hydroponic fodder for goats. Farmtek offers the best customer service and most economical prices on products for the agricultural industry.

Early findings from ongoing hydroponic farming trails in kenya have confirmed that the method is extremely economical and financially. We enable farmers to achieve predictable and highly nutritious yields for vegetables and produce their own animal feed at. Fodder production using hydroponic technology egerton university. White maizecorn seed was found to have a better germination rate when compared to yellow maize. Hydroponic farming hydroponics is forecasted to be the only method used in 5060 years, as organic farming is likely to be banned for health risks, and the rate of soil degradation is increasing. Hydroponics alternative farming systems information. Hydroponic fodder is very soft and nutritious and tasty, and the resulting animals enjoy it. Poultry feed is some of the most expensive livestock feed on the market, making hydroponically grown fodder an easy choice for poultry producers. Hydroponics kenya is the pioneer initiator and leader of hydroponic farming systems in east africa. Space program growing in deserts vertical farming large scale production. For cattle farmers, hydroponic fodder increases milk production by 15 per cent, reduces cost of feeding by kshs 150 per cow.

Growing pomegranate in containers, pots, backyards. This document is not more of a guideline, rather it is grandeur africa limited telling its story about these vegetables when done hydroponically. Pdf pthe study was conducted to assess the prospects and challenges of. Hydroponics fodder cultivation is very easy and simple science of growing fodder crops in less time, water and input cost. To wipe the woes of every farmer in kenya in the next twenty years by. Hydroponic green fodder production guide agri farming. Hydroponic fodder systems make the most sense for organic andor grassfed livestock operations, smaller family farms, hobby operations and horse stables. Hydroponics farming system in kenya part 1 youtube. Range management, university of nairobi a thesis submitted to the graduate school in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of master of science in range management economics option. An assessment of factors influencing production of.

The procedure for growing fodder hydroponically is as follows. Green fodder is one of the important inputs and plays a major role in the feed of milch animals. Mar 15, 2018 hydroponic fodder farming in kenya pdf in downloads, hydroponics, on march 15, 2018 08. This tells me that water harvesting alongside hydroponic fodder production will actually solve the cattle hunger another advantage is that the production is high compared to field fodder production and the cycle is very short, it ranges between 610 days producing 50kgs of fodder on 20 by 10 feet.

This type of forage contributes up to 24% of the total cattle feed thus making maize production for grain and fodder equally important. In order to avoid fungal growth in the greenhouses fungicidal solution like em effective microorganism to be applied. An example is kh500 43a which is, resistant to maize streak disease, very leafy has good taste when boiled. Introduce simple and affordable hydroponic farming solutions to every kenyan household to help them increase food production and incomes. Jan 22, 2014 the hydroponic system is hygienically safe and can be used to grow commercial food crops, fodder for livestock as well as food crops for domestic use. Sites that are lower than the land around them are vulnerable to frost as cold air being denseheavier than hot air will settle on the plants. However, it has proved prolific in different parts of the world.

Hydroponics is a method of growing green fodder without soil in the temperaturecontrolled room. A critical assessment of hydroponic fodder production bakshi et al. When selecting a site for strawberry farming in kenya, a farmer should consider factors such as air and adequate water. After receiving training that was facilitated by usaids kenya. A beginners guide to hydroponic gardening the spruce. Growing hydroponic fodder step by step guide 7 days. Provides support good pore size does not clog system does not affect nutrient solution photo. Hydroponic fodder for goats introduction hydroponic fodder for goats. Pdf low cost devices for hydroponics fodder production. Hydroponic fodder kenya, thika valley, central, kenya. Hydroponic fodder farming in kenya pdf grandeur africa. Ikwayes indigenous chicken can be fed on hydroponic fodder as three quarters of their daily feed requirement while layers and broilers exotic can be fed on hydroponic fodder as a third of their meal. Analysis of fodder production and marketing in the.

A recently introduced fodder growing technology is fast rising in kenya, offering farmers a year round supply of. Chege uses the hydroponic system to grow mainly tomatoes, strawberry and fodder. A recently introduced fodder growing technology is fast rising in the country, offering farmers year round supply of nutritious green fodder, grown for just eight days and producing upto 50 kgs of the fodder in a 20 by 10 feet space, enough to feed 20 mature cows or 120 goats all year round. Pdf hydroponic fodder the fodder solution for small. Feb 15, 2014 a farmer in nyandarua county, kenya who has benefited from growing hydroponics fodder feeding his cows.

It can be a major feeding option when pastureland andor hay are in short supply, or adds a highly nutritious and relished supplement to traditional grazing. Hydroponics is a form of gardening that uses no soil, but instead grows plants in a solution of water and nutrients. Kaaa has partnered with hydroponicskenya to encourage farmers who want to venture in hydroponic systems, our focus is in sensitization of hydroponic farming. The hydroponic fodder system is a temperature and humidity controlled growing room that is specifically designed to sprout grains that. Sep, 20 in central kenya, where a majority of farmers own less than an acre of land, the hydroponic system is renewing the hopes of many people who want to embark on farming but are prohibited by the size of their land, he said. The people who have started pig farming in kenya are now producing high quality meat and making good profits.

Hydroponic tomatoes and capsicums in kenya grandeur africa. Control of feed cost in dairy animals impacts the profits and result in successful dairy farming. Commercial pig farming in kenya is one of the most lucrative business ventures. In our hydroponic system, each tray of seeds produces approximately 6 kg to 8 kg which is sufficient for 1 cow. For sustainable dairy farming, quality green fodder should be fed regularly to dairy animals. Other crops that can do well with hydroponic farming are broccoli, flowers and other horticultural produce. Analysis of fodder production and marketing in the rangelands. Choose the right size of the tray from amazon hence for a week, one cow requires seven trays approx in rotation. Information about pig farming in kenya modern farming. Dairy farmers in kenya struggle to provide nutritious and highquality fodder for their cows. Hydroponic fodder kenya is housed under masomo consulting international ltd, a registered company that. The hydroponic system is hygienically safe and can be used to grow commercial food crops, fodder for livestock as well as food crops for domestic use. Hydroponic fodder farming in kenya pdf in downloads, hydroponics, on march 15, 2018 08. Green fodder provides required nutrientsmineral for milk production and health of the dairy animals or livestock.

Faos experience clearly indicates that if farming households are forced to sell their productive farm assets land, animals, etc. Depending on the mineral content of your water, you may or may not be able to use the water straight from your tap as your starting point. Moreover, in hydroponic systems, it takes only 78 days to develop from seed to fodder while it takes 4560 days under traditional systems. Vigyan ashram has standardized hydroponics technology and we are providing training for building your own hydroponics unit. This is an introduction to hydroponic fodder technology. Grains such as oats, corn, and wheat are sometimes used, but the possibilities are vast. How to grow hydroponic fodder in seven days and save production. Product offerings include farm supplies, aquaponic, poultry supplies, agriculture products, animal housing, home improvement, commercial high tunnels and hoop houses, fodder growing kits, livestock care and greenhouse equipment, including garden carts and poly film. The use of maize forage for animal feeding is becoming very important on small scale mixed farms in kenya. Besides, the technology achieves predictable vegetable yields not subject to adverse weather changes. Hydroponics give kenyan farmers fodder for thought. Our trials in kenya have concluded that the production of hydroponic fodder is an extremely cost effective and financially viable. It enables farmers to achieve predictable and highly nutritious yields for vegetables and produce.

The system requires 2l of water to produce 1kg of fodder as compared to 8090l of water to produce 1kg of green pasture. This tells me that water harvesting alongside hydroponic fodder production will actually solve the cattle hunger. Graduate perfects delicate art of growing hydroponic fodder in nairobi. Livestock farmers save up to 70 percent of their resources on producing feed for their animals in seven. Interestingly, fodder raised in a 9m by 6m shed can feed cattle grazing on 1200 acres of land consistently.

Learning how to grow hydroponic fodder at home is essential for plentiful fodder production regardless of the season. This will avoid boring repetition of the two words. Hydroponics, easy way to grow fodder, veges daily nation. A farmer in nyandarua county,kenya who has benefited from growing hydroponics fodder feeding his cows. Integrated fish and poultry farming, cost and profits.

Graduate perfects delicate art of growing hydroponic fodder. To grow good quality fodder you need to be able to control the temperature and humidity. Pigs can be raised in both small or large scale commercial venture for providing food and nutrition to the family and total country or just for making high profit. Hydroponic fodder production systems are used in a number of different livestock systems internationally. Hydroponics fodder production in kenya farmlink kenya. Graduate perfects delicate art of growing hydroponic. Technology gives farmers greater control over the growing conditions of crops. Due to the increasing intensive system of rearing livestock, the need for green fodder is very large. We enable farmers to achieve predictable and highly nutritious yields for vegetables and produce their own animal feed at limited cost of input. Since there is no soil to act as a filter for your plants they will absorb whatever is in the. Hydroponic fodder is a good option in front of the farmer because it grows fast, it contains a high nutrient value, and the most important thing is. Hydroponics farming is an incoming practice in kenya. Within the last 5 years there have been at least 3 fodder production sheds made operational in new zealand.

Hydroponic farming in kenya, advantages and challenges. Mar 11, 2015 poultry feed is some of the most expensive livestock feed on the market, making hydroponically grown fodder an easy choice for poultry producers. Our unique hydroponic fodder growing systems are designed to rapidly produce highly nutritious, economical fodder at a low cost, with minimal labor. To wipe the woes of every farmer in kenya in the next twenty years by providing cutting edge technology. Growing maize for food and fodder home kenya agricultural. Considering each cow requires around 6 kg to 8 kg of green fodder required for the day. May 10, 2016 the following are some tips in greenhouse hydroponic green fodder production. Management of dual purpose maize this involves harvesting maize at various stages for grain and good quality forage. Hydroponics have many advantages, one is that its water saving. The hydroponic system provides daily production of green fodder throughout the year with less labor and water consumption.

Hydroponics is the pioneer initiator and leader of hydroponic farming systems in east africa. Green fodder plays major role in feed of milch animals, thereby providing required nutrients for milk production and health of the dairy. The word vegetables in this document will stand in for tomatoes and capsicums. Chege used to manufacture animal feed for sale, but getting the fodder for the raw material proved difficult. Hydroponics, or growing plants in a nutrient solution root medium, is a growing area of commercial food production and also is used for home food production by hobbyists. Home hydroponic green fodder growing system machine farm.