Wilt, cold stress, stunted growth as crops are affected by heavy rainfall

The country is replenishing stocks from local production after the long rains.

This is according to the Food and Nutrition security report for June released by the Ministry of Agriculture.

There was an increase in beans imported in June, from 30,777 (50kg) bags to 42,208 (50kg) bags.

This is compared to 11,931 bags imported in May, but still low compared to previous years.

In the same month, the country exported 1,000 bags of pigeon peas compared to 323 bags exported in May.

Some 4,998 bags of green grams were exported against 2,064 imported bags, compared to 223 bags exported in May, with no imports.

“The June green grams exports are low compared to April volume of 12,204 bags and compared to 48,367 (50kg) bags exported in March,” the report showed.

Cowpeas exports increased to 1,440 bags compared to 95 bags exported in May. This is compared to 6,820 exported in April.

The report showed that cowpeas were also being harvested during the month.

Pulses were recorded as the major food crop exported, compared to cereal.

"Irish potatoes are at a late vegetative to reproductive stage across the country. Bomet reported incidences of bacterial wilt due to the excessive rains being received and the crop being affected by cold stress, which is likely to result in below average yields.” 

Good yields are expected in Nyandarua, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Trans Nzoia, where the crop is at vegetative, reproductive and maturity stages and doing well.

In Nyanza, beans were shown to be in different stages of production. 

“The crop condition is favourable in Migori, Kisii and Homa Bay counties while under watch in Siaya and Kisumu counties. In Western, the crop is at maturity to harvesting stages and in favourable condition,” the report read.

“In North Rift regions, the crop is at vegetative to reproductive stages apart from Elgeyo Marakwet, where the crop is at maturity to harvesting stages."

Favourable conditions for beans were also recorded in the South Rift, Nakuru and Kericho, where the crop is at flowering to podding and vegetative to reproductive stage. 

“In Kajiado the crop is at maturity to harvesting stages with poor condition,” the report indicated, adding that crop performance in the county was negatively affected by early cessation of rains.

In Central, the crop is at vegetative to reproductive stages and in favourable condition.

While some counties experienced excessive downpour, the report shows some crops suffered moisture stress, caused by dry conditions. 

“For the southeastern regions, Machakos reported poor conditions while Makueni is on watch due to the heavy rains, which were then followed by a dry spell after cessation of rains. Most crops in Kitui county are experiencing moisture stress,” the report stated.

Cowpeas and green grams are mainly grown for grain in Upper and Lower Eastern and to a lesser extent, the Coast.

In other parts of the country, cowpeas are grown for leaves.

In the main growing areas, the crop is at reproductive to maturity stages.

Green grams in Kitui, Makueni, Embu, Meru and Tharaka are at maturity to harvesting stages, but under watch conditions due to the dry spell.

The report indicated that the crop is performing at average to normal conditions, and harvest is expected.

In Machakos, the crops are under watch due to extremely wet conditions and flooding.

“Almost 60 per cent of green gram crop was affected and had stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and flower drop in critical stages of development and could not recover from these effects in the reporting period, ” it read.

As a result, poor yields of about 25 per cent are expected.

In Kwale and Taita Taveta counties, the crops are at vegetative to reproductive stages and in favourable condition.

But green grams suffered a different fate in Kilifi, where the crop is at vegetative stage and in poor condition.

“This is attributed to the inadequate rainfall which causes moisture stress. Poor yield is expected in case adequate rainfall is not received,” the food and nutrition report showed.