Saroagrosciences Limited

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  • Weather Conditions and Herbicide Performance – 5 Things You Must Know

    When it comes to getting the most out of herbicide solutions, understanding how weather conditions impact their effectiveness is of paramount importance because change in weather conditions such as temperature, rainfall, etc., can cause significant difference in how well the herbicides work.

    By knowing how weather conditions affect herbicide performance, you can make accurate pre-informed decisions which in turn would help minimize risks and achieve a bountiful harvest while ensuring way for the use of effective weed control techniques. In this week’s blog post, you will find out how weather affects herbicide’s performance and what you need to do best to ensure you get maximum value for your money.

    1. Temperature matters when applying herbicides

    Temperature plays a crucial role in herbicide performance as most herbicides are designed to be applied within a specific temperature range. Therefore, their effectiveness can be compromised by extreme temperature changes, whether they are too hot or too cold. Herbicide action may also be slowed down or sped up by low and high temperatures respectively.

    Feel free to contact us whenever you need clarification on any temperature recommendation you would require for the herbicide you want to use.

    2. Humidity may alter the rate at which herbicides dry up

    Humidity levels can influence herbicide performance by affecting the droplet size and evaporation rate of spray solutions. High humidity can produce bigger droplets, raising the possibility of runoff and decreasing the amount of herbicide coverage. Low humidity, on the other hand, might lead to the herbicide evaporating quickly and losing some of its potency. Herbicide use is often advised during periods of moderate humidity.

    3. Rainfall is good for plants, not for herbicides

    The effectiveness of any herbicide application can be greatly affected by immediate rainfall post-application; asides that, heavy rainfall can also wash away the herbicide from the target area, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of off-target movement. On the other hand, a lack of rain may prevent the herbicide from being sufficiently activated and incorporated into the soil. It is crucial to plan herbicide treatments in accordance with the predicted rainfall.

    4. Do not spray against the wind

    Wind speed and direction are critical considerations to prevent herbicide drift. Herbicide drift occurs when fine droplets are carried by wind currents and deposited on unintended areas, causing damage to nearby crops, vegetation, or the environment. It is important to apply herbicides during calm weather conditions with low wind speeds and ensure that the wind is blowing away from sensitive areas.

    5. Stay up to date with weather forecasts

    Monitoring weather forecasts and environmental conditions is crucial when planning herbicide applications. Factors such as temperature inversions (when cool air is trapped close to the ground), high wind gusts, or sudden temperature fluctuations can negatively impact herbicide performance. Stay informed about the weather conditions during and after herbicide application to minimize potential risks and optimize effectiveness.

     

    Wrapping up:

    It is important to note that different herbicides have their specific requirements and recommendations as pertaining to the weather conditions discussed, so it is essential to refer to the product label and follow the instructions provided on the leaflet for optimal herbicide performance. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via our social media channels, send an email (saroagrosciences@saroafrica.com) or call our customer care center (+2348077494225), we would be absolutely delighted to help you out.

  • 5 Food Crops That Guarantee High Financial Returns in Nigeria

    Nigeria, the Giant of Africa, is a country with a very rich agricultural history. Strategically located on the continent, Nigeria enjoys diverse climatic conditions fitting for agricultural practices and fertile landscape that offer perfect conditions for growing a broad variety of food crops, it is therefore not surprising that the country is recognized for certain food crops within the continent and across the globe.

    In this blog post, we will explore some of these food crops grown by farmers in Nigeria, highlighting their significance in nourishing the population and contributing to sustainable agriculture and economic prosperity.

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    CASSAVA

    First on the list of food crops that guarantee high economic returns for farmers is Cassava.

    Cassava has a name in all three major languages in Nigeria. It is a staple food crop that thrives in almost all agro-ecological zones across the country. Cassava roots are a major source of carbohydrates and can be processed into various food forms such as Garri (granulated cassava), Fufu (starch), and Tapioca amongst others. Cassava cultivation offers an essential source of income for farmers and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s food security.

    Nigeria is the largest cassava producer globally, accounting for about one-fifth (21%) of total production worldwide. The demand for cassava and its constituents is high in the domestic economy. However, the supply has been unable to meet the huge demand. For instance, the supply-demand gap for High-Quality Cassava Flour stands at about 485,000 metric tonnes (MT) per annum while the gap for cassava starch is about 290,000MT.

    PwC estimates that Nigeria would need about 28.3 million metric tonnes of fresh cassava root planted annually on about 1.2 million hectares of land to meet the country’s demand for cassava by-products and derivatives.

    Guess what? In 2021, The Federal Government stated that when fully harnessed, Nigeria has the capacity to generate as much as $18 billion from the export of its estimated 45 million metric tonnes of cassava products every year.

    Sounds like a great opportunity right?

    The market is growing and you need to secure a great harvest. You need to protect your Cassava from weeds using pre-emergence herbicides such as Rooter, Vigor or Altrazine (80WP/50FW); post-emergence herbicides such as Gallant Super; and from insect attacks using Solitex (efficient against beetles and hoppers) or Termex (perfect for controlling termites). There is no proper post-emergence herbicide for cassava. The closest solution anyone can get in Nigeria is Gallant Super. Gallant Super controls ONLY grasses in broadleaved crops. It should only be used if the predominant weed on the farm are grasses. The application should be done very early i.e. when weeds are at 2-4 leaf stage.

    MAIZE (CORN)

    Maize is another important food crop widely cultivated by Nigerian farmers. It serves as a staple food for many households and is a versatile crop used in numerous culinary preparations. Maize may be consumed directly or processed into products such as Cornmeal, Popcorn, and Animal feed. Its cultivation provides a source of income for farmers and supports the local economy through trade and processing activities.

    Maize, one of the most popular food crops in Nigeria, is widely consumed by millions of Nigerians and is also used for the production of animal feeds.

    However, local production has for years lagged consumption, a situation that has fueled importation with implications for Nigeria’s currency and job creation.

    In 2019, Nigeria was Africa’s second largest maize producer after South Africa and the 14th largest producer globally. Yet, its local maize demand continues to surpass supply thus creating an annual demand gap of about 4 million metric tonnes annually. According to USDA, maize imports into Nigeria doubled from 500,000 metric tonnes to 1 million metric tonnes between October 2019 and October 2020.

    In 2020, due to the increased quantity of maize imported to the country, the CBN banned the issuance of forex for the importation of cereal. The bank has also financed efforts to boost maize farming.

    Here’s a tip: Get Altrazine (80WP/50FW) or Vigor as pre-emergence herbicides; Striker or Select as post-emergence herbicides; Cypertex, Hallakat, Kombat, Solitex, Termex, Kare  works as insecticides while Blue snow works as a fungicide

    Remember your harvest won’t count if they are no longer fit for the market.

    RICE

    Perhaps the most popular food crop in Africa, Rice is a crucial cereal crop that almost no family can do without. Rice is also the preferred food for major celebrations and ceremonial events, so it is understandable that the demand for crop production has considerably increased over the past few years. Venturing into rice farming is therefore a smart move for any Nigerian farmer right now, especially in the northern and southern regions of the country where demand is incredibly higher.

    Revenue in the Rice market amounts to US$3.85bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow annually by 15.69% (CAGR 2023-2028)

    If you are looking to start rice farming or already into it, getting pre-emergence herbicides such as Buster or Hedge or post-emergence herbicides such as Acrox, Select, Seletgold or Nominee Gold is a no-brainer for controlling/eliminating weed attacks. Hallakat or Fipro works as insecticides while Blue Snow works as a fungicide.

    YAM

    Yam is a tuber crop deeply connected to Nigerian culture and food history. It is valued for its taste, texture, and versatility of cooking (edible as boiled, porridge, fried chips, roasted or even pounded). Currently, Nigeria is the largest producer of yam globally, with various yam species cultivated across the country so therefore, yam has the potential for economic empowerment for farmers and contributes significantly to the economy through domestic consumption and export.

    Over 90% of global yam production is from West Africa where it provides food and income for above 300 million smallholder farmers.

    Make sure to protect your yam farms from insect attacks using pre-emergence herbicides such as Rooter, Post-emergence such as Gallant Super and insect attacks with Solitex or Termex.

    COWPEA (BEANS)

    Cowpea (beans) are a vital source of protein cultivated by both small-scale and commercial farmers as alternatives to expensive animal protein such as meat or fish. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and snacks. Cowpea cultivation is particularly common in the Northern states of Nigeria, and it contributes to the income generation and food security of farmers in the region.

    With this high level of nutritional benefits and financial importance, do not allow weeds or insects to steal your yields. Protect your bean farms from weeds using pre-emergence herbicides such as Pendigold and post-emergence herbicide such as Twig, and from insect attacks using insecticides such as Captor or Vanguish.

    Having said that, how do you like your beans?

    Let us know in the comment section below.

    In conclusion,

    Cassava, maize, rice, yam, and beans are just a few examples of crops that contribute to the overall agricultural prosperity of Nigeria. So, just in case we skipped your preferred food crop, be rest assured it was not to undermine your efforts. You are making Nigeria proud and we love you.

    If your preferred crop wasn’t captured on the list, please share in the comment section below and who knows we may just write about it next week! Hope you enjoyed the article – sharing is better, please share.

  • 4 Proven Strategies That Eliminate Weeds and Prevent Them from Affecting Your Crops

    Since the onset of agriculture, the main objective of crop management has been the control of arable weeds, both by making the weed seed bank germinate at a time when the resulting plants would not hinder the crop and by eliminating weed plants at those times they would compete with the crop.  Controlling weeds has been a constant struggle for local farmers. These pesky plants have a penchant for growing where they are least welcome, thus robbing food crops like rice, maize, and yam amongst others of important resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight, posing a significant challenge to their overall yield and profitability for farmers.

    Without any doubt, weeds are bad for business and active steps should be taken to control their growth on farmlands. In today’s post, we have carefully provided four proven strategies to help you permanently get rid of weeds thus helping you regain control over your farmlands.

    Ready?

    Let’s dive in!

    1.     Take time to carefully prepare the farmland before planting season begins.

    While this may seem like a waste of time, it is actually the most important strategy for controlling weeds infestation on farmlands if done properly. Before planting your yam tubers (or any other food crop in general), take time to carefully remove existing weeds by applying land-clearing herbicides such as Paraquats (Slasher and Weedoff) or Glyphosate (Gobara, Uproot or Sarosate). You may also apply Slasha gold.

    2.     Control weeds before they show up with pre-emergence herbicides

    Now that your land has been prepared and unwanted plants have been destroyed, the land is ready for planting. However, it would be wrong to assume that the absence of any weeds in sight means that they have been permanently destroyed as weeds can be reintroduced on your farm through other means. It is for this reason that the application of pre-emergence herbicides (i.e., herbicides used to control weeds before the crops show up) is particularly important. Kindly bear in mind that several kinds of pre-emergence herbicides exist so be sure to confirm which is fit for your crop and farmland before purchase and application. Some of the several pre-emergent herbicides from Saro Agrosciences include Pendigold (for leguminous crops), Buster (for rice, soybeans, groundnut, watermelon, and cotton), Altrazine (for maize, sorghum, sugarcane, pineapples, yam, and cassava) and many others.

    3.     Crop rotation, cover cropping, and mulching

    Rotate the type of crops planted on your fields strategically to disrupt the continued survival of certain weeds peculiar to specific crop farms. This technique reduces weed populations over time and prevents the buildup of resistant weed species. Also, cover crops (like certain legumes or grasses) or organic mulch (such as dried leaves) provide a living ground cover that outcompetes weeds for the necessary resources that they need to thrive. They also improve soil health, suppress weed growth, and prevent soil erosion, thus creating an optimal environment for planted crops to thrive.

    4.     Regular monitoring and timely intervention using post-emergence herbicides

    Be vigilant and regularly inspect your farmland for the presence of weeds and upon detection, ensure to take quick action, whether through manual removal or targeted application of post-emergence herbicides such as Twig (for legumes), Striker (for Maize and other cereals), Actrox (for rice), etc., prevents weeds from spreading their seeds and taking over the farmland in the long run.

    Conclusively,

    Weed control is an essential aspect of successful farming, allowing local farmers to maximize crop productivity and profitability. Embracing these strategies discussed above will not only help you achieve weed-free farms but also contribute to sustainable farming practices and secure a more prosperous future for your farming endeavors.


    Hope you were informed. Don’t miss next week’s post. Do you have a topic of interest you want us to write about? Please share in the comment section below.