Category: blog

Modern farming is no longer just about planting, harvesting, and repeating the cycle. The soil itself needs attention, and one of the oldest yet most effective strategies to keep it productive is crop rotation. This practice, when done right, not only improves yield but also results in healthy soil.

In this week’s blog, we break down how crop rotation improves soil health and why it should form a key part of your farming schedule.

1. Breaking Pest and Disease Cycles

When farmers grow the same crop year after year (a practice called monocropping), pests and diseases that attack that crop quickly build up in the soil. For example, if you plant maize continuously, maize stalk borers and soil-borne diseases will increase over time.

By rotating crops – say, cereals with legumes or tubers, you disrupt the cycle. Many pests and pathogens that thrive on one crop simply can’t survive when another replaces it. This natural break reduces infestations and disease pressure, meaning farmers can spend less on pesticides and enjoy healthier crops.

2. Natural Soil Fertility Boost

Different crops draw nutrients differently. Cereals consume lots of nitrogen, tubers like cassava demand potassium, and vegetables have their own nutrient needs. Rotation helps balance this usage so the soil doesn’t get exhausted. For instance, planting maize after soybean or cowpea often results in better yields because the maize benefits from the nitrogen left behind in the soil.

3. Improving Soil Structure and Organic Matter

Soil is a living system. Continuous monocropping drains it of organic matter and weakens its structure. Rotation helps restore balance. Deep-rooted crops open up the soil, improving aeration and water infiltration, while crop residues decompose into organic matter that strengthens soil texture and moisture holding capacity.

4. Preventing Soil Erosion

Rotating with crops that provide ground cover protects soil from erosion. Their canopy shields the surface from raindrop impact, while their roots hold the soil together, preserving valuable topsoil where nutrients are most concentrated.

5. Promoting Biodiversity in the Soil

Healthy soil is alive with organisms, bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other microfauna. Crop rotation, especially with legumes, introduces different root exudates and organic materials that feed a diverse community of soil organisms. This biodiversity helps suppress harmful pathogens, enhances nutrient cycling, and keeps the soil ecosystem resilient.

Practical Crop Rotation Ideas

• Maize–Soybean Rotation: Farmers who rotate maize with soybean often see higher maize yields due to improved nitrogen and reduced disease pressure.
• Cassava–Groundnut Rotation: Cassava’s high nutrient demands are supported by groundnut’s soil-enriching effect.
• Rice–Vegetable Rotation: Upland rice rotated with tomatoes, peppers, or leafy vegetables improves soil structure and reduces rice-specific disease cycles.
• Yam–Cereal Rotation: Alternating yam with cereals helps cut down yam pests and balances nutrient use.

Farming legumes like beans, soybeans, or groundnuts is rewarding, but weeds can destroy the effort made; they steal water, sunlight, and nutrients from your crop, leaving you with poor harvests. That’s why using herbicides the right way is very important.

At Saro Agrosciences, Buster (a pre-emergence herbicide you use after planting but before weeds come up) and Twig (a post-emergence herbicide you use when weeds are already showing). are very effective in helping to protect your legumes at the right time, but only if you apply them correctly.

Here are the dos and don’ts every farmer should know and adhere to before their next herbicide application on a leguminous farm.

The Do’s (What You Should Do)

1. Use the right herbicide at the right stage: Before planting, make sure you clear the field with land-clearing herbicides like Slasher, Slasher Super or Gobara SG. These are non-selective herbicides, which means they kill every plant they touch. That’s why they must be used before planting, if you spray them after, they will wipe out your crop completely.

Right after planting your legumes, apply Buster quickly to stop weeds from coming up and to keep the field clean from the start. If you miss this early application window, don’t worry. Wait until the weeds show, then use Twig to clear them safely without harming your beans, soybeans, or groundnuts.

Remember: timing is everything. Using these herbicides at the wrong stage will not only reduce their effect but can also harm your crop. Follow the right order, and your farm will thank you with a better harvest.

2. Measure and mix correctly: STRICTLY follow the instructions on the label when it comes to dosage. Using the right amount is the only way to get the best results. If you use more than required, you will not get a better outcome; instead, you risk destroying your crops and harming the soil and environment. On the other hand, if you use too little, the weeds will survive, and all your effort and money will be wasted.

The simple rule is this: don’t guess, don’t underdo, don’t overdo, just follow the instructions on the label.

3. Spray at the right time of day: Spray in the morning or evening when the sun is not too hot, the wind is calm, and no rain is expected. This helps the herbicide work better and reduces waste.

The Don’ts (What You Should Avoid)

1. Don’t mix herbicides carelessly: Unless the label or an expert says it is safe, never combine two different herbicides. Wrong mixtures can destroy your crop or reduce effectiveness. If you must mix, make sure to reach out to us for more details.

2. Don’t forget to wear PPE while spraying: Always wear boots, gloves, and a face cover. Wash your sprayer, hands, and clothes immediately after spraying. Protecting your health is as important as protecting your crops.

3. Don’t keep herbicides near food, children, or animals: store them separately in a safe, dry place. Herbicides are dangerous if swallowed or touched.

In conclusion,

Herbicides are great. But how you apply them is just as important as the product itself. Want more tips, simple guides, and expert advice on protecting your crops? Download the FarmPropa App today and carry knowledge with you everywhere you go.

If you have been farming for a while, you know no two seasons are the same. One year, your crop grows beautifully. The next, pests, drought, or low market prices leave you counting losses. For that reason, relying on just one crop is risky. That’s why intercropping, the practice of growing two or more crops together on the same farm, is considered a smart move.

And when it comes to good combinations, few pairs work better than maize and legumes. This guide will show you why this pairing works, how to do it step-by-step, and how to avoid common mistakes so you can get better yields, protect your soil, and reduce your farming risks.

Why Maize and Legumes Make a Great Team

1. Legumes naturally feed the soil: Through a process called nitrogen fixation, legumes pull nitrogen from the air and store it in the soil. Maize loves nitrogen, so this gives it a natural boost without extra chemical fertilizer.
2. Maize offers support: Tall maize stalks can give climbing legumes (like beans) something to lean on and can also protect delicate crops from harsh sun or strong winds.
3. You get two harvests in one go: Even if pests or drought hurt one crop, the other can still give you food to eat and produce to sell.
4. Weed and pest control is easier: The mixture of crops covers the ground, making it harder for weeds to grow and disrupting pest life cycles.

How to Intercrop Maize and Legumes for Bigger Harvests and Less Risk

1. Pre-planting: Before you start planting, keep these principles in mind:

1. Avoid overcrowding: If crops are too close, they’ll fight for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Give both maize and legumes enough breathing space.
2. Pay attention to the varieties selected: Short maize with shade-loving legumes works well. If your maize grows tall, consider planting a legume that tolerates shade or wait until it’s taller, so it can catch enough sunlight.
3. Prepare the land properly: Endeavour to properly clear the land of weeds, stumps, and stones before planting. Doing this correctly is very crucial, and our Glyphosate (Gobara, Gobara SG, Uproot, Sarosate) and Glufosinate (Slasher, Slasher Super, SlashaGold) solutions are equally effective options to use for this.

2. Planting: There are two main types of intercropping, row and strip intercropping; it is important to consider both against your options before making a choice.

• Row Intercropping: In this system, you plant the maize in rows and the legumes between the rows made. Ideally, spacing for the maize rows should be 75–90 cm apart, while for the legumes, it should be 20–30 cm apart within their row.

Note that this system is best suited for smaller farmlands, as it helps to manage space without affecting the planted crops.

• Strip Intercropping: In this system, the crops are planted in alternating rows. Ideally, 2–4 rows of maize are followed by 2–4 rows of legumes, with the pattern constantly repeated across the field.

This system is a great option for those with large farms, making it easier to weed or apply crop protection products to specific portions of the farmland.

Once you decide on the mode of planting, make sure to time your planting to suit both crop varieties you have. We recommend planting maize first and waiting a short while (about 2 weeks) to plant the legumes.

3. Post-Planting: Fertilize wisely; maize needs an early boost—apply NPK 15:15:15 or a suitable starter at 2–3 weeks after planting. Make sure to avoid overusing nitrogen fertilizers because they reduce the legume’s ability to fix its own nitrogen.

Note that it is important to stay vigilant to keep weeds and pests under control. Also, scout for common insect pests like fall armyworm in maize and pod borers in legumes and control with fitting insecticide options like Hallakat and Kare (for maize) and Sting, Kombat, or Cypertex (for beans). Finally, note that maize often matures before legumes. Harvest it first, then let the legumes finish drying on the plant. Once done, dry both crops properly before storage to prevent mold or insect damage.

In conclusion,

Intercropping maize and legumes is not just a clever farming trick—it’s a proven way to get more food, protect your soil, and keep your income steady even when the season throws surprises at you.

Start small, track your results, and fine-tune your spacing and timing. With every season, your soil will get richer, your harvest more abundant, and your risk much lower.

For many farmers, the rainy season brings hope. The land is fertile, the crops are growing, and the harvest looks promising. But what happens when, in the middle of all this, your maize leaves begin to turn yellow? It’s frustrating and worrying.

Yellowing leaves, also known as chlorosis, are often a sign that something is off in the field. If you’ve noticed your maize looking pale or less vibrant during what seems like perfect weather, here are a few reasons why this might be happening and what you can do about it.

1. Loss of Nutrients Due to Excess Rainfall

Heavy rain can wash away essential nutrients from the soil, especially nitrogen, which is responsible for the lush green colour of maize leaves. Even if you applied fertilizer at planting, the nutrients may no longer be where the plant roots can access them.

What to look out for:
Yellowing that starts from the lower (older) leaves and moves upward is a classic sign of nitrogen deficiency.

What you can do:
Apply a top-dress of nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as urea or CAN) around three to four weeks after planting. Split applications can be more effective—small doses spaced out reduce waste and help the plant absorb nutrients more steadily.

2. Early Pest Damage

Insects such as stem borers and armyworms frequently attack maize plants in their early stages, particularly during warm and wet periods. These pests can damage the stem and root system, reducing the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water.

What to look out for:
Holes in the leaves, damaged whorls, or plants that appear weak, even with good rainfall. You may also see pests in the central whorl of the plant.

What you can do:
Use an effective insecticide early in the season. Products like Kombat, Sting, or Cypertex can help control a wide range of pests before they cause serious damage. Regular monitoring of your field will also help you catch problems early.

3. Poor Drainage or Soil Compaction

While rain is necessary, too much of it, especially in poorly drained or compacted soils, can lead to waterlogging. When the soil stays soggy for too long, plant roots can’t breathe or absorb nutrients, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

What to look out for:
Water pooling on the soil surface after rain, slow plant growth, or darkened roots when the plant is dug up.

What you can do:
Improve your field’s drainage by creating channels or planting on raised beds or ridges. Avoid over-tilling or using heavy machinery, as this can compact the soil and worsen drainage.

4. Imbalanced Soil Nutrients

Nitrogen isn’t the only nutrient maize needs. Deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, or potassium can also cause yellowing, sometimes in unique patterns like stripes or leaf-edge discolouration.

What to look out for:
Striped yellowing between the veins (often due to zinc deficiency) or yellowing that starts at the leaf tips or edges.

What you can do:
Use balanced fertilizers that include secondary and micronutrients. Foliar sprays containing zinc or magnesium can also be beneficial. For long-term results, consider doing a soil test to understand exactly what your soil needs.

What Should You Do When You Notice Yellowing?

The most important thing is not to panic. Yellowing is a symptom, and once you understand the cause, you can take the right action. Pay attention to when and where the yellowing starts, and combine that with what you know about your fertilizer, pest control, and drainage practices.

Remember that every farm is different. What worked last season might need to be adjusted this year based on rainfall, soil condition, and pest pressure.

Wrapping up,

Acting early is key. Regular field checks, timely application of the right inputs, and good agronomic practices can help you turn the season around and protect your yield before it’s too late.

Let’s grow better, together.

And remember, you’re not alone. If you’re unsure about what product to use or have any questions about planting, you can always reach out to us on any of our social media platforms. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

These days, the weather has a mind of its own. One moment it’s sunny, the next it’s raining heavily for days. For many farmers, this can be a real problem. Too much rain can damage crops, attract pests, and even lead to plant diseases. But sometimes, it’s not just the weather—it’s also the little things we overlook that cause bigger issues.

In this blog, we’ll talk about five common mistakes farmers make when trying to protect their farms during rainy weather and share simple tips to help you avoid them and keep your crops safe.

1. Wrong timing for applications

Weather forecasts can be a farmer’s best friend, but relying solely on them can lead to errors. With fluctuating conditions, such as unexpected rain showers, it’s essential to pay close attention to local forecasts. Applying crop protection products just before a rainstorm can wash them away, rendering them ineffective. Aim to apply treatments when conditions are optimal—consider timing your applications based on not just current weather but also the forecast for the next few days.

2. Overlooking the condition and needs of your soil

One of the most significant mistakes farmers make is overlooking soil conditions before applying treatments. Heavy rains can lead to waterlogged soils, which may impede the effectiveness of fertilisers, herbicides, and fungicides. Before any application, conduct a soil assessment to determine its moisture level and compaction. Avoid applying treatments on saturated soils, as this can lead to runoff and reduced efficacy. Instead, wait for the soil to dry adequately before proceeding.

3. Neglecting drainage

Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged fields, which are breeding grounds for diseases like root rot and fungal infections. Farmers often underestimate the impact of drainage on crop health. Installing effective drainage systems and maintaining ditches and channels can help manage excess water during periods of heavy rain. Regularly inspect your drainage systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and are free from obstructions.

4. Ignoring pest attacks

Heavy rainfall can create an ideal environment for pests to thrive, yet many farmers ignore regular pest monitoring. Conditions following significant rain events can lead to population explosions of pests that target crops. Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy allows farmers to monitor pest levels and take timely action when populations exceed threshold levels. Regular scouting of fields helps identify pest issues early, allowing for more effective interventions.

5. Investing in effective crop protection solutions

The quality of crop protection products plays a crucial role in their effectiveness, especially during challenging weather conditions. Cheaper, low-quality options may struggle to perform in wet environments, leading to ineffective disease control and pest management. We recommend investing in crop protection solutions from Saro Agrosciences, which are specifically formulated to meet the demands of the conditions you’re likely to face.

Need assistance in selecting the right crop protection product for your farm? Visit here to browse through our extensive catalog. Alternatively, the FarmPropa app simplifies the process for you. Just download the app, register, and access the product recommendation tab to discover the best solutions for your crops. It’s that easy!

As the climate continues to shift and weather patterns become more unpredictable, effective farm protection becomes increasingly vital. Avoiding these common mistakes—such as ignoring soil conditions, timing applications incorrectly, neglecting crop rotation, overlooking drainage, failing to monitor pests, skipping preventive treatments, and not investing in quality products—you can safeguard your crops against the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and other weather-related issues. With careful planning and proactive strategies, you can ensure a bountiful harvest, even in the face of unpredictable weather.

If you have ever planted maize, you know how quickly weeds can take over if you’re not careful. They pop up fast, compete with your crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight, and before you know it, your maize starts to struggle. That’s why early weed control is so important. Getting ahead of the weeds in the first few weeks after planting can make a big difference—not just in how healthy your maize looks, but in how much you harvest at the end of the season. In this blog, we will discuss simple, effective ways to manage weeds early and give your maize the best chance to grow strong and yield well.

But first… Why is early weed control important?

As an experienced farmer, you would know that the first 4 to 6 weeks after planting are the most critical for maize. During this period, the crop is establishing its root system and above-ground biomass. Weeds emerging at the same time can outcompete maize seedlings, causing stunted growth, reduced cob formation, and significant yield losses—up to 60% or more in extreme cases.

Weeds commonly found in maize fields fall into three categories: grassy weeds (e.g., crabgrass), broadleaf weeds (e.g., Amaranthus), and Sedges (such as nut sedges). Each group requires specific control strategies, and an integrated approach often works best. Controlling weeds early not only enhances the vigour of the maize crop but also simplifies ongoing weed management. Starting clean allows the maize to establish quickly, outcompete later-emerging weeds, and reduce the need for repeated interventions.

Best Practices for Early Weed Control in Maize

1. Land preparation

Proper land clearing and seedbed preparation can eliminate many weed seeds and reduce initial weed pressure. Tillage helps expose weed seeds to the sun or bury them deep, reducing germination.

2. Choosing the right seed variety

While proper land clearing is invaluable for giving your maize the right start, choosing the right seeds is just as important, especially when dealing with stubborn weeds like Striga (also known as “witchweed”). Striga can be very difficult to control using regular methods, and once it invades your field, it can reduce yields drastically. In such cases, your best bet is to plant Striga-resistant maize varieties. Options like SC419, SC526, and SC651 from SeedCo have been specially bred to withstand Striga attacks and give you a good harvest. We have no reservations whatsoever recommending any of them to you.

2. Use of pre-emergence herbicides

Applying a pre-emergence herbicide right after planting but before maize and weeds emerge is a highly effective way to suppress weeds from the outset. The suitable herbicide from Saro Agrosciences is Vigor.

This product offers broad-spectrum control of grasses and broadleaf weeds, with Vigor offering a prolonged residual effect of 8-12 weeks when used properly. We recommend applying within 24 hours of planting for maximal effect.

3. Post-emergence herbicide application

If weeds emerge despite pre-emergence control, follow up with a post-emergence herbicide. The timing should coincide with early weed emergence when the weeds are still small and easier to control. Striker is the best post-emergence herbicide for selective control in maize, effective against both grasses and broadleaf weeds, offering systemic control without leaching into the soil.

Note: Always follow label instructions to avoid crop injury and herbicide resistance. Also note that Striker is NOT compatible with an intercropped farm of Maize and Cassava, and if applied the Cassava will be harmed.

4. Crop spacing and density

Proper maize spacing (usually 25–30 cm apart) allows for faster canopy closure, which shades out weeds and limits their growth. Dense, uniform planting can be a natural weed suppressant.

5. Manual weeding and hoeing

Where herbicide use is limited or not possible, early manual weeding (around 2–3 weeks after planting) can significantly reduce weed pressure. However, it’s labour-intensive and must be done carefully to avoid damaging maize roots.

Early season weed control is not just a good practice—it’s a necessity for successful maize farming. Whether you are a smallholder or commercial farmer, investing time and resources into effective weed management in the first month of growth will set the stage for a bountiful harvest.

With the right strategy and good agronomic practices, you can minimize weed pressure and maximize your maize yield potential. We wish you all the best in the season ahead!

Clearing land is a major first step in setting up any productive farm, but it’s not just about removing weds, grasses and sedges —it’s about doing it right. Herbicides are a fast, efficient way to eliminate unwanted weeds and prepare soil for planting, but if misused, they can damage your land, harm the environment, and reduce the quality of your harvest.

Here are the essential dos and don’ts every farmer or land clearer must follow when using land clearing herbicides:

DOs: What You Should Always Do When Using Land Clearing Herbicides

1. DO Choose the Right Type of Herbicide

Not all herbicides are created equal—and not all are safe.

Some land clearing herbicides, especially those containing Paraquat, are highly toxic and can pose serious risks to the environment, water sources, and human health.

Instead, choose environmentally safer options like Gobara SG, Uproot, Sarosate, Slasha Gold, Slasher Super, and Slasher.

These top land clearing products from Saro Agrosciences contain active ingredients like glyphosate and glufosinate, which are designed to be effective on weeds while safe for the environment. They break down quickly in the soil and pose lower risks to non-target organisms when used correctly.

2. DO Read and Follow the Label Instructions

Every herbicide product comes with specific guidelines on how to:

• Measure and mix properly
• Apply safely
• Handle spills and exposure

Ignoring the label is not only dangerous—it’s unsafe for you as a farmer and can lead to crop failure or environmental damage.

3. DO Take Note of the Time Lapse before Planting

After applying herbicides, it’s important to wait before planting any crops. Typically, this wait time takes about a week for the herbicide to break down enough for it to be safe to introduce new plants. However, this waiting period can vary depending on the type of herbicide used, soil conditions, and the specific crop you want to plant.

If you are unsure about the right waiting time, don’t guess—reach out to us for expert guidance. Planting too soon can result in poor germination or crop failure.

4. DO Use Proper Safety Gear

Always protect yourself during herbicide application by wearing PPE gear such as rubber gloves, long-sleeved clothing, goggles, a face mask or respirator, etc. This helps prevent accidental exposure through skin contact, inhalation, or eye splashes.

5. DO Store and Dispose of Products Safely

We recommend keeping herbicides in their original containers, away from food, children, and animals. If you must store it, we recommend ensuring it is in a cool, dry place once done, make sure to dispose of empty containers properly.

Please, never reuse them for food or water.

DON’Ts: Mistakes You Must Avoid

1. DON’T Over apply

Spraying more herbicide than recommended won’t make the weeds die faster—it only wastes product and money, damaging the soil, and affecting future crop growth. Beyond these, the herbicides may stack up in the area, thus increasing the risk of herbicide resistance in weeds. Use only what’s needed. The earth will thank you.

2. DON’T Ignore Re-Entry Intervals

Every herbicide has a re-entry period—a specific time you must wait after application before entering the field again. Ignoring this can expose you (and your workers) to harmful residues that haven’t yet broken down.

Always check the label and respect the waiting period.

Land clearing is more than a job, it’s the foundation of your farming future. The herbicides you choose and how you use them will impact your yield, your soil health, and your legacy as a responsible farmer.

Choose products like Gobara SG, Uproot, Sarosate, SlashaGold, Slasher Super and Slasher for safer, cleaner land preparation. Follow best practices, protect your environment, and set your farm up for success.

Clear wisely. Farm responsibly. Grow sustainably.

Land clearing is the first and most important step when starting a new farming season. Whether you are preparing a large field for maize, cassava, legumes or any other crop, a well-cleared land lays the foundation for better planting, faster growth, and bigger harvests.

If you are a local farmer looking to make this process smoother, easier, and more effective, this blog post is for you. Here are some helpful tips—along with recommended land-clearing herbicides from Saro Agrosciences—that can make the work much easier and reduce the stress of manual labour.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

1. Know Your Land

Before you begin clearing, take time to understand the land. Is it overgrown with grass? Bushes? Stumps? Knowing what you are dealing with will guide the type of tools and herbicides you will need.

2. Choose the Right Time

The best time to clear land is usually during the dry season. That way, the soil is firm, and there is less chance of machinery or labourers getting stuck in the mud. Plus, weeds dry up faster when sprayed, making it easier to clean up afterwards.

3. Let Herbicides Do the Hard Work

Manual land clearing can be tiring and time-consuming. Luckily, with the right herbicide, you can reduce the stress of clearing and avoid unnecessary manual labour.

Saro Agrosciences offers a range of effective land clearing solutions that help farmers clear their land with ease. Products like Slasher, Slashagold, Slasher Super, Gobara, Uproot, and Sarosate are specially formulated to handle everything from grasses and shrubs to stubborn weeds and bush growth. These herbicides allow you to save time, reduce costs, and conserve energy for the next stages of farming.

Pro Tip: If you have a small land size and do not want to spend too much, Gobara SG is a cost-effective option that still delivers excellent results. It is a smart choice for farmers working with limited resources.

4. Use Safely and Responsibly

Always wear protective clothing when applying herbicides. Read the label carefully and follow the usage instructions. Once done, make sure to dispose in an area that is out of children or other farm animal’s reach. Keep children and animals away from the area while spraying.

5. Follow Up with Maintenance

Once your land is cleared, check it from time to time. Some weeds may try to grow back. A quick spot spray with Uproot or any of the recommended herbicides can keep your land neat and planting-ready.

Land clearing should not wear you out. With the right solution from Saro Agrosciences, you can clear your land quickly, safely, and without unnecessary stress. Whether you are preparing a single plot or multiple hectares, there is a product to meet your needs and make your work easier. So, clear smart and farm better with help from Saro. Send us a message today!

Rice farming is more than just planting seeds and harvesting grains; it’s an art and science that feeds nearly half of the world’s population. For many farmers, rice is not only a staple crop but also a source of livelihood and community growth. However, getting started with rice farming can seem daunting, especially with the challenges of unpredictable weather, pests, and water management. 

The good news is that with the right knowledge and techniques, rice farming can be both productive and profitable. From selecting the ideal variety to mastering irrigation and nutrient management, each step plays a crucial role in achieving high yields. Whether you’re a first-time farmer or an experienced grower looking to optimise your practices, this blog offers five essential tips to help you kick-start your rice farming journey with confidence and success. 

Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. Choose the Right Rice Variety 

Selecting the right variety of rice is the first step in ensuring a productive season. Rice varieties differ in growth duration, yield potential, pest resistance, and adaptability to specific conditions. 

To this end, hybrid varieties such as FARO 44 and FARO 67 are the best bet as they provide increased yields, higher resistance to pests and diseases, local adaptability, and high market demand, which in turn ensures high profitability. 

Pro Tip: Always source your seeds from certified Saro suppliers to guarantee quality and purity. 

2. Prepare Your Land Properly 

Proper land preparation is crucial for rice growth, as it ensures good water retention and weed control. Plough the field to break up soil clumps and level it to prevent waterlogging in specific areas. Similarly, ensure to set in place an efficient irrigation system to maintain optimal water levels. 

Pro Tip: We recommend performing a soil test before planting to determine nutrients deficiencies and correct them accordingly.

3. Pay Close Attention to Irrigation 

Rice is a water-intensive crop, making irrigation a critical aspect of farming.  Here are some irrigation strategies you may want to consider:

– Flood Irrigation: Traditional but effective for flat terrains, ensuring uniform water coverage. 

– Drip Irrigation: Suitable for water-scarce areas, conserving water while keeping the soil moist. 

Pro Tip: For rice, it is good practice to maintain water depth between 5–10 cm during the vegetative stage for optimal growth. 

4. Be Ready for Prompt Control of Weeds and other Pests 

Weeds and pests can severely affect rice yields if not managed properly. Use pre-emergence crop protection products like Pendigold to prevent weeds from germinating or post-emergence options like Select Gold, Actrox or Nominee Gold to effectively control weeds after they begin appearing.

Insecticides like Fipro and Fungicides like Blue Snow are equally necessary crop protection options to protect your crops from insect pests and microbes, respectively.

Pro Tip: We recommend scouting your field regularly to identify pest infestations early in order to take immediate action. 

5. Focus on Nutrient Management 

Rice is a heavy feeder, requiring balanced nutrients for vigorous growth and high yields. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), Zinc and Sulfur are essential nutrients required in different quantities during tillering and panicle initiation stages to improve output and preserve grain quality. 

This nutrient requirement further drives home the importance of incorporating fertilizer usage. We recommend a combination of organic and synthetic fertilizers for sustained soil health. 

Pro Tip: Apply fertilizers based on soil test results to avoid wastage and maximize productivity. 

For staying till the end of the blog, here’s a bonus tip:

Timing is crucial!

Yes, planting at the right time is very critical in rice farming. In rain-fed regions, sow immediately after the first rains. For irrigated fields, align planting with water availability. For more details or personalized advice, feel free to reach out to us via any of our social media channels. We are always eager to help.

In conclusion,

While starting a rice farming venture can indeed be challenging, following these five essential tips will equip you for a successful season. By selecting the right variety, preparing your land properly, mastering irrigation, managing weeds and pests, and ensuring optimal nutrient application, you can achieve higher yields and profitability. 

Happy farming!

Legumes, such as soybean, cowpea, groundnut, beans, peas, and lentils, are essential crops for food security, offering a rich source of protein and vital nutrients. However, their growth can be severely impacted by various insect pests that feed on them, causing damage to both the plants and the harvest. Effective pest management is critical to ensuring a healthy yield. In this blog, we will discuss five common insect pests that affect legumes and the best insecticides to control or manage them.

1. Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata)

The pod borer is one of the most destructive pests of legumes, particularly beans and cowpeas. Its larvae burrow into the pods and feed on the developing seeds, causing significant damage. Infestations can lead to poor pod development, resulting in reduced yields.

2. Aphids (Aphis fabae)

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from legume plants, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced vigour. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote the growth of fungal diseases like sooty mould. Aphids can also spread viruses, making them particularly harmful.

3. Leaf Hoppers (Empoasca spp.)

Leaf hoppers are notorious for transmitting various viral diseases, such as the yellowing disease in beans. Their feeding weakens the plant, leading to reduced growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop.

4. Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci)

Whiteflies are small flying insects that cause damage by feeding on plant sap, leading to yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. They also excrete honeydew, which fosters fungal growth and promotes the spread of plant viruses. Infestations can lead to reduced yields and overall poor plant health.

5. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)

Cutworms are nocturnal pests that feed on the stems of young legume plants. They can sever seedlings at or near ground level, causing significant damage, especially during the early stages of plant growth. This can result in poor germination rates and the death of young plants.

Dear Farmers, we have goodnews!

We know how challenging it can be to protect your legume crops from pests, but the good news is that with the right insecticides, you can significantly reduce the damage they cause and keep your crops thriving. Products like Sting, Vanguish, Kombat, Cypertex, Solitex, Cypertex & Termex can be game-changers in helping you maintain healthy, productive plants. Remember, though, it is not just about the right product—following application guidelines, practising crop rotation, and ensuring good field sanitation are all part of the winning formula. Keep an eye on your crops, especially during the vulnerable stages of growth, and don’t let pests rob you of your hard work.