Saplings of Livelihood: A Success Story in Commercial Nursery

The availability of high-quality planting material is a cornerstone of successful commercial vegetable cultivation. Traditionally, most farmers raise small nurseries in their backyards to meet their personal needs. However, challenges such as pest attacks, disease outbreaks, natural calamities, or early-stage plant mortality often leave farmers without sufficient time or resources to prepare a new nursery.

To overcome this recurring problem, Self Help Groups (SHGs) were empowered to establish commercial nurseries under protected conditions using polyhouses and nethouses. These structures enable the production of healthy, uniform seedlings throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.

As part of this initiative, the SHGs were provided with infrastructure, essential accessories, and initial consumables. They also received hands-on training in advanced nursery management techniques—including soil solarization, grafting, raised-bed preparation, precision sowing, fertilization, and integrated pest and disease management.

One inspiring example comes from Purunia village in the Patna block of the Keonjhar district, where the Maa Basant Kuanri Krushak Sangha SHG took the lead in establishing a commercial nursery. They began cultivating seedlings for a variety of vegetable crops such as tomato, brinjal, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, and drumstick, along with fruit crops like papaya.

With continuous guidance and technical support from project personnel, the group successfully transformed their small initiative into a thriving business model. Today, they not only produce enough quality planting material for their own farms but also supply healthy seedlings to neighboring villages, ensuring timely and reliable access to superior planting stock for other farmers.

This success story stands as a testament to the power of collective effort, capacity building, and sustainable entrepreneurship in rural communities. By nurturing these saplings, the women of Maa Basant Kuanri Krushak Sangha have not only grown plants—they have cultivated hope, independence, and a lasting livelihood. 🌿

Kienyeji Chicks Vaccination Schedule in Kenya: Complete Guide for Healthy Flocks

Vaccination plays a vital role in protecting poultry against deadly diseases — and Kienyeji chickens are no exception. While Kienyeji chickens are naturally hardier and more disease-resistant compared to exotic breeds, they still face threats from common poultry diseases such as Newcastle Disease and Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease) . Chicken vaccination schedule To ensure your flock stays healthy, productive, and profitable, a consistent vaccination program is essential. Below is a simple yet effective vaccination schedule and important health management tips for your Kienyeji chicks.

Farming in Kinangop: Exploring Profitable Crops for a Cold Climate

Kinangop is known for its cold and high-altitude climate , which makes it one of Kenya’s most unique farming regions. Most farmers here traditionally grow potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and peas —all well-adapted to the cool weather. However, many farmers today are asking an important question: “Apart from the usual crops, what else can we grow profitably in Kinangop’s cold conditions?” Let’s explore the possibilities.

Sukuma Wiki (Kale) Farming Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala Sukuma siku hybrid kales Sukuma wiki—commonly known as kale—is one of Kenya’s most important leafy vegetables. Belonging to the cabbage family, this hardy crop is widely appreciated for its nutritional value, adaptability, and role in improving food security and livelihoods.

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