Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture, through the use of Tricanthera or Madre de Agua; a high protein source, native to Colombia; the Climate Smart Agriculture & Rural Enterprise Programme (SAEP), held an informative practical session engaging farmers of the St.Mark’s Farmer’s Organisation on Monday.
The activity demonstrated the practices involved in the Establishment of trichanthera along with csa practices, such as, Site selection, manual land preparation, plant material selection, organic potting mix for Propagation, spacing and mulching.
Having planted the first set of Tricanthera trees on his plot, during the practical exercise on Monday, George Holder, President of the Organisation explained that its introduction augurs well for them. He said that given the high costs of feed, they are expected to benefit tremendously, with the addition of forage for supplying nutrients to their livestock.
Tricanthra Trees thrive well in loamy soils, they are adaptable in acidic soils, have a good moisture-holding capacity and are tolerant to drought conditions. Farmers from the group will be able to harvest between 4-6 months after planting , and use to feed animals.
SAEP Extension Assistant Lindonna Mark explained the Climate change aspect and the economic benefits for the farmers.
Kenly Edwards, CSA Coordinator at SAEP, said that as part of their community awareness projects Tricanthera Trees will be planted on different farming plots.
As part of the community awareness, the Climate Smart Agriculture and Rural Enterprise Development Project (SAEP) will produce demonstration videos on the benefits of planting this shrub. Farmers will also be provided with a technical guide that will provide tips for growing Tricanthera. The Ministry of Agriculture endorses this initiative as one which can increase the availability of forage for livestock and retain soil , thus preventing soil erosion of farmlands.
