May 30, 2012

Kenya uses China's dry farming methods

Dry farming technology developed by China's Gansu province that would improve the grain harvest was now being tested, demonstrated and popularised in Kenya, according to a source on May 28.

Grains in African nations including Kenya are vulnerable to dryness. Facing dryness and water shortage, Gansu province widely uses dry farming technologies such as corn full-film dual-furrow planting, making its grain output rise to 20.29 billion jin (1 jin = 500 grams) in 2011 from 16.16 billion jin in 2006.

Scientific researchers from Lanzhou University have set up more than 4,000 square meters of test base and more than 100 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square metres) of test stations in Kenya to begin development and demonstration of corn dry farming and wheat rainwater-harvesting technology through full-film dual-furrow planting and straw covering technology. In addition, they work hard to train local agricultural technicians and farmers and encourage them to start technology tests in their own fields.