ZAI
PITS DIMENSIONS AND LAY OUT: While growing Maize in Zai pits in Kenya, dig
circular or square holes 30cm (1ft) deep. A square hole measuring 75 x 75 x 30
(cm) will accommodates nine maize plants. The top soil is mixed with farm yard
manure at a ratio of 4:1 and returned. Manure ratio can be reduced while
growing maize in zai pits in Kenya depending on soil quality, and use of artificial
fertilizers.
ECONOMICS
OF THE TECHNOLOGY: One acre will accommodate 1778 plant pits each
measuring 75 x 75 x cm which gives plant population of 16000. One pit will
yield a minimum of 1.5 kg giving 30 bags of maize from one acre.
TECHNOLOGY
EFFICIENCY: The right maize variety must be planted early enough to benefit from
the rainfall available. Plant using Phosphorus fertilizers for early crop root
establishment.
INCOME
FROM GROWING MAIZE IN ZAI PITS IN KENYA
Yield per acre is 30 bags @ KES 2000 = Gross income of KES 60,000
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Cost of 10 kg seed
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@140
|
1,400
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Cost of 1778 Zai pits distributed into 6 seasons
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@30
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8,890
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3 x 50 kg fertilizers
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@2500
|
7,500
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593 debes of FYM (each debe serves 3 pits)
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@10
|
5,930
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8 m/days of weeding
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@200
|
1,600
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Insecticides
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Assorted
|
2,000
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8 m/days of harvesting
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@200
|
1,600
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2 m/days dusting and spraying
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@200
|
400
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30 gunny bags
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@50
|
1,500
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10 m/days threshing and
winnowing
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@200
|
2,000
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Total variable costs
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32,820
|
60,000-32,820
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Gross margin for growing maize in Zai pits in kenya
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27,180
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