Kagezi Seeds hosted a highly successful Provincial Field Day in Eastern Province, drawing a crowd of over 200 smallholder farmers, local extension staff, cooperative leaders, and regional chieftains. The event focused on presenting the performance results of Kagezi's climate-resilient crop varieties under real local soil and weather conditions.
The field day took place at our primary demonstration farm, showcasing mature crop trials of Pearl Millet, Sorghum, Cowpea, and Sunflower. Attendees were guided through different crop blocks, observing planting densities, leaf canopy coverage, and head grain sizes. This hands-on experience allowed farmers to see the biological advantages of climate-smart genetics firsthand.
"Field days are vital because farmers trust what they can see and touch. Seeing these trial crops thriving in the middle of a dry period gives our community the confidence they need to purchase and plant these varieties." — Jeremiah Choonya, Field Officer – Solwezi
Interactive Sessions on Soil Conservation
Our agronomy team conducted interactive, practical breakout sessions during the tour. Farmers learned about the mechanics of nitrogen fixation in cowpea and groundnut crops, spacing optimization to minimize weed competition, and post-harvest storage techniques. These methods help protect yields from weevil and mold damage without relying on costly chemical treatments.
The event also featured testimonial sessions from local outgrowers who shared their experiences growing Kagezi Seeds. These farmers described how crop diversification protected their household income during erratic rainfall seasons, highlighting the practical benefits of Kagezi's social enterprise model.
Strengthening Partnerships in the Region
The field day concluded with discussions between Kagezi Seeds' management and local agricultural leaders. The conversations centered around expanding seed distribution depots in remote areas and setting up collaborative trial plots in additional districts. The high turnout and active participation highlight the growing demand for climate-smart seed solutions across Eastern Province.