A guide to IPM and hygiene standards in okra production in kenya

Abstract

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench, originated in Africa and, as a member of the Malvaceae family, is related to cotton . It is cultivated for Its pods, which are harvested when Immature and used in preparing curries and stews. In Kenya, smallholder farmers supply about 80% of okra under contract to exporters. Their average farm size Is less than 0.3 ha. The crop Is grown In semi-arid areas and coastal lowlands primarily for export to Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. It is cultivated under basin or furrow irrigation. The varieties grown in Kenya are Pusa Sawani, Clemson Spineless, Green Emerald, Dwarf Green Long Pod and White Velvet, with Pusa Sawani as the most popular among smallholders. Variety preference by smallholders is dictated by market demands. The estimated area under okra in Kenya in 2001 was 814 ha, fetching about US$ 4,413,773; according to the Ministry of Agriculture. As an agricultural export commodity to the European Union (EU), okra is subjected to stringent EU and EUREPGAP (Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group on Good Agricultural Practices) regulations, maximum pesticide residue limits, food safety and traceability of the produce from the field to the exporter. Okra is a minor crop in the EU and therefore the range of chemical products registered in or acceptable to the EU for the management of Its pests and diseases is very narrow. This situation is compounded by the fact that the permitted products are not available or registered locally for use on okra or are prohibitively expensive to smallholder farmers, who constitute the majority of the producers. In addition , according to EUREPGAP regulations (which are not legally binding in the EU although they are religiously enforced by supermarket chains), outgrowers and smallholder farmers' groups must be certified by EUREPGAP accredited Institutions, all of which are based in Europe. Certification is annual. and the overall costs for compliance with EUREPGAP standards are high. Thus, outgrowers and smallholders face huge obstacles in maintaining the EU market niche and in sustaining their livelihood. The USAID Project 'Preparing Kenya Smallholder Export Vegetable Growers for Compliance with European Union Regulations on Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits and Hygiene Standards' was initiated to assist smallholder growers of export vegetables to become compliant with EU regulations and to help them stay in business through training of trainers and farmers' groups in integrated pest and disease management, food safety and traceability requirements. The information provided in this handbook was partially obtained through a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study and a field survey conducted in the major okra growing areas In Kenya between June 2002 and January 2003. The two main production constraints identified were pests and diseases, and marketing. The latter is controlled by exporters. There are no written contracts between producers and exporters for supply of produce. In addition, prices fluctuate drastically during the production period. Other problems encountered include high input costs, low seed quality and inadequate cultural practices such as dense planting and poor or no weeding. The major pests and diseases were aphids, flea beetles, pod borers, bugs, powdery mildew and root-knot nematodes. This handbook Is Intended as a field guide and a reference tool in diagnosis and integrated management of pests and diseases of okra In Kenya. The major themes it covers include: growing okra; integrated pest and disease management; descriptions of pests and diseases of okra in Kenya, along with their pictures; crop scouting; and hygiene and food safety In horticultural production. The handbook also provides guidelines on best use of pesticides. The primary audience for this handbook Includes okra farmers, agricultural trainers, horticultural extension personnel, farm managers and agricultural consultants. It should also be useful to students, teachers and researchers who are interested in the practical aspects of okra production and id entification of pests and diseases of okra and their management.