(Salim Ashiono in picture, a young enterpreneur from Ikholi village, Ikolomani feeding chicken with Azolla plant.)
Salim Ashiono a youth from Ikholi village Ikolomani subcounty Kakamega County is among young people who have ventured in Regenerative agriculture particularly on using Azolla at home, installing Azolla boxes to those in need which has become a source of income to him.
Days when farmers depended on one mean of feeding livestock and birds is no longer there. Introduction of Regenerative agriculture in farming has boosted farm produce, farmers being able to save more money unlike the normal farming that existed before. Regenerative agriculture has not just boosted farming, but having one item serving as a solution to many needs in the farm.
One of the common regenerative agriculture practice now in the market is the use of Azolla Plant. Azolla is a plant with multiple nutrient components including proteins, vitamins and calcium. It is planted on water and can be used to feed on chicken, cows, fish, pigs, and even when dried it can be used as a repellant of mosquitoes at homestead. When dried it can be used as manure too.
Once planted on water, Azolla takes 7-14days to be ready for harvesting. In most cases it is used to feed on animals while still afresh after harvesting.
Azolla plant can be planted in two different approaches. One can dig a simple shallow pot, put animal remains in small sack ,then put it in the simple shallow pot .This acts as the nutrients for the Azolla plant. Salim Ashiono does not only use azolla in feeding his animals in the farm .But he has been installing modern Azolla box and traditional Azolla installation which involves digging a small simple shallow pot to farmers. This has become an income generating activity to him.
A modern installed Azolla box
According to Salim Ashiono 1 day old chicks to 2 weeks can be fed Azolla when it is still dry. This helps to reduce mortality rate because of high nutrients in azolla. In livestock, Azolla when used while dry it helps to supply calcium to cow’s hence increasing milk productivity.
A sample of Azolla plant grown in a simple dug shallow pot
Azolla plant should not only be served to animals alone but should be served with normal feeds which will ensure that your animals get enough carbohydrates. Azolla do not have the carbohydrate component. Carbohydrates serve animals with energy.
Salim says Azolla is a living plant. Fish farming becomes accurate as fish will be able to feed on it anytime in water. While on water it can still germinate when served to fish while fresh. Salim Ashiono who practice chicken farming, fish farming and cattle farming says youth should adapt this plant to save on cost on buying animals feeds.
Regenerative farming has helped farmers to avoid overdependence on a single feed which has changed the twist in modern farming.