Zambia Agribusiness Society

Deficiency symptoms of various macro and micro nutrients Symptoms of nutrient deficiency are common to fruit farmers. However, multiple nutrition disorders can occur simultaneously which makes it complicated for farmers to diagnose production problems. To determine the nutrients that are deficient in the soil,  farmers should have their soil analysed by experts.   Protein is an important element required by living organisms for growth and development. One of the elements present in proteins is Nitrogen, which is a component of chlorophyll, DNA, RNA, amino acids, alkaloids, and enzymes. In fruit farming, various nutrients play an important role in enhancing the growth and quality of fruits. Commercial fruit farming is being embraced in various parts of the country due to its high returns. Watermelon , for instance, is a fruit with a short maturity period, high yields, high demand, and ready market. The fruit is composed of 92% water, making watermelon a suitable fruit when it is hot.

Climate change could negatively impact banana cultivation in some of the world’s most important producing and exporting countries, a study has revealed. Bananas are recognised as the most important fruit crop – providing food, nutrition and income for millions in both rural and urban areas across the globe. While many reports have looked at the impact of climate change on agricultural production, the effect of rising temperatures and changing rainfall has on crucial tropical crops such as the banana are less well understood. In a new study, led by Dr. Dan Bebber from the University of Exeter, scientists have studied both the recent and future impact of climate change on the world’s leading banana producers and exporters. It shows that 27 countries – accounting for 86% of the world’s dessert banana production – have on average seen increased crop yield since 1961 due to the changing climate resulting in more favourable growing conditions. However, crucially the report also sug

Never, put your bananas in the refrigerator!!! After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again. Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must add to our daily diet. 1. Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken on minds amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happie

Growing bananas does not take much effort, but it does require that you get a few things right when you first get started. Banana plants can offer many benefits: 1.     They make great windbreaks or screens. 2.     They utilize the water and nutrients in waste drains (think washing water or outdoor shower). 3.     The leaves can be fed to horses, cows and other grazers. 4.     The dried remains of the trunks can be used for weaving baskets and mats. 5.     And they give you banana fruits, lots of bananas! Banana plants like the following: 1.     Rich, dark, fertile soils. 2.     Lots of mulch and organic matter (nshima leftovers and any kitchen waste). 3.     A lot of nitrogen and potassium ( chicken manure ). 4.     Steady warmth, not too hot and not too cold. (Bananas are sissies when it comes to temperatures). 5.     Steady moisture, in the ground and in the air. 6.     The shelter of other bananas! That's the most overlooked aspect by home growers. B

Tamarind is a hardwood tree scientifically known as Tamarindus indica. It's a native tree in Africa specifically Sudan but also grows in India and many other tropical regions around the globe. The tree produces bean-like pods filled with seeds surrounded by a fibrous pulp. The pulp of the young fruit is green and sour. As it ripens, the juicy pulp becomes paste-like and more sweet-sour. The tree tolerates a great diversity of soil types, from deep alluvial soil to rocky land. It withstands salt spray and can be planted close to the seashore. Tamarind seeds remain viable for months and will germinate in a week after planting, and it can be propagated through seed sowing, stem cutting and many other propagation methods like shield-budding, side-veneer grafting, or air-layering. Tamarind is one of those trees that has been utilized in several ways for instance, its leaves are eaten by cattle and goats as fodder grass as a supplement it is a better alternative for livestock far