This content provides a comprehensive guide to pepper farming, covering essential agronomic practices from seed selection and land preparation to pest management, harvesting, and marketing, with a focus on maximizing yield and profitability.
Mind Map
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คลิกเพื่อสำรวจ Mind Map แบบอินเตอร์แอคทีฟฉบับเต็ม
All right. So, let's talk about
marketing. I believe you've been on a
field for a while. Yeah. How I'm a new
farmer. Let's say I own this 10 acre. I
don't know anyone. How do I even start?
So, there is something simple that in
Ghana here you can do to make you know
to to make your your plant produce more. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> that is applying an attractant. So,
let's talk about storage. How to store
humidity level? how to keep your
vegetables because right now when you
don't have the market >> sure
>> sure
>> and you want to store it a bit how do you
you
>> okay you know a lot of people uh consider
consider
selling only the fruits >> okay
>> okay
>> but there are a lot of um market
strategies marketing strategies do you
believe that or will you believe that
during the let's say flowering stage of
Pepe there are certain clothes that we
don't wear to the field I believe You
have employed 10 farmers and you always
feed them with bees. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Gary and bees. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Let's say late at night or let's say in
the night
>> what to be h what to be the formation of carbon
carbon
>> or that that human being will release. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> It will be very bad.
>> Very bad.
>> So the moment the plant also you know inhale
inhale
>> a lot of
>> inhale that particular h carbon.
>> Okay. It affect the plants that causes
uh mosaic virus maintenance depends on
>> weed management. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Integrated pest management control and
then hormone preservation.
>> Okay. Weed management, integrated
>> pest management control and hormone preservation.
preservation.
>> These are the only three things that
when you do
>> it makes you feel happy or it makes you
yield more. Let's say at planting you
put let's say ammonia you have destroyed
the formation of oxins in the soil
because of the salt content. So when it
come to pest and diseases now every area
has its way of or let me say the type of pest
pest >> okay
>> okay
>> that are present on a particular soil
but in general there is this white fly
that they are vectors to a lot of
diseases causing uh pepper production
that is leaf cure wilting and bacterial w
w
>> they are all caused by white fly
>> today we are looking at I wrote some
topics here that looking at general
pepper farming knowledge, soil and land
preparation, looking at planting and
crop management, nutrient management and
fertilization, pest and disease management,
management,
weed management, pruning and uh
flowering, pollination. So, it's going
to be a very detailed video. Make sure
you stick around till the end of this
video because I believe you're going to
get something profitable for your um endeavor.
[Applause]
Aquaba, welcome to another episode here
on my channel. My name is Eosi. Today I
have here with me Mr.
Mr. Isaac,
>> properly known as Naba. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> Mr. Isaac, proply known as Naba. He's
Mr. a professional one at that. So today
I'm here at Masi Mong. We are on a 10
acre pepper farm and then I've decided
to speak to him to have a few uh
knowledge on or seek his knowledge on
the agronomical practices in pepper
farming. So if you can just briefly
before we get into the agenda of today,
if you can just um introduce yourself to
us properly.
>> Okay. All right. U my name is Isaac and
uh most of people call me Nava. >> Nava.
>> Nava.
>> Yeah. I'm actually a farmer and agonomist.
agonomist. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> And our company is a village. Is a village.
village.
>> Where is Okay. You can cut.
>> Okay. So we are located in K. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The eastern region. So our main food is
of crop production especially
vegetables. We do uh vegetables. annual
cross, bal and perennial cross. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So depending on the type of challenges
or maybe consultancy services that you
want, we provide that kind of um
services to our clients. All right. So
today we want to go into details. I'm
sure as I've gotten you here, it'll be
difficult to see you again. So I want to
make sure I pull everything I can out of you.
you. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So uh let's let's start. What is the
let's start with the seed, what is the
best type of pepper for our region. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Um when it come to the production of pepper.
pepper.
>> Okay. You know a lot of people try to
choose varieties that suit their environment.
environment. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> But as you asked what type of pepper
they suit a particular region.
>> You know in Ghana we have different
types of uh let me say tropical areas.
So mostly pepper does well in
subtropical areas, tropical areas and
then sub savana. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So let me say when when you break it
down in eastern region, central region,
Ashanti region, even region
>> when you grow pepper there, it does well.
well. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> within this areas does very well. Now
the reason why I'm saying this is that
you know if you want to choose let's say
a type of variety you don't just go by
going to people's farm harvesting and
then drying >> plant
>> plant
>> because pepper has its own form of production
production
>> now pepper is indirect plant. If I say
indirect, you have to nest it. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Before transplanting, unlike oku that
you you you plant direct.
>> Meaning when it come to the production
of pepper, before you choose a variety,
>> you have to look at some qualities, okay?
okay?
>> Some factors before choosing a variety.
>> So first of all, you look at your
management system, >> okay?
>> okay?
>> Your management system.
>> You you do your soil test. You choose a
particular soil, a soil that is well drained.
drained.
>> Okay? So sandy to clay loom is is is
best for pepper production.
Even clay loom is best for pepper production.
production. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So it means pepper can can be done in
let's say in a wide range of soil. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> At a pH of what less acidic or less alkalinity.
alkalinity. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You see that's a pH between uh 6.5 to 7. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Is best for pepper production.
>> Yes. So with that uh after you've gotten
your seed
>> the right seed we are looking at the
soil you talked about lomi sandy then
the pH levels that you need
>> what other important factor do you need
to consider
>> okay when we talk about factors
>> now we have factors that affect germination
germination >> okay
>> okay
>> then you have factors that are necessary
for germination to take place
>> okay so negative and positive
>> and positive So now before a seed
germinates it has to go through a lot of
process. Now when a seed uh let's say at
the docy stage when a seed is there
without germinating that is the docy stage.
stage. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So you have a way of breaking seed domancy.
domancy. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You see we have a way of breaking seed
docy. So factors that are needed for
docy breaking we have three main factors
you know the seed has to go through an
activation process okay you have to
activate the seed that is uh let's say
>> getting a little water or let's say moisture
moisture >> okay
>> okay
>> for the for the seed coat to become soft
before the seed can be what the embryo
can be opened
>> okay okay
>> that is the seed activation period. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Before a seed will germinate.
>> Yes. So before a seed will germinate,
eight factors that will be needed is
look at the soil depth.
>> Soil depth
>> at a at a age let's say at a range where
you put seed in the soil. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It shouldn't go too deep in the soil.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> And it's not you know it will need
certain temperature before the seed will
germinate. M
>> putting seed you know um pepper itself
and that goes through escottoman
that is before you nurse it
>> you have to cover it
>> under shade >> okay
>> okay
>> before germination takes place
>> okay so what's the right temperature
>> at least um a temperature between 30°C
between 20 to 27 to 30°
>> is okay
>> and yesterday I was at a place the they
they put the nest pepper and they put it
in a dark room
>> yes that's The scotomancy scotomancy. Okay.
Okay.
>> Because pepper is not it under goes
indirect germination. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Meaning it has to go through a process
before bringing it to the main field. >> Mhm.
>> Mhm.
>> You understand? Unlike okra when you
okro goes through photomancy. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Meaning it it requires enough sun or sunlight.
sunlight. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> To germinate. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> And whilst pepper goes through
>> photo docy.
>> Yes. All right. So now that okay we are
taking it step by step we've gotten our
seed it's germinated we've done the
right things it's germinated the land
preparation itself how do we go about that
that
>> okay before we go to the lamp preparation
preparation >> okay
>> okay
>> there are some certain terms that we use
in agriculture let's say seed priming
>> seeding somebody will ask what is seed priming
priming
>> okay now before you even put seeding on
a bed you have to prime your seed you
have to treat the seed before putting it
on the bed. So seed priming is simply uh
let's say dissolving the seed in water >> okay
>> okay
>> for at least 24 hours
>> okay before even goes into the
>> seed. So you are helping the seed you're
helping the the docy you know period to
be you are shortening the docy period.
>> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay.
>> So that is seed priming in general. So
seed priming you you can use water for
seed priming.
>> Okay. that is hydrop priming. We have
osmo priming. Okay.
>> We have solar solarization. Okay.
>> So we have a lot of and we have we even
have chemical process of priming seed.
>> Which one is the best?
>> Oh no. To be local farmers, you know. I think
think
>> we normally use the hydrop priming.
>> The water.
>> Yes. The water. Okay. And then when it
come to treatment,
>> you know this the soil that we are going
to nest our um seed on it has its own factors
factors
>> okay that are affecting it in the
within. So you have to treat your seed
against bacterials fungi before putting
the seed in the soil.
>> Okay. So with the water do you put
anything in it before you pour the seed?
>> No no just no when it come to the priming
priming >> priming
>> priming
>> plain water.
>> Okay. All right. as a play order. But
when it come to treatment, it's either
you treat it with insecticide,
>> fungicide or let's say micro bacterial.
>> Okay. And how does the treatment process go?
go?
>> Well, with treatment process, assuming
let's say you want to treat it against termites
termites
and when you put seed in the soil, there
is a possibility that termite can even
destroy all the seed. So you have to
treat it with termiticide. So if let's
say it's fungi, you have to treat it
with fungicide.
If it's pneumat pneumaticide. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> So how are you able to determine which
one to treat it? You look at your soil.
>> So first of all you have to do your soil test.
test. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You have to conduct a soil test. Now the
soil test will help you to know the pH
level, the moisture level uh the layers
of the soil. Okay.
>> Now a lot of farmers fail because they
don't know the layers the number of
layers the particular land is having. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
So let's talk about the soil a bit.
>> Uh the layers when you test it and what
does the layers what importance does
that have on the soil?
>> The soil the plant
>> the plants. Yes.
>> Okay. You know each plant has its
rooting system. Okay. You have types of
plant rooting system.
>> So we have plant that has to pick it
nutrients from the second layer. Okay.
Some pick it nutrient from the third
layer. you have shallow roots which
picks it nutrient from the uh upper
let's say the first layer. Okay. So
assuming a soil has been stripped by
let's say this sun
>> you understand maybe this those who have
been you know collecting sand from the
soil when they pick the first layer and
you want to do vegetable production
>> you have to know that the organic matter
has been removed and removed. So there
is no way the plant will be >> okay
>> okay
>> we'll try.
>> So with pepper which uh
>> so pepper has pepper does very well in
uh first layer
>> first layer
>> because it has shallow roots
>> okay shallow rooting system. So before
you go into land preparation, you have
to consider uh organic way of preparing land
land
>> that is incorporating manure
>> into the soil
>> before even plowing, harrowing and
sealing the soil.
>> Okay. So that maintains the first layer.
>> Yeah. It maintains the organic matter content.
content.
>> You understand? It it's not I I didn't
even want to talk about inorganic fertilizer.
fertilizer.
>> Yeah. You know the moment you know the
plant itself has hormone as we human
being we have different blood cells.
>> So you have to know the type of hormone
that is present in that particular seed
before you choose a fertilizer. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Or you choose a method of lamp preparation.
preparation.
>> Wow. There's a lot that has to go into
this if you want to get it right.
>> Oh yes.
>> Wow. So um the soil we are still on the
soil. You talk about the pH. If the pH
is not right, is there a way you can
manipulate it to get the level of pH you
want for the particular
>> particular? So if a pH let's say you
know there is a land scarcity
>> and you still want to go into let's say
vegetable production. So we have land
amendment you have to do you have to
amend the land >> okay
>> okay
>> before you know you start your production.
production.
So if you want to obtain a particular
pH, let's say a pH range, a pH range for
pepper production, >> yeah,
>> yeah,
>> as I was saying, you have to incorporate manure.
manure.
>> Manure. Okay.
>> You have to incorporate manure. Now
looking at the slope, the slopiness of
the land, it also affects production. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Some land has high, let's say it's about
50% slope. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Which makes nutrient leech from the soil.
soil.
>> Okay. Especially when it rains it leech
nutrient from the soil.
>> So it moves the nutrient side one side
on the soil. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So there is uh you know before you
choose a particular you have to go
through a lot of process. You have to
invite an aronomist. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Not extension officer. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> An aronomist to check all this do the
let's say the uh the study the
physiological studies before >> okay
>> okay
>> you go into the production.
>> All right. So if I'm a farmer, I uh
contact you to come and do this study. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> What and what are you coming to look at?
>> So first of all, >> yeah,
>> yeah,
>> we are looking at the topography.
>> Topography, okay.
>> Of the land.
>> We are going to look at the soil pH. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> We are going to look at the soil
moisture content. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The ability for the soil to hold water
for a period of time.
>> Okay. So if you are doing annual crop
between a period of let's say 120 days
you have to know that the soil that you
are growing on has the ability to hold
water for that particular uh period.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> You understand? Because there is one
hormone in pepper called absessic acid.
Now it respond to stress. So if pepper
has the ability to withstand stress or
droughts meaning you the farmer you you
have to give it a soil that can hold
moisture for a period of time.
>> Yeah. So let's continue with uh planting
and crop management. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> So uh with this what is the spacing? Is
this the right spacing? >> Well
>> Well
>> I wouldn't say it's not the right
spacing. Maybe the the investor or the
management. Okay,
>> will be watching this video.
>> But we have to talk about spacing production.
production.
>> Okay. So before we go into spacing
meaning we have already planted or we
are going to plant. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So we have to talk about photosynthesis. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Which is the main factor
>> in the production not fertilizer. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You see in pepper production as I I said
earlier on pepper under goes through
scottomancy indirect planting. in it.
>> Secondly, you have to look at how the
pepper takes nutrient, you understand,
or chemical energy from the sun. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Before preparing it food. Now, do you
believe that or will you believe that
during the let's say flowering stage of
Pepe, there are certain clothes that we
don't wear to the field. >> Wow.
>> Wow.
>> Yes. due to how uh peppe
or every plant every plant that goes
through indirect germination. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Due to how they pick their nutrient.
>> Now there is this nutrient or let me say h
h compound
compound >> okay
>> okay
>> that pick energy from the sun that is
adenos triphosphate.
>> Okay. So they are the let me say the
agent of chemical attraction okay or
chemical um okay attracting chemical to
the plant >> okay
>> okay
>> so when the uh chloroplast of the plant
you know the chloroplast is found in the leaves
leaves >> okay
>> okay
>> it's within the chlor that we have the
stom matter so if let's say the plant is
ready to produce or let's say the fruit
during the fruitting stage and you wear
black clothes to the
It's telling you that when when it
shadows over the plant because you know
the FL it always opens the flower opens
at a new level. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The moment you it shadows over the plant
it means the stomata has to close
>> for that particular day. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Meaning no matter the amount of Eliza
you put under the plant it wouldn't be
able to perform
>> pick it wouldn't be able to pick it
>> pick nutrient. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Because the stomata has been closed. So
is very important if you want to go into
production you have to consider several
things. Now let's talk about carbon dioxide.
dioxide. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The formation of or how the plant uses
carbon dioxide to produce
or prepare it nutrients. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Now we have intense carbon dioxide. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The plant you know needs carbon dioxide
to to reproduce. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You know and the plant also release
oxygen for human use. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
But the uh the more let's say excessive
carbon dioxide affect the plant.
>> Okay. And how how does it affect the plant?
plant?
>> So let me give you a typical example.
>> Assuming you have employed 10 farmers
and you always feed them with bees. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Garan bees. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Let's say late at night or let's say in
the night.
>> What will be h what will be the
formation of carbon
>> or that that human being will release?
>> Yes. It will be very bad.
>> Very bad.
>> So the moment the plant also you know heal
heal
>> a lot of
>> heal that particular carbon >> okay
>> okay
>> it affect the plant
>> that causes uh mos virus. >> Wow.
>> Wow.
>> In pepper production. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> And light intensity.
>> Too much let's say let's say too much
sun. Let's say
>> light intensity. It's just Yes. Um
scorching sun. Yes.
>> When there is too much heat, it also
damage the plants.
>> Okay. Okay. Wow.
>> Yes. And position of the plants. How we
position our plants on the field.
>> It also affects the plant formation,
nutrient formation.
>> So let's let's still come to the
planting. We've not talked about the
spacing itself. There are people they'll
give you 20 cm, 40 cm and all of that.
What are the specific skill you? So you
know in every plant production
>> we look at spacing. Spacing is based on
how the plant picks nutrients from the
um the sun
>> or let me say it chemical energy. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Now there are certain plants that even
on an acre you need to plant only 60
pieces oil pal.
>> Oil pal. Okay.
>> You understand? When it come to pepper production,
production,
>> the energy that let's say h is being
attracted is not too much. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> you understand? So pepper is made most
of the time depends on the variety and
how the leaves are opened. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> or how the branches are open.
>> So we have different planting space for
um pepper
>> pepper. Okay,
>> it can be 70 by 20 cm. Okay.
>> It can be 70 by 40 depending on the
>> planting distance but it shouldn't be
>> 70 is the
>> between uh the rows
>> between the rows. Okay.
>> Let's say between the rows. Yes. Between
the rows and between plants 20. Okay.
7020. Okay. Yes. Okay.
>> All right. So with the planting when you
start planting what are some of the
maintenance culture you need to put in
place to make sure that you have some
good yield?
>> Yield. Okay. Now maintenance depends on
weed management. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Integrated pest management control and
then hormone preservation.
>> Okay. Weed management integrated
>> pest management control and hormone preservation.
preservation. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> These are the only three things that
when you do
>> it makes you feel happy or makes it
makes you yield more.
>> Okay. people doesn't people only
consider two of them that is weed
management and then insect control or
insect integrated pest management. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Now when it come to plant hormone
there is um this let me say
microacterial let's say micronutrient in
the soil called aotobacta.
Now with this one before you even plant
the uh the pepper you have to
incorporate a microiser.
>> Now the microizer boost you know it's it
boosts the particular nutrient in the soil
soil
>> for root development. >> Okay
>> Okay
>> remember that we have oxins. Oxins is
part of the uh plant hormone. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It helps in cell elongation. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> You see it helps in cellation. So if
let's say at planting you put let's say
ammonia you have destroyed the formation
of oxins in the soil because of the salt content.
content.
>> Okay. So you were saying we should
infuse a certain nutrient. >> Nutrients
>> Nutrients
>> you mentioned the name
>> mic microizer.
>> Microiser in what kind of fertilizer can
you get?
>> No microizer is uh you know we sell microiser.
microiser.
>> Okay. It has you have brands in the
market. We have micoin a whole lot. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Is very important. It helps the roots to
develop. It it only help the oxin. Oxin
and cytochenis. They helps in uh cell
development, cell elongation.
>> And then let's say plant differentiations.
differentiations. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Helping it to fruit more. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Before you even add ethylene, you know,
ethylene helps the fruit to ripe.
>> Okay. It al it's also a different uh
nutrient content on it. They
>> no they are all found in our basic
fertilizers that we use.
>> But if you're not able to choose your fertilizer
fertilizer
>> well okay >> yes
>> yes
>> so with that which kind of fertilizer
can we get that in?
>> So let me give you a simple
>> I will not mention any brand of fertilizer
fertilizer
>> but we are talking about organic
fertilizer. Now if you look around this
particular place we have neem trees
around we have neem trees we have
coconut okay now coconut is one of the
uh plant you know plant that contains a
lot of hormones okay so the coconut
water or the coconut milk preparation
alone has about three of the let's say
hormones which helps your plant to
reproduce or produce more Okay. So, can
you do the farming organically without
using any other chemical fertilizer like
the neem tree, the coconut?
>> Yeah, you can do you can do farming.
>> Yes, you can do it and it's very simple.
You know, going into organic farming
here in Ghana is very difficult.
>> Yeah. Okay.
>> The reason is if I want to go into
organic farming,
>> it has to be let's say about 100
about,000 mters away from other
inorganic farm.
>> Okay. Okay. because it will still affect it.
it.
>> Yes, it will still affect it.
>> So you having in mind that you're doing
organic farming, your neighbor is
applying insecticide which is
>> you know airborne
>> airborne. Okay. Okay. Okay.
>> You understand?
>> But there is a way we manage to get our
production through organic farming
despite the fact that
>> all these factors affect it.
>> Okay. So we'll be coming we are still
going on we'll be talking about
fertilizer application insecticides but
for now let's talk about watering how
often should you water okay so um you
know irrigation in uh pepper production
you know it sometimes becomes challenges
you know pepper as I said it has a
a hormone called absessic acid which
means pepper doesn't need a lot of water
okay You understand? It doesn't need
much water.
>> Just that it needs it needs a humid condition.
condition. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It needs a humid condition.
>> Not too much heat. >> Mhm.
>> Mhm.
>> But, you know, a a a temperature range
>> yet to reproduce.
>> So, depending on, as I said, you know,
before you go into, we did a soil test. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> So, the soil test result will give you
the protocols of what? Irrigation.
>> Okay. Okay. So it's not like if your
plants are if you see your size fits all
no it depends on the type of soil
>> and then the quantity of or let's say
the moisture content
>> content. Yes.
>> Okay. So that one will be determined by
the aronomist.
>> Yes. And um which kind of irrigation
system would you advise any pepper
farmer to choose?
>> Okay. you know the stem of pepper >> m
>> m
>> is is soft and it breaks easily. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So using uh let's say the rain gun to
splash water on it may affect the the
plant. So normally the drip irrigation
>> drip irrigation
>> is recommended.
>> What is the NPK requirement for pepper
at different growth phases? >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So the requirement of NPK
>> all will depend on the soil health.
>> Okay. all will depend on the soil health.
health.
>> So if the soil has more nitrogen meaning
you have to adjust and then feed it with
the other nutrients. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> But in general in general rule we have
um a a certain amount of nutrient or
let's say NPK
>> that you can feed your soil with.
>> Okay. So if the let's say one particular
nutrient is more
>> what can be the effects? Oh, the effect
you you even see some on this field. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> because before I came in here, you know,
they applied ammonia.
>> You know, before you apply ammonia, you
have to look at the salinity of the soil.
soil.
>> Salinity, soil, I mean salt,
>> the salt content of the even the water
that they using for irrigation. You have
to check that one.
>> The salt content, you have to check the
soil uh salt content. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Wow.
Wow.
>> So it's not every soil that is that you
you you need to apply ammonia because of
the salt content in ammonia.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> So normally we use NPK as a starter solution.
solution. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> We use NPK at planting. We use it as as
a starter solution. So you make it a
solution and then you apply to the plant
at least 50 ms per plant.
>> Per plant. Okay.
>> Yes. So uh with that is that what
determines the intervals between when
you fertilize your crops.
>> So if the plant is not responding >> okay
>> okay
>> if it's not responding to all the
nutrients you expecting
that's when you do your test then you
you select a single uh nutrient.
>> Okay? Then you apply
>> because you talk to a lot of farmers or
a lot of uh aronomists they'll tell you
okay you should fertilize your soil in
two weeks intervals it's not two weeks
intervals that is when your plant is not
responding to a certain nutrient >> okay
>> okay
>> that is when you
>> so it's important to have checks on all
of these things to determine
>> you know so far as every day we have
doctors at the hospital it's you know
plant is a living M
>> so every day you have to check you have
to diagnose your plant and do treatment.
>> Okay. Okay. So we we are still going on
uh we are talking about treatment now.
So let's talk about the pest and
diseases that can affect pepper and how
to manage them.
>> All right. So when it come to uh pest
and diseases that affects pepper
>> sometimes even human beings become pest
pepper the way we manage our crops.
>> Okay. The way we use our tools on our
field becomes we become pest or the
tools become pest to the plant because
destroying the root of a plant alone
>> also affects production. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So how we do our layout terms of let's
say planting >> okay
>> okay
>> you have to check all those things. Now
when it come to pest and diseases now
every area has its way of or let me say
the type of pest okay that are present
on a particular soil but in general
there is this white fly that they are
vectors to a lot of diseases causing uh
pepper production that is leaf cure
wilting and bacterial w
>> they are all caused by white flies. So
when you see white flies in fact you
have to control it.
>> How do you control it?
>> So you control you have chemical control
you have chemical control and if you
want to use organic way you can even use detergent.
detergent. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You understand this soapy you can mix
soap solution.
>> Yes it on the plant. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> It doesn't have any effect on the
>> No no no it doesn't have any effect on
the plant. It rather helps
>> to resolve this uh issues.
>> But is there a way you can prevent the
white flies even before they start?
>> Yes, you can prevent by applying
your nestrat. You can Yes. Begin at the
earlier stage you you can apply nestrat. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Or other insecticide that helps to
prevent white flies.
>> Okay. And
>> you have to at at a certain stage you
have to do pruning >> okay
>> okay
>> you have to prune the lower leaves >> okay
>> okay
>> that are attached to the soil
>> because some of the fungi and the
bacterials are within the soil
>> so the moment the leaves are touching
the soil
>> we'll be coming to the pruning so I want
us to take it step by step so that we understand
understand
>> cuz it's a lot to even take right now
take it right now but the neem extract
that's neem tree soaked in Yes,
>> that's the one.
>> We have neem oil.
>> Neem oil.
>> Yeah, that one is processed.
>> That one is very effective. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> But locally you can even blend ne
>> and get the solution and be applying.
>> Yeah. So aside the white fly is there
any other insect that is
>> Oh yes. Aphid. Aid. Aphid also affects
they are also
>> h they causes a lot of diseases to plants.
plants.
>> Deficiency of nutrients.
>> Yeah. You see when the plant lacks let's
say all the three macro nutrients okay
>> it even causes leaf kill >> okay
>> okay
>> now human activities also causes leaf kill
kill >> okay
>> okay
>> virus no because lift kill is virus >> okay
>> okay
>> now assuming let's say you've planted
your crops
>> and maybe a neighbor
>> is now burning his his field >> okay
>> okay
>> the smoke alone that is coming onto your
field causes leak kill
>> wow wow wow Okay.
Okay.
>> All right. So you know we are they they
cause a lot of disease outbreak. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Yes. So if the field is free from we
>> know possibility of you know uh the
plant being attacked by diseases is difficult
difficult
>> and what's the best way to control wheat in
in
>> in pepper.
>> In peppered is by reading
>> weeding. Okay.
>> So you can read either manually or mechanically.
mechanically.
>> Yeah. All right. So let's talk about the
pruning as well. You were already giving us
us
>> some points on that.
>> Okay. So we have uh we have difference
between pruning and rattling. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> You know pruning is uh that is when you
are removing excess leaves. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Excess leaves or affected leaves from
the plant. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> And at what stage do you do the pruning?
>> So at the growth stage?
>> Okay. is at the growth stage, not at the
seedling stage, at the growth stage.
That's where we do the pruning. Now,
pruning enhance uh you know fruiting. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> The more uh you prune your your your
leaves, the more the plant gets enough space
space
>> or enough nutrient because all these
leaves are you know attracting you know
they are being fed by the plants. So if
you remove
>> some of the leaves it helps the fruit to
develop more.
>> Okay. So at this stage can we prune?
>> Yeah, you can. It has even passed
>> pruning stage.
>> Yes, pruning stage.
>> Around what time do you usually do recommend?
recommend?
>> So that's at the flowering stage.
>> Flowing stage. Okay. At the flowering stage.
stage.
>> So what factors influence
uh a good or a bad yield? >> Wow.
>> Wow.
>> This is quite general but so
>> factors affecting
let's say yield.
>> Yeah. You know that's excess wind.
>> Excess wind. Okay.
>> Excess wind. Now if there is too much
wind you know we have agent of pollination.
pollination.
If uh the let's say the bees are not
able to settle on the plant to pollinate.
pollinate. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> It affects the y.
>> You understand? >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It affect the y. So there is something
simple that in Ghana here you can do to
make you know to to make your your plant
produce more. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> that is applying an attractant. >> Okay,
>> Okay,
>> h any thing that attracts bees or let me
say h any agent of pollination
something like palm wine. Palm wine
>> applying palm wine on h at the early
stage of fruit
>> you know attract you know palm wine
alone attract bees >> okay
>> okay
>> it attract bees so during that period we
don't apply insecticide
>> chemical insecticide >> okay
>> okay
>> because of the palm wine that you're
going so it's better you apply the
coconut milk emulsifier and then the
palm wine
>> okay and those are natural things that
you have to get yourself
>> yeah you can do you can prepare it
yourself H what keeps pepper uh gives it
a long shelf life
>> as in
>> as in when you pluck it. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> It's you you do your harvest and you
pluck it and you keep it down you know
it takes some time.
>> Some time. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So that is a it's a specific hormone. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It's a specific hormone that helps it
you know to to for a period of time
>> that is h oxins.
>> Okay. It's the same oxins. The oxins
helps it. The cytochenis also helps. And
then we have one called
I forgotten that one. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah. That one plays a crucial role in
keeping pepper. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> All right. So, when uh we've gotten to
harvesting now, let's talk about
harvesting. How do you harvest? Are
there some things that you have to do
during harvesting?
Now during the period of harvesting you
have to consider uh let's say the y as
in the quantity you are expecting. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> So we have cultural practices
>> that we observe during harvesting. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It's not like during the period of
harvesting you don't control insect and
all those stuff. You do it but you have
to ensure that harvesting fruit or when
the fruit are harvested or are now
difficult to harvest. Yeah.
>> The rate at which you apply your
insecticide has to be minimized. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Because you know pepper you know we eat
>> it fresh. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> It's not like you are going to peel it
before you eat. So you have to consider
the the health factors. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Before
>> Before harvesting.
harvesting. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So at a period of you have to before you
harvest your pepper or if you want to do
any insects you have to spray two
intervals before harvesting.
>> Okay. How do you uh ensure that you
don't lose a lot of pepper during the harvesting?
harvesting?
>> So you first of all you have to educate
your harvesters, >> okay,
>> okay,
>> or your farm farm hands.
>> We don't call them laborers. They are
farm hands. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> So you have to educate them on how to plug
plug
>> by holding uh not the fruit itself but
the the the tips.
>> The tips. Okay.
>> You have to ensure you don't destroy the
new flowers that are coming. Okay. So
since we are talking about harvesting,
I'm still reminding you that uh this is
ANA vegetable crop farms here in Kumasi
Mong. And then the numbers are there.
You can call them. Their fruits are
ready. The vegetables are ready. You can
call them and then come and buy.
>> So let's talk about storage. How to
store humidity level? How to keep your
vegetables? Because right now when you
don't have the market >> Sure.
>> Sure.
>> and you want to store it a bit, how do you
you
>> Okay. You know a lot of people uh consider
consider
selling only the fruits. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> But there are a lot of um market
strategies, marketing strategies. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Now assuming let's say there is an
abundance of fruits
which wouldn't help you to obtain let's
say the projection that you've made. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> What can you do?
>> Now remember that now the seed alone is
very expensive.
So some farmers can also consider
extracting the seed because in Ghana we
have a seed certification.
We have the agencies that can give you
certificate of let's say you being a seedreeder.
seedreeder.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> So the seed alone is another business on
its own. >> Wow.
>> Wow.
>> And the seed alone is another business.
So if at a point where the hormone the
ethylene hormone has become excessive
that is at the point of rotting
>> you don't need to throw your seed your
your fruit away you have to do
extraction you have to learn how to
extract seed how to treat it and then store
store >> okay
>> okay
>> for next season
>> but have you come across or encountered
any company that's doing that here in
Ghana now
>> in Ghana? Yes. Oh, I mean you know you
have uh
even you can pass through MUA can even
help you to do SE certification. Okay.
You can go to CSR and they also help
they also help you. Yes. Seed certification.
certification.
>> All right. So let's talk about
marketing. I believe you've been on the
field for a while. Yeah.
>> How I'm a new farmer. Let's say I own
this 10 acre. I don't know anyone.
>> How do I even start?
>> Well, You know marketing is one of the
challenge that we uh local farmers are
you know facing. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Unlike
>> Unlike
uh people with determination like you
know before you start your production
you have to do a market uh survey. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> You have to get your market. You know
there are people who want the produce. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> But we don't take the step as in going
forward to look for the buyers.
>> Okay. When was the last time you heard
that pepper had become abandoned in Ghana?
Ghana?
>> Uhhuh. Every day there is market for it. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Yes.
>> Just that people feel that they are only
on the farm to produce. So they only
think of market that when the fruit is
ready then they will find themselves wanting.
wanting.
>> Okay. So let's say at the lower stage
you can even go to the market take
contact of about 15 market women who are
into pepper sales of pepper even if you
don't have let's say any link to export market
market
>> locally you can sell your produce and
make your profit. Oh okay. Okay. All
right. So you you talked about the local
market and exports. Do you know anything
about export you can share?
>> Oh yes. You know uh there are agencies
now in Ghana
>> who are you know helping in exporting
our vegetables. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> Not only um like it includes perishable goods.
goods. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> But all depends on you passing through
the process you know before you export
uh let's say goods to let's outside. Yeah,
Yeah,
>> you have you have to set you have to do trapping.
