Notes to broadcasters
In the agricultural sector in Nigeria and Ghana, maize, rice, cocoa, cowpea, and cassava are vital food security and livelihood crops for an estimated population of close to 240 million.
In these radio spots, you will learn about the seed varieties or planting materials suited for ecological zones in both countries, the type and amount of fertilizer to apply, and the basic agronomic techniques for growing each crop. You will also learn about the Feserwam website at feserwam.org, and how it can help farmers choose the best inputs for their locations.
The spots vary in length from about 45-60 seconds and could be played multiple times during programs on crop production and post-harvest activities. They could also be played at other times when farmers are listening, especially during important times in the seasonal agricultural calendar.
Script
Spot #1: High quality inputs and good farming practices give good yields
NARRATOR: Farmers! To increase your crop yields, the most important thing you can do is buy and plant improved seeds and purchase high quality agricultural inputs such as fertilizer from a credible agrodealer.
To complement high quality inputs, you should use good farming practices by applying the right fertilizer at the right time and weeding at the right time, as advised by an extension officer or agricultural expert on the farm or during trainings.
Using high quality seeds and agricultural inputs with best farming practices can ensure that farmers get high yields and have enough to consume and surplus to sell to increase their incomes.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #2: Recommended cassava varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cassava growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest), semi-deciduous forest zone and coastal savannah (southern Nigeria.)
NARRATOR: Cassava farmers! If you are looking for a variety that is drought-tolerant and resistant to Cassava Mosaic Disease, try UMUCASS-43.
UMUCASS-43 is a high-yielding variety that matures 300 days after planting.
If you manage this variety well, yields can reach 53 tonnes per hectare.
You can increase and diversify your income by processing UMUCASS-43 into high quality cassava flour and starch.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant UMUCASS-43 or other Feserwam-recommended varieties for better cassava yields and increased income!
Spot #3: Good agronomic practices for cassava
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cassava growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest), semi-deciduous forest zone and coastal savannah (southern Nigeria.).
NARRATOR: For the best results with recommended cassava varieties, cassava farmers should use the following five practices.
First, conserve soil and water by ploughing, harrowing, and ridging across the slope rather than up and down the slope.
Second, apply fertilizer in strips eight weeks after sowing. You can apply as a side dressing or covering. And you can boost soil fertility by adding organic manure.
Third, regularly monitor growing cassava and eliminate pests such as mealybugs with pesticides.
Fourth, control weeds by manually weeding or using herbicides.
Fifth and last, after harvest, rotate cassava with shallow-rooted crops, including legumes such as soybean and groundnut, or with maize.
By planting recommended cassava varieties and using these best practices, you can maximize your yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #4: Fertilizing cassava
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cassava growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest and middle belt), semi-deciduous forest zone and coastal savannah (southern Nigeria.).
NARRATOR: Cassava farmers! If you want high yields of recommended varieties, you must apply fertilizer. And you must apply it in the right quantity at the right time!
It is recommended to apply NPK 12-12-17 +2 magnesium oxide eight weeks after planting at 750 kilograms a hectare.
You can apply the fertilizer in strips, as a side dressing, or by using cover methods. You can boost soil fertility further by using organic manure!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #5: Recommended maize varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest and middle belt), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, and northern Guinea savannah (northeast and northwest).
NARRATOR: Maize farmers! If you are looking for a high-yielding and high-protein variety that is resistant to striga and maize streak virus and can withstand drought, try planting SAMMAZ 32.
SAMMAZ 32 is a high-protein variety that can be harvested 90 days after planting.
If you manage SAMMAZ 32 well, yields can reach six tonnes per hectare.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant Sammaz 32 or another Feserwam-recommended variety for better maize yields and income!
Spot #6: Fertilizing maize
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest and middle belt), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, northern Guinea savannah (northeast and northwest), and southern forest ecologies.
NARRATOR: Maize farmers! For the best yield of high quality maize, plant a recommended variety and apply fertilizer twice per farming season. Always remember that you must apply fertilizer in the right quantities and at the right time.
Make your first application of NPK 20-10-10 two weeks after sowing. Apply at a rate of 400 kilograms a hectare.
Make your second application of urea fertilizer six weeks after sowing at a rate of 100 kilograms per hectare.
Please note that maize does well in the semi-deciduous forest zone in the first year of cultivation after clearing the forest even without applying fertilizer. But continuous cropping of maize requires applying fertilizer.
And remember that you can boost your yields by adding organic manure and compost to maize!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #7: Good agronomic practices for maize
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest and middle belt), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, northern Guinea savannah (northeast and northwest) and southern forest ecologies.
NARRATOR: Maize farmers! For the best yields of recommended varieties, use the following six practices.
First, sow seeds at a rate of 20 kilograms per hectare.
Second, to conserve soil and water, plough, harrow, and make ridges across slopes rather than up and down slopes.
Third, mulch the soil and plant grass strips on slope contours to minimize soil erosion and water run-off. You can also reduce soil erosion by using minimum tillage practices.
Fourth, regularly scout for pests and apply appropriate pesticides.
Fifth, control weeds by manually weeding or using appropriate herbicides.
And finally, after harvest, rotate maize with cotton or legumes.
By planting a recommended variety and using these best practices, you can maximize your yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #8: Recommended rice varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest and middle belt), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, and northern Guinea savannah (northeast and northwest).
NARRATOR: Rice farmers! If you are looking for a variety that will give you high yields, is drought-tolerant, and whose stems don’t break, or lodge, after they start yielding, try FARO 52!
FARO 52 is a white grain variety that can be harvested 125 to 130 days after planting.
If you manage this variety well, yields can reach seven tonnes per hectare.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant FARO 52 or other Feserwam-recommended varieties for better yields and income!
Spot #9: Fertilizing rice
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, northern Guinea savannah (northeast), and humid and sub-humid or forest zones.
NARRATOR: Rice farmers! For the best yield of high quality rice, it’s important to apply fertilizer to recommended varieties twice times per farming season.
And remember that it’s important to always apply fertilizer in the right quantities at the right time.
Here’s how!
At transplanting, apply 250 kilograms of NPK 20-10-10 per hectare by broadcasting.
Four to six weeks after planting, apply NPK 20-10-10 at a rate of 250 kilograms per hectare, also by broadcasting.
You can boost your yields by also adding organic manure to rice!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #10: Good agronomic practices for rice
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Nigeria: Derived savannah (southwest), semi-arid/Sudan savannah, and northern Guinea savannah (northeast).
NARRATOR: Rice farmers! For the best yields of recommended varieties, it’s recommended to use the following four farming practices:
First, conserve soil and water by ploughing, harrowing, leveling, and creating paddies.
Second, regularly scout growing rice for pests and apply appropriate pesticides.
Third, control weeds by manual weeding or spraying appropriate herbicides.
And fourth, after harvest, rotate rice with crops such as vegetables, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.
By planting a recommended variety and using these best practices, you can maximize your yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #11: Recommended cocoa variety
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cocoa growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: transitional zone and semi-deciduous forest.
NARRATOR: Cocoa farmers! If you are looking for a variety that will give you high yields and a good income, try hybrid cocoa!
Hybrid cocoa has brown cocoa beans, starts producing beans three years after planting, and produces at full potential for 10-15 years.
If you manage this variety well, cocoa yields can reach one tonne per hectare.
So plant hybrid cocoa for better yields and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #12: Fertilizing cocoa
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cocoa growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, and other forest zones.
NARRATOR: Cocoa farmers! For the best yield of high quality cocoa, it’s important to apply fertilizer to hybrid cocoa when cocoa trees start bearing pods in May and June.
Apply fertilizer by broadcasting NPKSB 1-22-18_5S+1B at a rate of 375 kilograms a hectare.
At the same time, you can also apply foliar fertilizer to boost yields.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #13: Good agronomic practices for cocoa
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cocoa growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: transitional zone and semi-deciduous forest.
NARRATOR: Cocoa farmers! For the best yields of hybrid cocoa, it’s recommended to use the following four farming practices.
First, mulch your cocoa plantation to improve soil health and conserve water.
Second, apply insecticides twice a year to control pests.
Third, manually weed your cocoa plantation before the rains start and before harvesting.
Finally, plant leguminous trees such as Gliricidia in your cocoa plantation to add nitrogen to the soil.
You can also plant food crops like cassava and plantain to shade cocoa trees and keep them healthy.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #14: Recommended cowpea varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cowpea growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest.
NARRATOR: Cowpea farmers! If you are looking for a good variety to plant, try Songotra!
Songotra is a white cowpea variety that matures in rainfed conditions 62-65 days after being planted in June.
If you manage this variety well, yields can reach two tonnes per hectare.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant Songotra or another recommended variety for better yields and income!
Spot #15: Fertilizing cowpea
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cowpea growers in the following ecological zones in Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, and Sudan savannah.
NARRATOR: Cowpea farmers! For the best yield of high quality cowpea, it’s important to apply fertilizer to a recommended variety in the right quantity at the right time.
Here’s how!
Two weeks after sowing, apply NPK 12-30-17 plus 0.4Zn fertilizer at a rate of 200 kilograms per hectare. You can apply it as a side dressing or by placing the fertilizer close to the young cowpea plants.
You can also add organic manure to boost soil fertility as the cowpeas grow.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #16: Good agronomic practices for cowpeas
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for cowpea growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, and Sudan savannah.
NARRATOR: Cowpea growers!
For the best results with recommended varieties, use the following four farming practices.
First, plough and harrow your land to conserve soil and water.
Second, treat seeds with fungicides before planting, and scout for pests and apply pesticides as needed.
Third, control weeds by manually weeding or using herbicides.
Fourth and finally, to improve soil health, rotate cowpeas with cereals after harvest.
By planting a recommended variety and using these best practices, you can maximize your yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #17: Recommended rice varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Rice farmers! If you are looking for a high-yielding variety that is tolerant to rice blast, try planting AGRA rice!
AGRA rice is a long grain, rainfed lowland and irrigated rice variety that is ready to harvest 130 days after planting.
If you manage this variety well, yields can reach eight tonnes per hectare.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant AGRA rice or another recommended variety for better yields and income!
Spot #18: Fertilizing rice
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Rice farmers! For the best yield of high quality rice, apply fertilizer to a recommended variety in the right quantity at the right time.
Fertilizer should be applied twice during the growing season.
Make the first application not later than two weeks after transplanting by broadcasting. Apply 300 kilograms of NPK 15-20-20 urea fertilizer per hectare.
The second application is six weeks after transplanting, when farmers should apply the same urea fertilizer at 100 kilograms per hectare by broadcasting.
Urea can be applied by deep placement, by broadcasting, or by side placement next to growing rice.
Applying as much organic manure as possible can also boost soil fertility and yields.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #19: Good agronomic practices for rice
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for rice growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Rice growers!
For the best yields of high quality rice, it is recommended that rice farmers plant a recommended variety and use the following five farming practices.
First, conserve soil and water by ploughing, harrowing, leveling, and making paddies.
Second, scout growing rice for pests and apply appropriate pesticides.
Third, control weeds by manually weeding or using herbicides.
Fourth, after the rice harvest, rotate rice with crops such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and vegetables.
Fifth, if you directly seed into paddies, use 20-30 kilograms of seeds per hectare. If you transplant your rice, plant 15-20 kilograms of seeds in the nursery.
By planting recommended varieties and using these best practices, you can maximize your yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #20: Recommended maize varieties
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Maize farmers! If you are looking for a high-yielding variety that’s resistant to maize streak virus, try planting Omankwa!
Omankwa is a high quality protein maize variety that is harvested 90 days since planting.
If you manage this variety well, yields can reach five tonnes per hectare.
Some farmers may find that other varieties better meet their needs and preferences. Consult Feserwam.org to identify recommended varieties for your exact location, as well as information about other farm inputs and good agricultural practices.
Then plant Omankwa or another recommended variety for better yields and income!
Spot #21: Fertilizing maize
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Maize farmers! For the best yield of high quality maize, apply fertilizer to a recommended variety in the right quantity at the right time.
Fertilizer should be applied twice during the growing season.
The first application is at planting time or not later than two weeks after planting. Farmers should apply 300 kilograms of NPK 15-20-20 fertilizer per hectare by spot application or side placement.
The second application is six weeks after planting, when farmers should apply 100 kilograms of urea fertilizer per hectare by side placement.
Farmers can make these applications beside maize seeds or growing maize plants, or with deep placement.
You can also add organic manure to boost the fertilizer.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #22: Good agronomic practices for maize
Note to broadcasters: This spot is suitable for maize growers in the following ecological zones of Ghana: Coastal savannah, Guinea savannah, transitional zone, semi-deciduous forest, Sudan savannah, and rainforest.
NARRATOR: Maize growers!
For the best results with a recommended variety, it is recommended that maize farmers use the following six farming practices.
First, sow seeds at 25 kilograms per hectare.
Second, space seeds 25 centimetres apart in rows 75 centimetres apart. Add one seed to each planting hole.
Third, conserve soil and water by ploughing and harrowing.
Fourth, control weeds manually or by spraying appropriate pesticides.
Fifth, to improve soil health, farmers should rotate to sweet potatoes, potatoes, or legumes after the maize harvest.
And finally, farmers should scout for maize pests and apply appropriate pesticides.
By planting recommended varieties and using these best practices, maize farmers can maximize their yield and income!
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Spot #23: Packages of high quality inputs help farmers, but also farmer organizations, extension agents, and agrodealers
NARRATOR: Packages of agricultural inputs not only help farmers—they also help farmer organizations provide the training, services, and advice that improve farmers’ yields and general well-being.
Agricultural input packages also help extension workers by boosting their capacity to serve farmers. They help extension workers provide more and better professional training, service, and advice to local farmers and other customers.
Finally, agricultural input packages also help agrodealers serve their customers better, promote their businesses, and increase their revenues. They can help agrodealers promote inputs that are adapted to specific agro-ecological zones, which helps farmers increase their yields and improve their incomes.
Check out the Feserwam website at feserwam.org for more information about the high quality inputs and good agricultural practices best suited to your location.
Acknowledgements
Contributed by: James Karuga, agricultural journalist, Kenya
Reviewed by: Prof. Christogonus K. Daudu, Extension Specialist-Soils & Fertilizer, National Agricultural Extension Research & Liaison Services, ABU Zaria, Nigeria.
This set of radio spots is made possible by the generous support of the American people through Feed the Future, the U.S. Government’s Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative. The contents are the responsibility of IFDC, CORAF, and Farm Radio and do not necessarily reflect the views of Feed the Future or the United States Government.