April is the heart of the long rains season. Moisture is abundant, soils are responsive, and your crop development decisions right now will show at harvest. Here’s what CGA’s team is seeing and recommending:
01 TOP-DRESS MAIZE AT 4TH–6TH LEAF STAGE
Apply CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) when maize reaches 4–6 true leaves. Timing matters: too early, and you waste nitrogen; too late, and your crop misses the critical growth window. Apply when soils are moist (not waterlogged) and use side-placement rather than broadcasting.
02 SCOUT FOR FALL ARMYWORM (FAW) TWICE WEEKLY
FAW doesn’t respect seasons. Scout your fields at least twice weekly during vegetative growth. Check the whorl — larvae hide inside. Early detection (egg masses, first instar) keeps your options cheaper and more effective. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biologics work best on young larvae. Delay spraying and costs soar.
03 INTERCULTIVATE AFTER HEAVY RAINS
Heavy April rains cause surface crusting and soil compaction, especially in clay-rich soils. Intercultivate between rows to restore aeration and control weeds. Never enter a wet field with heavy machinery; compaction damage can persist for seasons.
04 DRY GRAIN TO <13.5% MOISTURE BEFORE STORAGE
Last season’s grain still in your store? Prioritise drying to below 13.5% moisture before moving to permanent storage. Use hermetic bags as your low-cost, high-efficacy solution. Aflatoxin contamination is a growing buyer concern, and a profitable grain lot can be rejected outright if mycotoxins exceed the threshold.
05 START WHEAT PLANNING FOR OCTOBER PLANTING NOW
Wheat farmers in Narok, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru highlands: begin variety selection, certified seed sourcing, and pre-season soil testing this month. Early planning de-risks your decision.