Description

SC Sungura 301 Maize Seed

Boost your maize farming with Organic Farm’s certified SC Sungura 301 Maize seeds (Zea mays), an ultra-early maturing hybrid developed by Seed Co Kenya, designed for drought-prone and low-rainfall regions. Known for its resilience and rapid growth, this variety is a game-changer for farmers seeking quick harvests and reliable yields. Our KEPHIS-certified seeds, sourced and packaged in Muranga, Kenya, ensure high germination and robust performance, ideal for farmers in regions like Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni aiming to maximize productivity in challenging conditions.

Benefits of SC Sungura 301 Maize Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins, SC Sungura 301 maize supports food security, serving as a staple for ugali, porridge, and roasted cobs, with demand in local and regional markets.

• Versatile Uses: Suitable for human consumption, animal feed, and small-scale industrial processing; an excellent alternative to sorghum and millet in arid areas.

• High Profitability: Yields 25–30 bags (90kg) per acre (2.25–2.7 tonnes), generating KSh 75,000–150,000 at KSh 3,000–5,000 per bag, with low input costs due to drought tolerance.

• Climate Resilience: Ultra-early maturity (72–80 days) and strong tolerance to drought, heat, and common maize diseases like Maize Streak Virus (MSV) and Grey Leaf Spot (GLS), making it ideal for marginal rainfall areas.

Favorable Climates for SC Sungura 301 in Kenya

SC Sungura 301 is tailored for low to medium-potential zones with rainfall below 250–600mm, temperatures of 20–35°C, and altitudes of 0–1,300m. It excels in semi-arid and arid regions, offering a climate-smart solution for unpredictable weather.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Makueni, Kitui

• Coastal Kenya: Taita Taveta, Kilifi

• Rift Valley: Baringo, parts of Nakuru

• North Eastern Kenya: Garissa, Wajir

• Western Kenya: Lowland areas of Kisumu

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils; tolerates low-fertility soils but benefits from organic matter.

• Soil pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral); test and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Enrich with compost or manure; apply 250kg NPK 23:23:23 per acre at planting.

• Drainage: Essential to prevent waterlogging and aflatoxin risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting SC Sungura 301

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny site (6–8 hours daily) with no maize or related crops for 2–3 seasons to reduce pest and disease risks.

• Clear weeds manually or with a herbicide like CLAMPDOWN (200ml/20l); plow to a fine tilth and incorporate 2–3 tons manure per acre.

• Test soil pH; apply 1kg HUMIPOWER per hectare for root development.

Seedbed Preparation

• Create furrows 75cm apart for single rows, ensuring a depth of 4–5cm for optimal seed placement.

• Drench soil with PYRAMID (100g/20l) and OPTIMIZER (20ml/20l) to control soil pests and enhance germination.

Planting Seeds

• Use KEPHIS-certified SC Sungura 301 seeds from Organic Farm (2kg packet, sufficient for ~0.2 acres at 10kg/acre).

• Conduct a germination test: Place 100 seeds between moist newspapers for 4 days; aim for 85–90% germination (sow 2 seeds per hole if lower).

• Sow seeds 4–5cm deep, 30cm apart within rows, at the onset of rains (March–May or October–December) or during hot months like January. Apply NPK 23:23:23 (250kg/acre) in furrows, separate from seeds to avoid burning.

Mulching

• Apply light organic mulch (e.g., dry grass) between rows post-emergence to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 10cm from plant bases.

Caring for SC Sungura 301 Maize Plants

• Irrigation: Water weekly (20 liters/m²) in dry periods, especially during germination and grain filling; use drip irrigation in arid areas like Kitui for efficiency.

• Fertilization: Top-dress with CAN (100kg/acre) at 4–6 weeks or during flowering to support grain filling. Use foliar feeds like OPTIMIZER (10ml/20l) for micronutrients.

• Weeding: Weed at 2–3 weeks and 5–6 weeks to reduce competition; use herbicides or hand-weed carefully to protect roots.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for Fall Armyworm and stalk borers; use neem oil or BELT 480SC (10ml/20l). SC Sungura 301 has good tolerance to MSV and GLS but requires vigilance for rust. Remove crop debris to minimize risks.

• Harvesting: Harvest at 72–80 days when cobs are dry, kernels are hard, and semi-flint grains have a glossy texture. Dry cobs further to prevent aflatoxin before storage.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: Rows 75cm apart, plants 30cm apart.

• Seed Rate: 10kg per acre (25kg/ha); 2kg covers ~0.2 acres.

• Population: Approximately 17,000–20,000 plants per acre (53,000 plants/ha).

Expected Production

• Per Acre: 2.25–2.7 tonnes (25–30 bags of 90kg) under good management; up to 10 tonnes/ha in optimal conditions.

• Income: At KSh 3,000–5,000 per 90kg bag, one acre can yield KSh 75,000–150,000 per season.

• Harvest Timeline: Matures in 72–80 days, with harvesting typically in December–January or June–July, depending on planting season.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s SC Sungura 301 Maize Seeds?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our SC Sungura 301 Maize seeds offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: High-germination seeds (85–90%) selected for ultra-early maturity, drought tolerance, and disease resistance, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Traits: Semi-flint grains with good tip cover, excellent for low-rainfall areas, and a viable alternative to sorghum and millet.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages for local and regional markets.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic seed production supports soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya.

Join Kenya’s maize revolution with Organic Farm’s certified SC Sungura 301 seeds, designed to thrive in challenging climates and deliver fast, reliable harvests. Order your seeds now to grow a climate-smart crop that ensures food security and profitability!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com

Sources: Seed Co Kenya, Farmers Trend