CROPS 

 MAIZE. 



There can be little doubt that in the future 

 this district will be known as the Granary of 

 East Africa. The largest and most useful crop grown 

 is maize, under which there are about 7,000 acres, 

 producing about 77,000 bags. New land gives about 

 8 to 9 two hundred pound bags to the acre; old land 

 12 to 14. With the establishment of the B.H.A. 

 Maize Growers' Association, the prospects ©f export 

 trade have been materially improved, and it is 

 extremely probable that in the near future the area 

 under maize will be greatly extended. 



An increasing acreage is being put under this crop 

 every year, and last year's returns shew an average 

 of 17 bushels per acre. This is sufficient evidence 

 that the district can hold its own in wheat. This 

 3-ear the area under it will be doubled. Local 

 markets wi'll consume all the country is likely to 

 produce for some years yet — as is evidenced by 

 statistics — so that growers have an assured market at 

 their doors. 



Beans in large quantities are grown, the favourite 

 varieties being Noyau-au-Blanc, Canadian Wonder 

 and Rose Coco. All of these give good yields, and 

 find ready markets at profitable prices, both locally 

 and overseas. Beans, not being affected by drought 

 to the same extent as most crops, are well deserving 

 of attention as a side line. 



WATTLE. There are over 3,000 acres under wattle in the 



district, and the area is being steadily extended. The 

 two rainy seasons per year, and other favourable 

 climatic conditions, have the effect of bringing the 

 trees to maturity in three or four years instead of the 

 six or seven usual in most wattle growing countries. 

 Samples oi 3% year old wattle from the district, sent 

 to the Imperial Institute some time ago, were stated 

 to contain 39,6 per cent of tannin, and reported to be 

 of readily saleable value. Before the outbreak of war 

 a scheme was on foot to erect a tannin extract factory 

 at Naivasha, capable of handling seven to ten 

 thousand tons of bark per year. Should this or 

 some similar scheme be gone on with on the return 

 to normal conditions, wattle growers in the district 

 should reap a handsome return on their outlay of 

 capital. 



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