Azolla is an aquatic fungi plant that is grown in stagnant water or a pond. It is good for fish, poultry and cattle farmers.
Azolla is rich in protein, vitamin A, B and C and minerals. Azolla requires minimal inputs. One requires one line water pond, organic manure and azolla seedlings. Constructing a pond costs about Ksh 4000.
Production of Azolla
Take matured azolla plants to a new pond with manure inside it. Spread the azolla over the pond. Leave it for 14 days for it to be mature. Azolla is harvested every week. One can harvest 10-15 kgs per week. One kilogramme is sold for Ksh 50.
After every two weeks add organic manure which will stay around eight months.
Clean the pond. After cleaning the pond put another azolla.
Benefits of Azolla
It improves productivity in animals. Azolla is homemade and requires minimal maintenance.
One can start azolla farming on a small piece of land.
Challenges
Challenges of azolla farming are insects, frogs, tadpoles start getting into the ponds due to the stagnant water. To minimize the infestation one requires to fence around the pond.
