Kisumu County is partnering with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to enhance rice production in the Nyando region.
This collaboration focuses on implementing advanced irrigation techniques and providing essential and modern agricultural resources to the local farmers.
The area Deputy Governor Mathews Owili emphasised that improving water management and modernising agricultural practices will boost crop yields, enhance food security, and elevate living standards in the community.
Speaking at the Rabuor Centre in Nyando Sub County, the Deputy Governor highlighted the importance of modernising irrigation schemes to boost rice production in the area.
The partnership, Dr. Owili stated, targets to fast-track the implementation of development projects and revolutionise farming in the Ahero rice irrigation scheme, thereby improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The initiatives, Dr. Owili stated, will better equip farmers to increase their crop yields and improve their incomes.
“Upgrading the Ahero Irrigation Scheme will transform agricultural practices, improve crop yields, and ensure food security in the region,” he remarked.
He also noted that the newly constructed rice mill in Ahero will enhance rice production and provide farmers with a reliable market, protecting them from exploitation by traders from neighbouring countries who often offer low prices for their produce.
The County government invested Sh30 million to install the new rice mill. The machine established at the National Irrigation Authority in Ahero has a capacity of 2.5 metric tonnes per hour.
“This facility marks a significant step toward boosting rice productivity and reducing milling costs for farmers. It will allow farmers to mill their paddy at subsidised rates, protecting them from exploitation,” Dr. Owili added.
Additionally, the Deputy Governor assured that the county government, in collaboration with the NIA, is committed to expanding the area under rice cultivation by enhancing irrigation channels. Currently, the Ahero Irrigation Scheme spans 7,868 acres, producing 29,000 metric tonnes per cropping season.
The West Kano Irrigation Scheme covers 2,830 acres, yielding approximately 8,000 metric tonnes of rice per season, while the South West Kano Irrigation Scheme commands 5,500 acres, producing about 15,400 metric tonnes.
According to the NIA, the expansive Western Kenya Schemes cumulatively cover 16,198 acres of rice farms, with plans to double the cultivated area. This expansion aims to increase rice production to over 80,000 metric tonnes annually, generating an estimated income of Sh1.9 billion per cropping season for the farmers.
By Robert Ojwang’
