A Tana River farmer has adopted the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to power a water pump at his one-acre farm to avoid the ever-rising cost of petroleum products on the market.
Fluctuation in the prices of petrol made Ibrahim Wayu abandon the use of diesel-powered water pumps and come up with an innovative solution to cut costs.
Wayu says he used to spend Sh670 daily on diesel to pump water to his farm but now uses a three-kilogramme gas that costs Sh1300 and lasts for three days.
“The cost of gas is affordable compared to the use of diesel. I urge my fellow farmers to embrace the use of gas, which is environmentally friendly and carbon-free and farming continues unabated,” he said.
He calls on the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to deploy technical staff to promote innovation and creativity in green energy.
Wayu urged farmers to adopt modern farming methods and to stop the over-reliance on rains to farm, a common practice among farmers along the river Tana. “Farmers should move to higher grounds and utilise the expansive lands not to be affected by the forecasted El-Nino,” he said.
The devastating floods that struck Tana River County in 2019 marked a turning point in the life of Mr. Ibrahim Wayu, a determined farmer.
Despite suffering substantial financial losses, approximately Sh 200,000 in profits, and the destruction of valuable equipment, Wayu’s unwavering spirit led him to start afresh like a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Faced with adversity, Wayu refused to abandon his agricultural dreams. He moved from the banks of the river Tana and settled on the fertile grounds of Chanani village.
He recalls, “After the losses I suffered in the last floods, I relocated to this place to continue pursuing my career. I’ve identified this area as exceptionally fertile for my farming business.”
However, the new location presented its own challenge: a water scarcity issue. Undeterred, Wayu devised a solution by digging a 45-foot well to support his irrigation needs. To ensure the efficient utilisation of this precious resource, he also constructed an underground tank with a capacity of 6,000 litres.
Recognising the importance of expert guidance, Wayu sought the help of agricultural specialists to assess the soil’s fertility and recommend suitable crops. After their evaluation, he decided to cultivate green peas, maize, and other crops best suited for the region.
The daily water requirements for irrigation necessitated a reliable energy source for pumping. Instead of opting for conventional, more expensive petrol-powered pumps, Mr. Wayu made a forward-thinking choice by harnessing the power of solar energy.
“For irrigation, I use a carburetor that has been modified to run on gas, effectively replacing petroleum and connecting it to a gas supply line,” says Wayu.
Wayu Farm has morphed into an educational hub, attracting local farmers eager to learn about eco-friendly farming.
By Sadik Hassan
