The proposed Multi Million Radat Dam in Baringo South will boost the seed production from Perkerra irrigation Scheme to hit 70 per cent of Kenya’s total seed demand.
In this regard Small scale farmers practicing irrigated agriculture at the scheme in Marigat have been challenged to shift their attention to contract agricultural farming in maize seed production in order to reap from the readily available market provided by Kenya Seed Company.
Cabinet Secretary, Cooperatives and Micro and Small Enterprise, Simon Chelugui, revealed that the irrigation scheme at the moment produces 60 percent of the national seed supply and propagation in the country.
Speaking during the ongoing countrywide Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023-2027 county sensitization forum at Kenya School of Government (KSG), Baringo campus, Chelugui reiterated that the coming of the proposed multimillion Radat water dam is expected to expand and increase maize seed supply to 70 percent making it the leading seed producer.
The Cooperatives CS noted that the Radat dam apart from regulating the water flow in Perkerra River will go a long way in making Marigat town and Perkerra scheme a very important agricultural seed production centre in Kenya.
Chelugui accompanied by Principal Secretaries Belio Kipsang (Basic Education), Eng. Peter Tum (sports), Prof. Julius Bitok (Immigration and Citizen Services) and Harry Kimutai (Health) added that as local leaders they are going to push resources to fast-track the construction of the giant water dam at Radat area as it will provide a constant supply of water for irrigation.
The scheme with over 100 acres of land under maize seed production uses gravity fed open earth channel conveyance with open furrow application system thus building of the dam will be advantageous to the scheme since there will be enough water for irrigation.
“Several dams and boreholes will be drilled in Baringo County where we are aiming to solve water problems especially in Baringo South and Tiaty where most of the residents of those areas are having challenges even in planting food crops and water for their cattle as this is one of our plan in the (MTPIV),” he said.
Perkerra Irrigation scheme is known for production of quality pawpaws, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, water melons, sorghum and green grams among others.
On insecurity, the CS flanked by Governor Benjamin Cheboi and county commissioner Stephen Kutwa commended the local security team for their tireless effort in ensuring security is restored in those areas that had not known peace for a long time.
He urged the security team to continue pushing for peace to prevail especially in parts of Baringo North and Marigat sub counties to enable local residents to conduct their socio-economic affairs without interruption.
By Benard Jumba and Joshua Kibet
