By D, KNA
A groundbreaking irrigation initiative is set to unlock the agricultural potential of Ugoti-Marega in Igembe South Sub-county, marking a major milestone for the region.
The Sh310 million investment, spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, will cover approximately 800 acres, directly benefitting 800 farmers, with each being allocated an acre.
An estimated 4,000 residents in the vicinity, will also gain indirectly from the ripple effects of the project.
According to Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS), Eric Mugaa, a feasibility study revealed immense potential in the area, where farmers already cultivate bananas and other horticultural crops.
“With consistent irrigation, farmers can now expect to triple their annual harvests,” said Mugaa, during a Public Participation and subsequent launch of the project at Ugoti market.
One local young farmer, Erick Kinyua, shared that a single acre in the area can yield-up to 7,000 cabbages.
“Even at a conservative market price of Sh30 per cabbage, that translates to Sh210,000 per season.
With irrigation enabling three seasons annually, farmers could earn-up to Sh630,00 nearly tripling their income,” said Kinyua, who opted for horticultural farming after completing his secondary education in order to get money to fund his further studies.
“This is a game-changer, as we are not just bringing water to this area; we’re also bringing prosperity,” said the CS.
The project is also drawing in other young people many of whom have turned to farming as a reliable source of income.
According to the Irrigation Principal Secretary (PS), Ephantus Kimotho, irrigation encompasses modern agricultural technologies, making farming more attractive and viable to the young people.
According to Kimotho, the government was not only involved in production, but also in aggregation and value addition, further boosting the local economy.
He said the project includes intake construction and conveyance lines, tapping into nearby water sources.
“This is part of a broader National Government effort, with over 600 similar projects already implemented across Kenya, each covering between 500 and 1,000 acres,” the PS said.
To ensure long-term success, the Ministry is developing a countywide irrigation water plan, to map land and water sources, guide crop selection and support operations and maintenance.
Mugaa urged the area residents to take full ownership of the project, devoid of politics, which they should utilize properly to uplift their lives.
The CS also called on contractors to prioritize local labor for unskilled jobs, emphasizing that the hardworking nature of the community, combined with access to water, could turn the larger Meru County into the country’s food basket.
Meanwhile, with a projected return on investment within two years, the irrigation project stands as a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable agricultural transformation across the country.