The government has entered into partnership with several private-sector players in a major project to revive rice value chain and boost production in Karachuonyo Constituency through the rehabilitation of a three-kilometre irrigation canal.
Implemented by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), the initiative will help irrigate approximately 2,700 acres of farmland.
The agency is working with partners including Greentech Hub Limited, Syngenta, ETG, NCBA, Equity Bank and others to revitalise the rice value chain.
Speaking after the launch in Rachuonyo North Thursday, LBDA Managing Director Wycliff Ochiaga said the main objective was to enhance rice production and reduce imports.
“We are here to enhance local rice production so that we can reduce imported rice. As a country, we consume twice what we produce therefore increasing demand,” Ochiaga said.
The project is also expected to boost economic opportunities across the region through job creation and increasing household incomes.
The project will support farmers with technical expertise and certified inputs besides rehabilitating the irrigation canal, he said, adding that it will utilise the idle arable land in the region to increase rice production.
He noted that the agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with all participating partners, outlining their roles in financing, technical assistance, seed supply, fertiliser provision and general production support.
The government has invested about Sh5 million in the first phase of the project, which involves drainage and canal works, land preparation and the supply of certified seeds.
Farmers have organised themselves into blocks, with the first phase expected to cover five blocks. Within 30 days, the entire 2,700 acres will be rehabilitated, while at least 100 acres will be ready within a week.
The MD pointed out that LBDA is also exploring opportunities in other key value chains. “Beyond rice, we are holding conversations on edible oil value chain, livestock, and rotational crops, most of which are still heavily imported. Our goal as a government agency is to expand farmers’ capacities, boost incomes and improve livelihoods,” he stressed.
Kimira Irrigation Scheme vice chairperson Samuel Odiao said the development marks a major milestone for farmers in Karachuonyo, who have long hoped to convert swampy areas into rice paddies.
He reiterated that this initiative was a long-awaited victory for farmers especially in central, northeast and lakeshore areas of Karachuonyo.
“We are very happy today because it has been our dream to turn these swampy areas into productive rice fields. The drainage system being launched covering both inlet and outlet canals and opening all waterways will transform our capacity,” he said, encouraging farmers to come forward and register in the project.
Odiao was elated that farmers will receive 100 per cent support from the coalition of partners throughout planting, weeding and harvesting.
Before the project, farmers were harvesting about 20 bags per acre but now yields are projected to double to about three tonnes, equivalent to roughly 40 bags per acre, a major step forward for the farmers.
The scheme currently has 1,400 registered farmers covering the 2,700 acres.
By Sitna Omar
