The government has expressed its dedication to expediting the lining of rice water canals at the Mwea irrigation scheme as a means to boost rice production. During a recent visit to Thiba dam and the extensive scheme, Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasized the project’s significance in ensuring food security. The contractor has already completed 1.5 km of the canal and has committed to finishing the remaining portion within a minimum of two months, constructing 10 panels per day.
The completion of this project will enable the government to achieve its goal of irrigating 35,000 acres. Kimotho assured farmers that the government is actively involved in overseeing the project to ensure timely completion, aiming to prevent seepage and water loss. The operationalization of Thiba dam has already benefited the 14,850 farmers in the scheme, resulting in an increase in rice cultivation from 20,000 to 30,600 acres. Consequently, rice production value has risen from Sh10 billion to Sh18 billion annually, generating an additional 50,000 jobs and cumulatively providing 175,000 jobs per year.
Furthermore, the canal project will enable farmers to comfortably engage in double-crop seasons, cultivating 70,000 acres each year. Kimotho commended the scheme management for embracing mechanization, noting its cost-effectiveness in significantly reducing labor expenses by 50 percent. The utilization of modern machinery will also enhance the efficiency of rice farming and reduce post-harvest losses by over 20 percent. For instance, a single rice combine harvester can harvest 15 acres of paddy rice daily.
Kimotho affirmed the government’s commitment to improving and expanding initiatives in rice-growing regions nationwide. The objective is to meet the growing demand for rice and decrease reliance on rice imports. Gilbert Maluki, Chairman of the National Irrigation Authority, assured farmers of the government’s dedication to ensuring they receive fair compensation for their hard work. The government will provide essential resources for farming and establish a readily available market for their produce.
Maluki stated, “Our mandate is to ensure that our farmers receive their water efficiently and reliably.” With the new dam in place, he expressed confidence that numerous farmers will benefit economically. The NIA is in discussions with various government agencies that will purchase the farmers’ produce, creating a platform for off-taking the agricultural output. Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango advocated for the passage of the Rice Bill to secure markets for farmers and protect them from exploitation in terms of payment for their produce.
Njeri Maina, the Woman Representative, urged the government to support local farmers by prioritizing their produce over external markets. She also called for attention to be given to the sanitation needs of local farmers to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. MP Mary Maingi commended the government for its commitment to providing a ready market for farmers and ensuring timely payments. She emphasized that the canal project will ensure the continuity of rice farming by providing consistent water supply, thereby doubling rice production.
