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Farmers on the Tana Irrigation Scheme are embracing rice and sunflower farming, raking 1000’s of shillings from the crops.
Tana Irrigation Scheme supervisor James Kirimi mentioned 1800 acres within the scheme are underneath rice. “We had not met our target by mid-June but we are looking to accomplish it before the start of the main season in August,” he mentioned.
Komboka selection developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is semi-aromatic and has lengthy slender grains and a gentle cooking texture. The plant peak is 110 – 115 cm and matures in three and a half to 4 months (110 – 120 days).
Kirimi mentioned in his workplace in Hola that the climatic situation in Hola has been very conducive for rice manufacturing. “We have no reason to slow down the momentum we are building up on it,” he added.
“The scheme is presently very energetic producing rice – Kwamboka selection, farmers have embraced rice farming in an enormous approach and now it has attracted extra farmers from inside and out of doors the county,’’ mentioned the scheme supervisor.
The supervisor additionally attributed the success to the available market; presently, the value has simply moved from Sh 60 to Sh 63.
He mentioned: “We are seeing an upward trend because now the farmers are not struggling with the market like it used to be with non-contracted crops. They are really happy with the markets and the prices they are getting. Every producer can recoup the cost of production and get a very good profit.”
In line with the federal government’s efforts to cushion Kenyans towards the rising price of dwelling the scheme has partnered with a Non-Governmental Organization to develop sunflowers for the manufacturing of edible oils.
“We have additionally embraced different crops like sunflowers, we’re partnering with an NGO referred to as World Concern. It’s a contracted crop for the manufacturing of oil and it can be utilized to supply livestock dietary supplements,’’ acknowledged James Kirimi.
He additional mentioned the primary focus of the scheme is to make sure the achievement of the large 4 agenda of accelerating meals and diet safety. “We believe with other partners and other stakeholders we can achieve this,” he mentioned.
To stabilize the hovering costs of maize flour within the nation which has been exacerbated by extended drought and different elements, 1200 acres of land within the scheme is underneath maize with efforts to extend the acreage within the August planting season.
“We haven’t deserted the standard crop of maize; we’re partnering with a number of farmers’ teams. We have already noticed that the drought scenario is choosing up, they might want to improve the manufacturing of maize as our staple meals,’’ defined the scheme supervisor.
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