State embarks on propagation of high quality rice seeds in Kirinyaga

In an effort to maximise the quality and the quantity of rice production in the country, the government is set to embark on propagating high quality certified seeds for rice farmers in Kirinyaga county.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Kello Harsama said the project which will commence in January next year, is a partnership between the Kenyan and the South Korean government.

Through the action plan, the PS  noted that local farmers will be able to purchase high quality seeds at an affordable price, thus ensuring continuity in quality rice farming.

Harsama who spoke Monday, said the programme will be implemented on a 200-acre land belonging to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Karlo). He thus ordered for the immediate vacation of all those who have encroached the land.

He urged the county government to help in overseeing the clearance of the land so as to seamlessly embark on the project come January.

He lauded the project saying it is one of the sustainable ways the government is increasing rice production in the country. This is in its bid to meet the growing demand which is inching towards a million bags per year, against a local production of 300,000 bags per year.

To bridge the deficit, he added that the government is prompted to spend up to Sh34 billion to import over 700,000 bags per year. 

He said Kenyans, especially the youths, have increasingly developed a penchant and insatiable appetite for rice over maize, which is currently the country’s staple food.

At the same time, the PS impressed on the farmers to prioritise the cultivation of the high yield varieties such as the ‘Komboka’ over the conventional type. He said this is due to their high production levels and ability to tolerate diseases and harsh weather conditions.

He said rice, which is the third largest locally grown cereal, has often come in handy as a substitute for maize, especially during famine seasons when maize is subjected to harsh weather.

Harsama added that his ministry will continue sensitising farmers on hybrid rice varieties and efficient ways of rice cultivation.

“The government is prioritising rice cultivation due to its growing demand which has now surpassed 800,000 bags per year. In line with the Kenya Kwanza administration work plan, we want to seal the import deficit by increasing local production to ensure that in five or seven years time, we will no longer be importing rice,” he told famers.

The PS spoke in Mwea during the official launch of 20,000 litres of the Biograde 300 SL pesticide. It  will be undertaken through a pilot project for the eradication and control of the spread of the invasive Apple snails commonly known as “Golden Apple Snail”, which have been ravaging farmers’ rice at the Mwea Irrigation scheme.

The PS noted that six acres of the scheme will be put under the use of the pesticide which will be used in three sprays cycles.

He called on the farmers to keenly observe the results from the pesticide application. The PS said the results will be key in informing the government on the critical decisions to make, this includes mobilisation of resources to facilitate the up-scaling of the use of the pesticide in the next and future planting seasons.

Besides urging the farmers to keenly observe and adhere to the guidelines prescribed while handling the pesticide, the PS encouraged the farmers to supplement its usage.

This is by applying other cultural methods of snail spread control such as handpicking, trapping and destruction of egg masses using sticks.

The PS said the government is also committed to controlling the Quelea birds which have also been destroying the farmers' produce at insanely large scale levels. He noted that the government has acquired drones and other highly sophisticated machines for use in eradicating the birds.

About subsidised fertilisers, the PS said the government will continue supplying the farmers with the crucial farm input as he urged those that have not registered their names to do so when the registration window resumes.

He also said the government would increase pick up points for the subsidised fertilisers in order to enable farmers have timely access.

Local leaders present lauded the government’s effort in ensuring that local rice farmers maximise their profits through the venture.

Led by deputy governor David Githanda, they said they are optimistic that the pesticide will go a long way in curbing the snails which have led farmers counting losses.

Senator Kamau Murango said the migratory Apple snails have not only cost the farmers economically but have also had negative health implications to them owing to the pests’ sharp blade-like shells.

“Most of the rice farmers have sustained deep cuts from the snails thus spending much money in seeking medical attention. Therefore, the snails are not only a potential threat to food security but also to our farmers' health,” he said.

Mwea MP Mary Maingi thanked the government for its effort in progressively addressing challenges bedevilling rice farmers especially the snail menace. She said though the pesticide is taking time to produce efficient results, farmers should embrace its usage for now.

Woman Rep Njeri Maina said the local leaders will continue pursuing and defending the interests of farmers as well as oversee the full passage and implementation of the rice bill for farmer's benefit.