• The swamp in Central Karachuonyo, Karachuonyo constituency, has been lying idle for more than 60 years.
• Farmers’ representative Jared Ogembo said the long grass in the swamp was of no value to them.
The Homa Bay government has started using the Sh7.2 billion Kimira-Oluch irrigation project to turn a 300-acre swamp into rice farms.
The swamp in Central Karachuonyo, Karachuonyo constituency, has been lying idle for more than 60 years.
It has for many years been home to snakes and other wild animals.
Farmers’ representative Jared Ogembo said the long grass in the swamp was of no value to them.
“The grass growing here has no use because even cattle don’t feed on it. This land has had no economic benefit,” he said.
Farming will be done through the support of Kimira-Oluch Smallholder Farm Improvement Project (KOSFIP).
On Friday, Agriculture executive Aguko Juma launched the project in Kital village and flagged off a tractor to start tilling the land.
He said they want to help farmers grow rice in the swamp.
In the project, 600 farmers will grow rice on the land. Each farmer will manage half an acre.
Juma said his office is going to provide the farmers with subsidised seeds.
“We have already made arrangements to purchase seeds from Kenya Seed Company. We want the seeds delivered before the end of December,” Juma said.
He urged the youth to utilise the irrigation project and make money instead of following politicians during the electioneering period.
“Let youths embrace agriculture using this irrigation project. This project can make them millionaires,” Juma said.
Farmers expressed optimism that the initiative will enhance will increase rice production and boost food security in the area.
Kimira Water Users Association chairman George Aoko said they have been suffering from food shortage, despite availability of the 300 acres.
“We are glad that we are starting an initiative of turning this swamp into farms,” Aoko said.
The farmers are benefiting from mechanisation services from Nyabon Enterprises Ltd.
Organisation chief executive officer David Osamba said they are ploughing for farmers at a low-cost on credit.
“The farmers will pay the cost of tilling the land after harvesting their rice. This arrangement is aimed at enabling everybody to grow rice,” Osamba said.
Edited by A.N