Irrigation hailed as the key to food security

By PATRICK BEJA

It is possible to achieve food security through irrigation, a government agency has said.

Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (Tarda) chairman Mr Mturi Ndegwa said rice production has been successful in the Tana delta since the revival of a farm under the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP).

Regional Development Authorities PS Mr Curey Orege said the Ministry of Agriculture was urgently seeking Sh300 million to put a 2,000-hectare rice farm in the lower Tana to address food security.

"Rice growing has potential and we want to increase acreage and eventually cover the whole farm," Orege said.

The PS made the remarks at Gamba in Tana River County at the weekend when he launched rice harvesting using combine harvesters. Ndegwa and Tarda managing director Mr Peter Bwogero accompanied him.

Tarda has put 800 hectares under commercial pishori rice and expects to harvest 2,500 tonnes.

Commercial rice

Last season, Tarda put 850 hectares under commercial rice and harvested 1,500 tonnes of paddy. Tarda invested Sh56 million and reaped Sh106 million profit.

"The local community has benefited from water for irrigation and seeds," said Orege.

The PS said rice farming in the area was revived under the ESP when Government allocated Sh800 million to repair the water canals, dykes and milling plant.

The rice projects employ about 1,300 workers.

"The local market consumes all the rice produced here. Irrigation has ensured production of rice throughout the year unlike rain-fed agriculture," said Orege.