New rice growing technology to boost production

Kenya National Irrigation Board (NIB) has introduced a new rice growing technology to improve yields.

Margaret Anyango a rice farmer weeds her rice in her farm at West Kano in Kisumu county.PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR

An Indian firm - Agfri, has introduced Systems of Rice Intensification (SRI) to offer expertise, seeds, fertilisers and mechanical weeders aiming to save farmers at the Ahero and West Kano irrigation schemes in Kisumu County where it is being rolled out, up to Sh8 million annually on water cost; while doubling production from two tonnes per acre to four tonnes.

NIB Regional Manager Joel Tanui said SRI will also help farmers increase production on paddy fields. -Dalton Nyabundi