Key lessons on rice farming from Japan that Kenya should borrow

Farmers in a rice field at Mitunguu in South Imenti, Meru County. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

Last week, I had a rare opportunity of visiting Japan's tranquil rice fields in Nara region and my mind was captivated by the transformative power of rice farming.

I envisioned its potential to revolutionise Kenyan agriculture with prosperity and sustainability. Kenyans consume roughly 1 million metric tons of rice yearly. Yet we produce only 180,000 tonnes annually. That's why in the first six months of 2023, Kenya spent Sh39.71 billion to import 702,249 metric tonnes of rice.