Chinese research firm to help boost rice yield in Busia

By RENSON BULUMA

A Chinese research institute seeks to partner with Bunyala Irrigation Scheme in Busia County to boost rice production.

National Irrigation Board Bunyala Manager Joel Tanui said China National Rice Research Institute is seeking to collaborate with the scheme to enhance production of the crop, maximise profits and improve the local economy.

“The institute will carry out studies aimed at improving yields and this will include introducing high quality grains that are pest resistance and early maturing,” said Tanui.

He added that the group will also train farmers on modern, large-scale production techniques to increase harvest.

He said the group of researchers was already on the ground on a fact-finding mission.

He said the initiative will help farmers cut cost of production and record better harvests. During the last harvest, farmers in Bunyala scheme received over Sh190 million from the crop, which is now turning out to be the biggest economy booster in the region.

The scheme is one of the biggest in the country and produces an average of 60,000 bags of rice each season.