This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
August 30, 2021, marked a significant milestone in the mechanization of rice farming at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga County.
The introduction of mini combine harvesters has transformed the traditional harvesting method, making it more efficient and time-saving.
According to Dr. Vincent Kega, an Area-Based Scientist, the machines have reduced grain loss from 15% to 3% and have increased yields.
Farmer Peter Muchiri, who owns a combine harvester, leases it to other growers at Sh5,000 per acre, earning him a significant income.
The machines can harvest an acre of paddy rice within half an hour, with only three people deployed to manage the machine.
“This translates to only 1.2 man-hours to harvest the four acres using the combine harvester as opposed to 80 man-hours traditional manual harvest where eight people take 10 hours to harvest an acre,” said Dr. Kega.
Farmer Joyce Wanjiru praised the technology, saying it has greatly minimized grain loss and allowed them to harvest and transport their products within a short time.
The MOL company has also provided simple, modern, and efficient machines that are lighter and can be operated by one person.
The company's Managing Director, Mr. Takeyuki Karasawa, demonstrated the mini combine harvester and weeding machine, which can be operated by young children.
The Mwea Irrigation Scheme, which started in 1956, produces about 80,000 metric tons of paddy rice and aims to double its production once the two crops per year program is introduced.
