This archive report was first published on 11 November 2021.
Busia County rice farmers are in for a treat as the county government, in partnership with Indigenous Go Africa and Indigo Global Development, has announced plans to fully mechanize the Bunyala Rice Scheme in Budalangi Sub County.
Published on November 11, 2021, the move is expected to improve rice production in the county, thereby boosting the economy.
According to County Chief Officer for Agriculture Moses Osia, the partnership will help farmers improve their rice production, leading to a better livelihood for those who depend on rice farming as a source of income.
Osia noted that the agreement with the investors is aimed at boosting rice production in the county, which will in turn improve the livelihood of farmers and the general economy.
He added that the mechanization of the scheme will revolutionize irrigation and rice growing in the area, appreciating the efforts put up by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Busia Chapter and the County Government of Busia in wooing investors to the County.
The ongoing works of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Scheme will see the area under rice production increase to 10,000 acres from the current 3,000, boosting rice production in the county.
KNCCI Chair, Busia Chapter Sylvanus Abungu urged farmers to embrace the production of three crops per year to triple their income compared to the initial one crop annually.
Nathalie Brunet from Indigo Global Development emphasized that a milling plant for rice farmers in the county is their top priority to enable farmers process their rice ready for sale, instead of exporting unprocessed rice to benefit other areas.
The Managing Director Indigenous Go Africa Hillary Akhabi said they partnered with Busia County to attain sustainable agriculture and ensure they get the right market for the farm produce.
