Kisumu’s Self-Reliance Drive: Unveiling of Rice Mill
Published on: December 6, 2023.
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**Kisumu to Open New Rice Mill in Effort to Boost Food Security**
Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 06:20 | By Kepher Otieno
Kisumu County is taking a bold step towards enhancing food security and reducing rice imports in the region. Rather than relying on imported rice, the county aims to capitalize on its homegrown rice by selling it to local markets and promoting the overall growth of the agriculture industry.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o announced that the county has successfully installed a state-of-the-art rice mill in Ahero, which is set to begin operations in early next year pending commissioning.
“This project is expected to expand rice cultivation by an additional 500 hectares, and it complements another rice mill being constructed by the Lake Basin Development Authority,” Governor Nyong’o explained.
Additionally, the county intends to expand areas dedicated to rice irrigation and implement more schemes such as the Southwest Kano irrigation scheme to enhance food and nutrition security in the region.
Improved extension services to rice farmers have led to increased productivity and household incomes, according to Governor Nyong’o. Agriculture remains a crucial sector for the county’s economy and plays a vital role in ensuring food security.
“Our government has made significant strides in bolstering food production in the county through strategic partnerships,” Governor Nyong’o emphasized.
Through a collaborative effort with the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), Kisumu has trained and supported 255 farmer groups across three value chains, including cassava, chicken, and sorghum, in six wards within the county. The aim is to enhance irrigation, agricultural productivity, and resilience to climate change risks.
“To address climate change risks in smallholder farming areas, we have constructed 10 water pans and boreholes, benefitting over 500 households,” Governor Nyong’o revealed.
These infrastructure projects include the Kodikre Water Pan and auxiliary structures in Central Nyakach Ward, Nyakach Sub-County, Holo Orucho Water Pan and auxiliary structures in East Kano/Wawidhi Ward, Nyando Sub-County, Gem Rae Irrigation Scheme and Kaloo Borehole in Nyakach, Siany CC3 Irrigation Project in Kabonyo Kanyagwal, Awach Kano Irrigation Project in Nyando, Kaloka Borehole and Banda Works in East Seme, and Chiga Irrigation Project in Kolwa East, Kisumu East sub-County, among others.
To empower farmers with accurate weather information for informed decision-making, the county government has enrolled 22,763 farmers in its digitization program. These farmers receive agro-weather updates directly on their mobile phones, assisting them in making informed choices.
Furthermore, Governor Nyong’o stated that the county government is collaborating with the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) to enhance market participation and value addition for targeted farmers in select value chains in project areas, aiming to scale up existing interventions towards increased productivity.
By prioritizing the utilization of domestic rice production, Kisumu County is taking significant strides towards self-reliance. With the opening of the new rice mill and the expansion of irrigation projects, the county is poised to enhance food security, boost agricultural productivity, and reduce the dependence on imported rice.
**Source:** [Pulse Live Kenya](https://www.pd.co.ke){:target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”}
