President William Ruto has reiterated his commitment to supporting rice farmers in Kenya by enhancing value addition, a move aimed at boosting production, increasing farmers’ earnings, and contributing to the nation’s food security. Speaking at the commissioning of the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Rice Mill Project in Kibos, Kisumu County, Ruto emphasized the critical role of local rice production in Kenya’s agricultural sector and the broader economy.
The newly commissioned rice mill, a state-of-the-art facility, is set to revolutionize rice farming in the region. With a processing capacity of 4,000 tonnes per hour, operating in three shifts per day, five days a week, the mill will process approximately 28,000 metric tons of rice annually. This initiative is expected to generate significant revenue and provide a major boost to rice farmers, particularly those in the Chiga, East Kano, and West Kano irrigation schemes.
Boosting Local Production and Empowering Farmers
President Ruto underscored the importance of empowering local farmers to increase their production capacity and improve their livelihoods. “We will support our rice farmers so they can produce more, earn more, and feed more Kenyans,” Ruto stated during the event, highlighting his administration’s focus on enhancing agricultural productivity as a key pillar of national development.
The mill’s establishment is anticipated to directly benefit over 10,000 households engaged in rice farming across more than 6,000 acres in the identified irrigation schemes. By providing a local milling solution, the project aims to prevent farmers from selling unmilled rice to brokers who often exploit them, despite the significant effort they put into farming. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to promote value addition in agriculture, ensuring that farmers retain more of the value of their produce and are not shortchanged by middlemen.
Advancing Food Security Through Strategic Investments
Ruto’s support for rice farmers is part of a larger agenda to advance Kenya’s food security through strategic investments in agriculture. The President noted that enhancing the capacity of local farmers to mill their rice locally would reduce dependency on imported rice, thereby strengthening the country’s food security. The LBDA Rice Mill Project is also expected to stimulate economic activity in the region, creating jobs and fostering economic development.
The new milling plant will play a crucial role in supporting farmers from Nyando and Ahero irrigation schemes, who have historically faced challenges related to rice processing and market access. By providing a reliable and efficient milling facility, the government aims to alleviate some of these challenges and enable farmers to maximize their returns from rice cultivation.
A Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
In addition to boosting production and earnings, President Ruto’s commitment extends to promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The government, through various programs, is working to provide farmers with access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and training on modern farming techniques. These efforts are expected to enhance the overall productivity and sustainability of rice farming in Kenya.
Moreover, the government plans to expand irrigation schemes to cover more areas, thereby increasing the acreage under rice cultivation. This expansion is crucial for meeting the growing demand for rice in the country and reducing reliance on imports. By supporting local production, the government not only aims to improve food security but also to position Kenya as a competitive player in the regional rice market.
Looking Ahead
The commissioning of the LBDA Rice Mill Project is a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision of a self-sufficient and prosperous agricultural sector. As President Ruto continues to champion initiatives that support value addition and empower local farmers, the future looks promising for Kenya’s rice farmers. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and capacity building, Kenya is poised to make significant strides in agricultural productivity and food security, benefiting thousands of households and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
President Ruto’s pledge to support rice farmers through value addition is not just a promise; it is a strategic move towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
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