Rice farmers in Nyando have expressed their joy and happiness after state promised to purchase their produce.
Two weeks ago President Uhuru Kenyatta gave a directive that the government should buy rice from Ahero irrigation scheme farmers.
Reacting on the state’s order, the Ahero Irrigation Cooperative Scheme Chairman Stephen Athembo said the offer is good and will help to revive rice farming in Nyando.
He said they have set up a price for the produce, adding that he has already ordered farmers to assemble their rice in stores.
“First I thank the president for the offer he gave us. Secondly, we have agreed that we are going to buy paddy rice at Sh40 per kilogram so all the farmers will bring their produce at the irrigation before we pay them as agreed,” said Athembo.
Speaking to the press on Monday at Ahero Irrigation Scheme’s office Julias Kungu said rice farmers have suffered a lot but at least they are going to have something in their pockets. Kungu who is the chairman for the Ahero Irrigation Scheme appealed to the state to support rice farming adding that it is the only surviving sector after collapse of sugar millers.
“We are glad that our president Uhuru Kenyatta has set aside some money to purchase our produce. We are now sure of kicking poverty out of our families, and enjoying good health and education,” Kungu noted.
His sentiments were echoed by West Kano Irrigation Scheme chairman who urged rice farmers to bring their produce to the irrigation center as there is a ready market.
Kabonyo Kanyagwal Ward Representative Oiko Pete and his counterpart from Ombeyi Ward Vitalis Otura warned cooperative societies against misusing rice famers’ hard earned money. The duo said misappropriation of money meant for the farmers will lead to dire consequences.
Barely two months ago Hivisasa wrote a story about the plight of rice farmers in Nyando who were crying over their wasting rice due to lack of ready market.