Rice farmers in Kenya are set to benefit immensely with the newly introduced system of rice intensification method to increase the yield.

According to the Regional Senior Irrigation manager for Irrigation Schemes in Western Kenya Mr. Lagat Kiplagat disclosed that the method consumes less amount of water fertilizer and seeds thus, more yield to the farmers.

Kiplagat stated that the new method if properly practiced could produce more rice compared to conventional paddy system that uses much water and even needs more attention.

Speaking during the opening ceremony at Bunyala Irrigation Scheme he urged the farmers to adopt the method which saves inputs by 25% of seeds used in convectional paddy system and can make use of what the farmer like normal manure.

The project (SRI) is being partnered with the ministry of Agriculture to offer expertise irrigation methods therefore he urged the farmers to work closely with the co-operative Society so that they can be able to increase their farming and better market for their rice at better price.

Mr. Kiplagat told farmers that the NIB is planning to increase the scheme from the current 1500 acres to 3000acreas and that shall be done through the rehabilitation of Rwambwa – Mudembi, Munaki and Muluwa and Sisenye irrigation from the Sh 80,000,000 that has been released by the ministry of Agriculture.

SRI system of irrigation was introduced in Kenya at the Mwea irrigation scheme in july 2009 through collaborative efforts of NIB, JKUAT, AICAD and other stakeholders. The initiative has implemented scientific research on SRI, farmer trials and capacity building and outreach activities for and by july 2012 3,500 farmers had adopted SRI In Kenya.

NIB has supported expansion of SRI to five irrigation schemes, namely; Mwea, Ahero, Bunyala, and West Kano South West Kano.