LBDA invests Sh3b to revive rice farming in Nyando

ROBERT OJWANG’-KNA

The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) has intensified efforts to revive rice farming in Nyando and Kadibo Sub-Counties, Kisumu County, through a Sh3 billion investment aimed at upgrading irrigation infrastructure and boosting agricultural productivity.

In collaboration with the national government and other stakeholders, the Authority is spearheading the construction and rehabilitation of canals, dykes, and other initiatives to restore idle land and improve water supply to rice farms.

The initiative targets the South West Kano Irrigation Scheme in Kadibo SubCounty, where at least seven hectares of previously idle land will be reclaimed for productive use.

Vast tracts of land at the Dajo Sub-Scheme in Kabonyo Kanyagwal Ward are also earmarked for reclamation. LBDA Managing Director Wyckliffe Ochiaga said the programme, expected to take about two weeks to complete, will address water shortages that have long undermined rice farming in the region.

“The dredging of canals and construction of dykes will ensure reliable water flow, improve crop yields, and mitigate perennial flooding challenges that have affected farmers for years,” Ochiaga explained.

He revealed that out of the Sh 70 million allocated by the National Treasury for the rice mop-up exercise, Sh30 million has already been spent at the South West Kano Irrigation Scheme over the past month.

“LBDA is working to ensure farmers get good returns by providing a ready market and shielding them from brokers who exploit them with low prices,” he said.

Ochiaga added that the Authority is keen on offering incentives such as certified seeds and fertilizer to guarantee better returns. Farmers are required to register to benefit from the programme.

“With proper investment of about Sh 70,000, a farmer can easily earn up to Sh 200,000 after harvest,” he noted, underscoring LBDA’s commitment to promoting best farming practices to raise yields from the current average of 2.5 tons to about 4.5 tons per hectare.

The Authority is also deploying drone technology to spray pesticides, protecting rice crops from bird attacks and blight diseases.

This innovation is expected to reduce losses and improve resilience against common threats to rice farming. Nyando Member of Parliament Jared Okello, who joined LBDA officials during the unveiling, welcomed the initiative, noting that dredging canals will unclog blocked waterways and put more idle land into productive use.

“This will allow farmers to benefit from higher crop yields, ultimately improving their livelihoods,” Okello said.

He pointed out that the expansive South West Kano Irrigation Scheme has over 10 hectares of land, but only three hectares are currently under cultivation.

“We have huge chunks of land lying idle, while people suffer from hunger. The government has invested resources to address food insecurity and ensure land is fully utilized,” he added.

Okello noted that the ongoing construction of dykes in Ogenya, Mbega, Ambo, and Nyamware areas will mitigate perennial flooding and address backflow challenges from Lake Victoria, which have historically disrupted farming activities.

The LBDA-led programme is expected to breathe new life into rice farming in Nyando, a region with immense potential but long constrained by poor infrastructure and environmental challenges.

By combining modern technology, improved water management, and farmer support, the Authority is positioning rice farming as a key driver of food security and economic empowerment in Kisumu County.