Kenya, Japan move to climate-smart irrigation plan as Taita Taveta targets rice production

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 — Kenya is seeking technical support from Japan to develop irrigation and rice production in Taita Taveta, with a proposed master plan expected to guide investment…

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho hosted a team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to explore technical cooperation aimed at expanding rice production and strengthening the crop’s value chain in the county.

The proposed partnership will focus on irrigation development, improved productivity, post-harvest handling, processing and the creation of sustainable markets for farmers.

A key outcome of the discussions was an agreement to commission a detailed technical study to establish a comprehensive master plan for rice production and irrigation development in Taita Taveta.

“The engagement comes as the State Department for Irrigation (SDI) continues to advance interventions that seek to increase the area under irrigation and enhance the productivity and economic returns of irrigation schemes,” Ministry of Water and Irrigation said.

Source: Capital FM