Mandera pumps Sh900 million in irrigation projects

The Mandera County government has set aside Sh900 million for irrigation in a bid to address hunger.

This is in addition to the Sh410 million already allocated to agriculture by the leadership of Governor Ali Roba.

In the last six months, the county leadership has revived four irrigation schemes.

The farms are located on the 150-kilometre-long River Daua, which flows eastwards along the county’s border with Ethiopia.

They include Gadudia irrigation scheme, which collapsed in 1974.

County Agriculture Executive Muhamud Obsiye yesterday said the scheme has over 90 hectares of arable land and was 60 per cent operational

Better results expected

“Last season, which ended in December, the farmers harvested more than 500 bags of maize and better results are expected the coming season,” he said.

Other schemes that have been revived are Border Pint One, Aresa and Khalalio. More than 1,000 bags of maize are expected from the three schemes this season, according to Mr Obsiye.

Plans are underway to revive the 180-acre Hareri scheme, Shantoley and Rhamu Dimtu schemes.

Some 81 farmers plant crops with the county leadership providing them with machinery, inputs and extension officers.

So far, Mr Roba and his team have provided 600 litres of fuel to the farmers, posted extension officers, bought the produce and distributed maize seeds.

In addition, they have bought the farmers four new tractors, a pump house, stilling basin and distribution boxes.

Apart from maize, Mandera farmers grow fruits and vegetables such as water melons, mangoes and onions — some of which are sold in Nairobi.
Mr Obsiye said their vision was “to be the fruit-producing county in the country”.