IRRIGATION FARMING; Mwingi farmers reap big amid ravaging drought
- Published By Jane Njeri For The Statesman Digital
- 1 year ago
Farmers living along Kithyoko River in Nguutani, Mwingi West are reaping big this drought season.
The farmers pump water from the river into six sand dams. The dams retain water, which they use to irrigate their produce.
Former Kitui Agriculture and Livestock chief officer James Songolo said the six dams have enabled residents to become food secure and also earn a living from selling their produce.
"Cascading is spacing sand dams within a short distance to get a permanent source of water and avoid the runoff," he said.
Songolo who is eyeing the Mwingi West parliamentary seat said if the same would be replicated to all rivers across the constituency, residents would be empowered.
He said farming would become easier as well as cattle rearing, as there would be animal feeds and water.
Songolo promised to do more of sand dams once elected.
Farmer Charles Ngesa said he is reaping big at a time when many did not harvest by selling his vegetables to residents.
He has planted kales, cabbages, carrots, maize, pawpaw, onions, tomatoes and bananas.
Ngesa said the water has enabled him to farm anytime without waiting for the rain.
He said with the money he makes, he is able to take care of his family.
Resident Mutisya Muema said he was surviving on menial jobs but since the water from the seasonal river was tapped, he has ventured into farming.
He said farming has enabled him to take his children to a good school.
Muema said he sells his vegetables to nearby markets while other buyers come for the produce on his farm.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
Share on
SHARE YOUR COMMENT
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
Trending Stories
DJ Mo’s former illicit lo...
- Published By Jane
- January 15, 2024
Mapenzi! Zari and Tanasha...
- Published By Jane
- October 24, 2023
Zuchu Speaks on Diamond P...
- Published By Jane
- October 12, 2023
Hio Ni Upumbavu Wasituche...
- Published By Jane
- November 8, 2023
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
WhatsApp sets 13 years as...
- Published By Jedida
- February 21, 2024
Five healthy and affordab...
- Published By Jane
- February 24, 2024
12 fashion tips that can...
- Published By Jane
- February 22, 2024
How to Store and Handle G...
- Published By Jane
- February 22, 2024
Latest Stories
Friday, May 10 gazetted a...
- Published By Jedida
- May 8, 2024
President Ruto orders all...
- Published By Jedida
- May 8, 2024
Borussia Dortmund beat PS...
- Published By Jedida
- May 8, 2024
Eliud Kipchoge narrates p...
- Published By Jedida
- May 8, 2024